GlossaryBitTorrentBitTorrent is a technology that enables the sharing of files through the internet. It does this through a process called 'peer to peer' (also written as P2P). Normally with Glossary.P2P a file is downloaded from another computer on the net using softwares like Limewire, Gnutella, Azureus, Napster and eDonkey. This system is very effective for sharing files between computers and many Glossary.P2P networks are established for swapping media files (mainly music and movies).
However problems arise when downloading a file if the person offering the file turns off their computer or disconnects from the internet. BitTorrent is a Glossary.P2P technology that overcomes exactly this problem. When you download a file using Glossary.BitTorrent you download small parts of the same file from multiple computers. This means that if one person offering the file disappears from the net you can the same file from others still online. JavaComputer programs are made by writing instructions that your computer understands. The language the instructions are written in is known as a 'programming language'. There are many programming languages and each has different strengths and weaknesses. Generally speaking, when a programmer writes a program they choose a language that is best suited to the task. Java is a programming language. It aims to be a computer language that can be used to create programs on any operating system. This means that in theory a program written in Java will work on Linux, OSX, or Windows. However to run a Java program you need to have software installed. This is known as the 'Java Virtual Machine' (http://www.java.com/en/download/index.jsp and http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp). Java has two other uses that are gaining popularity. Java is used a lot for creating programs for mobile devices (mobile phones and handheld computers) and it is also used for programs that can run through your browser. Programs that run through your browser are known as 'applets'. |