To Download Or Not To Download Essay -- essays research papers fc

The Internet is an extremely useful resource to obtain information on just about any topic. A relatively new feature of the World Wide Web is the technology for the sharing of music in MP3 format. A popular site to download â€Å"free† music is called Napster. This program allows people to share music files, discover new artists, and become part of the music community. Although Napster is controversial, the program should still remain accessible to Internet users and music lovers. Marc Geiger, a supporter of the program, states that â€Å"Napster is ‘totally community oriented,† (â€Å"Napster†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ). It brings artists and fans together, and can allow struggling musicians a chance to be heard; that’s what the program is all about. â€Å"The more people hear the songs, the more they want {to} buy the CD† (â€Å"Napster†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ). The struggling musicians who aren’t making millions from one CD release are the avid supporters of Napster. Richardson is promoting the good side of the software, and trying to make upset artists understand that this program is for the little guys. â€Å"Its software aims to make finding MP3 files easier one the Net† (RIAA). Another advantage of the program is that it allows finding music files easier instead of having to search the entire World Wide Web. Napster is an MP3 file-sharing program that enables users to share their music with one another. Anyone with a computer can download the program, sign the user agreement contract and then start swapping music. The program includes chat features, a top music sharing list, searching capabilities, a chart that shows the status of the file transfer, a â€Å"library,† and a help section. The chat rooms allow for conversation between the different users, and shows information on the people in the room. The search feature allows the music consumer to search by song title, artist, bit rate, ping time, and connection. The file transfer element of the program allows the customer to see how much of the file is downloaded, the estimated time for the transfer to finish, the name of the host of the music, how big the file is, and the filename, (song title, and artist usually). The â€Å"library† is a music file holder that sorts the downloaded music files alphabetically. It allows ha s a music player, which can play an assortment of already downloaded music chosen by the consumer in any order. The program is easy to use and does not contain ... ...on, Brad. â€Å"10 Big Myths about Copyright Explained.† http://www.templetons.com/brad//copymyths.html (26 Nov. 2000). Outline I. Introduction A. Background of mp3 and Napster 1. What it is and how it works 2. Support for Napster B. Program description C. Founder of Napster 1. Why he developed Napster II. Body A. Problems with Napster 1. Pirated MP3 files 2. Copyright infringement court case 3. Problems with RIAA’s defense   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  B. Bills preventing copyright infringement   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1. Penalties for downloading unsecured files C. Similarities between Sony vs. Universal Studios court case and Napster vs. RIAA court case D. Consequences for Napster if it is found guilty of Copyright infringement E. Making the record companies obsolete if Napster is to be abolished F. Problems between the â€Å"digital divide† 1. Commercialism III. Conclusion A. Napster is a resource 1. Connection between artist and fans 2. People buy the CD after they have downloaded one song from that artist. B. Quote from Shawn Fanning, (founder)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚