The History of File Sharing
Infographic created for seotech.com
In the past, file sharing was something unpopular, only for people who were lucky enough to have a computer that connected to the world wide web. However, today, it has become popular for billions of people.
The process of file sharing has evolved efficiently which enhances people’s lives. It has brought great exposure to today’s business and enables everyone to share files virtually at no cost.
File Sharing has become a part of everyday life. Thus, it’s time to go back in time and see how it started and how it became so impactful in our lives today.
Usenet: The Early History of File Sharing (the 70s – 90s)
In the early history of file sharing, the Electronic internet was first distributed using portable versions of shared media. A computer that can access files remotely using file system mounts, BBS (1978), Usenet (1979), and FTP (1985).
It all started with Hayes Smartmodem, BBS, or a Bulletin Board System which was nearly like the Internet in which users would connect with their modems to send messages, share files, and access news.
Usenet or newsgroup came up in 1979 and worked similarly to a Bulletin Board System. Both of them operated using UUCP, yet Usenet could transcend beyond the centralization of a Bulletin Board System.
Moreover, Usenet or Newsgroup was a media discussion group that created some projects, including Linux, World Wide Web, Mosaic, and others greatest projects. It has been there since the 70s till the 90s when Eugene Roshal invented RAR which enables people to distribute files much faster and efficiently.
FTP and FXP: Topsites and The ISO Scene (the 90s – present)
The next site known as FTP or Topsites came up in 1985. These sites were based on an invite-only system and adopted features of Usenet.
With the use of FXP, couriers would ‘race’ new releases from one server to another server. This would allow them to earn credits for uploading files that are considered to be appropriate and unique.
Eventually, files would be able to reach Topsites worldwide in this decentralized nature. In this case, RAR is just similar to Usenet in which its archives are used to enhance race culture. You should know that topsites still exist today.
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