Hi Merryfield - You stated "... didn't know this before today, but it turns out that a Web browser can hold open the connection to the server. Normally, a browser sends a request for information, which is delivered by the server..."
It appears that some of the Windows platforms especially WindowsNT machines, may have some problems in using the current peer-to-peer technology.
BearShare is an exciting new Windows file sharing program from Free Peers, Inc. that lets you, your friends, and everyone in the world share files!Built on Gnutella technology, BearShare provides a simple, easy to use interface combined with a powerful connection and search engine that puts thousands of different files in easy reach! Best of all, BearShare is FREE!
(http://www.bearshare.com/index.htm)
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2000
BearShare Labs discovers a serious problem with certain Windows operating systems
BearShare Labs, a research department of Free Peers, Inc. has discovered a major problem with Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 98 SE, Windows ME, and Windows NT 4.0 Workstation. The problem is not present in Windows NT 4.0 Server with Service Pack 4 and above, or Windows 2000 Advanced Server. It is unknown whether the problem exists in other Windows 2000 versions.
According to BearShare (http://www.bearshare.com/news4.htm)
"...Specifically, the affected versions of the Microsoft Windows operating systems have a limit on the connection backlog, which is a buffer that holds incoming connection requests until the client program is ready to accept them. In our opinion, the connection backlog was intentionally crippled to a low value for these operating systems to prevent their effective use as a server. In particular, Windows NT Workstation, which only differs from Windows NT Server by its registry settings and licensing agreement, has an intentionally low connection backlog value...."
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The peer-to-peer software is just beginning to surface and standards have not been established. Based on the above, many of the Windows platforms have many potential security problems. This is why SUNW may have the edge. SUNW has proposed an open standard that addresses many of these problems. Both Linux and Solaris OS's work fine with the Gnutella technology.
I believe it is just a matter of time before some serious applications get developed and become available for these systems. These applications can be used both by the enterprise customer and eventually the small business and home end-user.
There are many types of P2P applications that do not utilize copyright media. In particular, I am thinking of P2P services that control home and business peak electrical power usage, delivery of local newspapers, and many other services as of yet to be developed.
The important consideration is that "security" is very important. Both Solaris and Linux OS's seem to address this issue better than Windows at this time.
EKS |
