Tribler is a social community that facilitates filesharing through a so called peer-to-peer (p2p) network.
A p2p network is structural different to a server-computer structure, where every user downloads its files from one central server. Within p2p the user/downloader becomes also an uploader to the next user.
In this way there is no central computer that provides every file to all users.

Tribler makes use of this data to generate recommendations, pretty much the same way Last.fm does. You downloaded the same movie as two other people? There's a good chance that you'll also like other downloads these folks have in common.

The longer a client is connected, the more files and users it is able to discover, and your recommendations get better with every download as well.

Applying this longtail business approach to a system of peer-networking that already exhibits an interest in longtail content should result in one interesting research project.

Tribler doesn't expect to have too much trouble regarding pirated content either, and is actually getting ready for a test that involves video on-demand services for the Netherlands Public Broadcasting.

You can download Tribler for free from here.

written by Florin C.