Peer to peer networks
One of the most popular options for file sharing on the Internet are peer-to-peer networks, such as Gnutella, Gnutella2 and eDonkey network.
Users can use software that connects to a peer-to-peer to search for shared files on the computers of other users (I.e., peers) connected to the network. Files of interest can then be downloaded directly from other users on the network.
File sharing networks typically allow the sharing of any type of content that can be distributed digitally (e.g., video, music, software).
BitTorrent
BitTorrent is another type of peer-to-peer network that is most commonly used to share larger files. With BitTorrent large media files are broken down into smaller chunks, which are then transferred to the user (or peer) depending on the fastest possible connection to the missing piece. This is done while the peer is simultaneously uploading the pieces it already has to other peers.
File hosting services
File hosting services are a simple alternative to peer-to-peer software. These are sometimes used together with Internet collaboration tools such as email, forums or any other medium in which links to direct downloads from file hosting services can be embedded.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File_sharing
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