Illegal Downloading Software

Limewire is a file sharing program which is free to download off the internet. It allows people to search for music they enjoy and download it to their computer free of charge as the song is supplied by someone who allows it to be shared, or downloadable.

On October 26th, 2010, an injunction was forced onLimewire which meant users could no longer search, download, upload, share or trade music files.

At the time of operation Limewire also had a PRO version, which meant users could upgrade their standard program by paying a certain fee to get more downloadable songs at a faster speed. This was a method to earn money from the software which was created, as people would pay to use the enhanced version to get more music at a certain time.

Another example of illegal downloading software is BitTorrent. This is very similar to Limewire as it allows people to share large files across the internet. BitTorrent is believed to cause 27% to 55% of all internet traffic, depending on location, this figure is from February 2009. The software itself is also a free downloadable program, which enables users to download entire films to whole music albums free of charge.

BitTorrent involves various websites which enable people to share their music files with anyone across the world. The websites may involve signing up or registering to share files, however they do not require any personal information to download certain files. Once the user finds a suitable website to download the desired torrent, the file is then opened in the software which allows the user to place the music into their iTunes library and therefore onto their iPod or mp3 player.

How do these programs effect the music industry?

Software that is available to anyone to download from the internet is effecting the music industry badly, this is because recored labels and artists are losing profits due to CD sales declining. The ability to download your favourite music from the internet free of charge has caused the decline in the CD sales, this is because it is much quicker and more importantly to those who do, free. Although it is illegal, many people continue to download their music illegally as why would they pay for a CD, then have to upload the songs onto their computer and finally their mp3 player to listen to music? When they could easily download the music from home and drag the files straight onto their iTunes account.

With the economic climate of the world in recent times, more people are opting to download their music illegally as they cannot afford to pay between 10 and 15 pounds for an album. There are other options to going out and paying for a CD, people can now buy songs from iTunes for around 79p per single and around £7 for an album, however sales via this way have also declined as downloading the music using such software is free and takes little time to complete.