| Marshall's Gnucleus software comes with a few complications. One of the program's main deficits, at least for now, is an almost complete lack of documentation -- in particular, any form of user manual. Marshall says most new Gnucleus users are having pretty good luck just downloading the program and figuring it out for themselves. That's easier than it sounds, because the Gnucleus software is remarkably intuitive, particularly for those familiar with the way Napster worked. When the software is installed and activated, a "connection" screen searches out other online members of the Gnutella network and notes how many files are available for sharing. All users have the option of sharing or not sharing files. Some Gnutella network-software clients also give users the option of locking out the approximately 10 to 20 percent of users, on average, who don't share anything. Once a search command is initiated, the software quickly queries all the linked computers and returns a list of those that have a copy of the requested file or files. If directed to do so, the software then cycles through the list and downloads all requested files, moving from computer to computer as necessary until each task is complete. The software works in the background, giving users the freedom to ignore it. Downloads can sometimes be pretty slow, so many users leave the software up and running 24/7. The program automatically restricts access to just those files each user wants to share. Marshall says he hopes future versions of the software will support simultaneous downloads of different parts of the same file from different computers. That's important, in part, because Gnutella clients are usually being scanned constantly for files of interest to other users, which creates a steady stream of bandwidth-hogging data in both directions. Most Gnutella clients also let users bring up a screen that displays a list in real time of what other users, who are not identified, are looking for. While it may be possible to shut down the for-profit companies that provide some of the competing Gnutella clients, there's no clear and easy way to get rid of the Gnutella network itself. The list of files available for sharing is stored and constantly refreshed by each individual computer, not on a centralized server operated by any one company. Closing down the Gnutella network would require breaking down the door of every person on the network and confiscating their computers. And even that wouldn't do the trick, because membership in the Gnutella network changes every second as computer users around the globe log in and out. equivalent of a worldwide strike force. |