Expert: Scottgem - 3/29/2005

Question
What is the difference between a P2P client and an FTP client.

Answer
The 2 may perform similar functions, that of transferring files, but the workings are very different. FTP (File Tranport Protocol) is the standard for sending files across the Internet. On one end is an FTP server (software that allows a machine to act as a file storage accessible from the Net). On the other end is a FTP client that allows one to connect to the server and transfer files.

P2P (Peer to Peer), allows for sharing of files stored just about anyplace. Running P2P software can "publish" file lists from folders on your hard drive so that anyone using the same P2P software can choose from those files for downloading. I believe P2P only permits downloading, not uploading.

HTH
Scott<>