SharedBits.org

Q: What if the files I need are on a computer that is currently down or disconnected?
A: Your files shouldn’t just be on one client. They will be distributed over hundreds of PCs. If a client stops responding the network will consider it no longer a part of  the system and start looking for alternative sources. The SharedBits system will always choose the most reliable contributor from a list of clients. It will look at which hosts are most likely to be available and which ones are near you. The uptime of a client and their connection to the internet can improve their rating.

Q: How about databases and other dynamic data?
A: For now SharedBits.org concentrates on static HTML files and images. Dynamic content is complex but will be possible one day. Lets concentrate on static content first. One step at a time.

Q: Hosting is very cheap already. Why bother?
A: Hosting is cheap but costs money nevertheless. The point of SharedBits.org however isn’t mainly to cut down on hosting costs but to make the internet more reliable. Servers are a weak link in the internet chain. We want to make it a stronger link and in the process offer more options than just paid hosting.

Q: What is the 3tier program?
A: There are three levels of commitment and service at SharedBits.org. The first is the ‘give little/get some’ model where you might supply the internet with just a few megabytes of your harddisk space and might not always have that available because you own a laptop which you sometimes close. You give a little so you don’t get a lot back. If you want superior hosting you will have to compensate for your moderate commitment pay paying a little to professional hosts.