Texte en Anglais par Erik

• Napster + Napigator. This allows you to access the free OpenNap servers. The latest versions of Napigator integrate directly into the Napster client, which makes picking one of the free servers quite easy. Some of these servers are located in other countries and should be relatively (!) safe against legal action. However, the RIAA has already taken action against some OpenNap servers, so this may not be a long-term solution. You can also use OpenNap servers (see server list) with other Napster clients. For Windows, I recommend FileNavigator and WinMX. For other OS's, check out the OpenNap homepage.
• KaZaA. This nifty program from Amsterdam has quite a lot of potential. There are around 2 TB of files on the network at any given time, and the network architecture is semi-decentralized, which is a good thing: It should be both reliable and a good defense against the RIAA. KaZaA was also one of the first programs to introduce multi-source downloading: It downloads a file from several sources that have it and thereby speeds up downloading. But don't get too used to this one: Like Napster, KaZaA will be turned into a fee-based service.
• Filetopia. From Spain, this one is much more powerful than Napster, but also uses a centralized architecture. It encrypts all transfers, has a powerful IRC-like chat, instant messaging, and sophisticated catalog management to organize your files. Right now, the server is pretty overloaded from all the Napster refugees. Keep trying if you can't get in, and give Enrique a couple of weeks to fix things up.
• eDonkey2000. The program with the crazy name ("Harness the power of 2000 electronic donkeys!") is actually an excellent Napster-alternative. It is not truly decentralized, but anyone can run their own eDonkey server, which is similar to a Napster server. It also has chat and multi-source downloading (see KaZaA).
• AudioGalaxy. A very simple but well-working MP3-only sharing application with a web interface. Quite an impressive amount of content, too.
• DirectConnect. This one's mostly unheard of, but it's a hot tip in the underground. There are several servers, and everyone can run one. But upload/download management is much better than in Napster, and some servers enforce minimum sharing requirements so that users actually contribute to the network.
• Songspy. Basically a Napster-clone. Unlike the other programs mentioned, Songspy does only share MP3s. It enforces sharing and is pretty aggressive in taking desktop control, but has a decent amount of users. Nice-looking, no banners. Uses a karma system to reward people who share a lot.
• iMesh. This one, which is located in Israel, is among the most popular Napster-alternatives. It has multi-source downloading, but is a completely centralized network like Napster, its location is its ownly protection. Unfortunately, it installs spyware by Radiate: These modules silently transfer private information to advertisers (see our resources section for more information on how to get rid of this) -- if you don't care about your privacy, this one is worth a try. Another downside, however, is that iMesh has already announced to build Digital Rights Management into the client (at the O'Reilly P2P Conference in February), so they want to restrict what you can and cannot copy.
• Gnutella. This is a totally distributed network and thus pretty safe against legal attacks. There is no official Gnutella-client. There are several ones that work quite well: Gnotella, Limewire and BearShare (contains spyware), for example. There are currently problems with failing downloads, but these are being worked on. Also, the bandwidth requirements can be a little much for dialup users. BearShare is working on a solution on this. The network already works quite well for getting your average MP3, give it a little more time and it'll be a killer.
• Aimster. If you use AOL Instant Messenger, you will want to check this one out. It allows you to search the files of your "Buddies" in a convenient manner.

Concepts:

These are technically interesting, but are not file sharing in the traditional sense or lack the content to have mass appeal at this time:

• Mojo Nation. Find out all you need to know about MN in our recent review.
• Freenet. A totally decentralized network which aims to give publishers and readers anonymity. Like Mojo, this is not file sharing in the traditional sense. Instead, users upload files they find interesting to Freenet servers. Freenet is in need of courageous testers. If you want to help them but don't really understand how to install & use Freenet, check out Freenet for Fools.
• Jungle Monkey. JM is a Linux-only application, which of course limits its scope greatly. It is decentralized and has channels where users with similar interests meet.
• Servent. Servent is a virtually unknown but interesting decentralized network with file sharing, chat and instant messaging. It's small (Windows only) and works pretty well, but is in need of some publicity (and some funding, as I've heard). Users can create groups for different interests.
• Groove Networks. This is really not a file sharing application in your Joe Schmoe sense. It's made primarily for enterprises to bring employees together. But it works for you as well -- you can invite users to join private groups for sharing your stuff. The advantage: It's decentralized and encrypted -- nobody can control what you are doing. The downside: Since it's really an enterprise application, it's an 11 MB download.
• PlanetFiles. A somewhat decentralized network where the central server manages only a list of users. Small, stable application, but scalability may be limited.