Offering Files for Download
When deciding whether to offer your files for download or via real-time streams, remember that if you stream your files, most users won’t be able to save the files to their own systems for later enjoyment. Remember also that unless you own the copyright to the files in question, streaming is your only legal option.[54] Assuming that you do own the copyright to your files, there are a number of ways to make your files available for download to other users.
Serving from an Internet Service Provider
Virtually every dial-up account with an ISP includes access to server space on the ISP’s machines. Since ISPs are typically connected to very high-speed Internet backbones, speed is not usually an issue. However, just because the speed is potentially there doesn’t mean you automatically have access to it. Many ISPs place upper limits on outgoing transfer speeds from their servers in order to distribute loads fairly among their many users. In addition, many ISPs place an upper limit on the cumulative amount of data that can be transferred during a given period (usually one month). Exceed this amount, and you’re liable to receive a hefty surcharge on next month’s bill. You may not even receive notification when the limit has been exceeded, so be careful.
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