A peer-to-peer file-sharing format developed to trade mass amounts of music files over the Internet. Lawsuits forced the original version to be shut down, but the Napster technology is set to re-emerge as a subscription-based service.
An Internet music search application that allows users to search for and swap MP3 files over the Web. In response to a user request for a song or an artist, Napster searches the hard drives of all other Napster users on line. When the requested item is found, the file is downloaded to the computer making the request. Napster also includes a chat room and a library of most popular items. The introduction of Napster in 1999 sparked heated debate over copyright and digital distribution issues.
A program used for sharing music files
Once a file sharing service used by millions to download music and audio files from the internet illegally. Now Napster is a music subscription service where you pay to listen to music legally.
An online music service that was originally a file sharing service created by Shawn Fanning. Napster made a major impact on the Internet scene during the year 2000 by pioneering file sharing technology.
Free sharing of IPR protected content between users
File sharing program that allowed users to copy music files from other users personal hard drives. Declared illegal in 2000. Followed by programs such as Limewire and Kazaa. Helps one to fight the power.
The pioneering P2P venture. See also P2P.
programme that lets Internet users perform a number of actions related to MP3 sound files, the most important being to search for and download music in this format.
This began in 1999 as an idea in the head of US teenager Shaun Fanning and revolutionised the relationships between Internet, the music industry and intellectual property. Napster was then a controversial service that spurred what is still one of the greatest Internet-related debates: just because we can get the music we want without paying for it, should we? The original Napster had to close because it violated copyright, but it is now back in business as a legal, pay-per-song music-download site. Napster is a peer-to-peer system, where each individual computer is both a receiver and a sender of information like MP3 files, dissertations, or recipes. This is a huge difference from traditional Web sites, in which most users only receive information from a central server, a method that makes it easy to keep tabs on content, usage, and payments. But with peer-to-peer computing, once you index each individual's files (which is how Napster operates), you have created a source of information that others can tap into, and in which usage and payments are difficult to track. (Partly based on Napster website: www.Napster.com, and on HowStuffWorks website: www.howstuffworks.com/)
The most infamous file swapping utility/company. The Napster client allows you to connect to Napster servers and download MP3 files, or allows your own...
A notorious p2p (peer to peer) software used for file trading - primarily MP3 - over the internet. Use of this software has been highly publicized due to the MP3/Music Industry scandals. This software may install spyware or adware programs to your computer. .
A music download program that shared pirated music.
A programme to find, download, and share MP3 files more effectively.
Napster, LLC (, formerly Roxio, Inc.) is an online music provider offering a variety of purchase and subscription models. Their a la carte sales have been modest compared to their most significant competitor (Apple Computer's i Tunes Music Store). The company's name and logo are derived from the infamously free Napster peer-to-peer file trading service, which was shut down after a series of legal actions taken by the RIAA.