eDonkey2000

Name: eDonkey2000
Availability: Discontinued
Author: MetaMachine

eDonkey2000 was a peer-to-peer file sharing client that connected to the eDonkey (ed2k) network - one of the largest P2P networks of the early 2000s. It let users share and download files directly from other users' computers, competing with Napster, Kazaa, and LimeWire.

What it did

The program connected to the ed2k network where users shared files from their hard drives. You searched for files by name, downloaded them in segments from multiple sources simultaneously, and shared your own files with others. The multi-source download system meant large files came from many users at once, improving speeds.

The ed2k network was particularly popular in Europe and Asia for sharing large files that were impractical on Napster's centralized system. MetaMachine, the company behind eDonkey, was sued by the RIAA and shut down in September 2005, paying $30 million in settlement.

Advantages

Multi-source downloading from many peers simultaneously
One of the largest P2P networks of its era
Decentralized architecture survived server shutdowns
Free to use

Drawbacks

Shut down by RIAA lawsuit in 2005
Network largely dead today
High risk of downloading malware or illegal content
BitTorrent clients like qBittorrent are the legal P2P alternative

Who it was for

eDonkey2000 was part of the early 2000s P2P file sharing era alongside Napster, Kazaa, and LimeWire. It was shut down after RIAA legal action in 2005. The ed2k network still exists through eMule but has a fraction of its former activity. For legal file sharing, BitTorrent via qBittorrent is the standard protocol.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was eDonkey2000?

A peer-to-peer file sharing client for the ed2k network, one of the largest P2P networks of the early 2000s. Shut down in 2005 after RIAA legal action.

Does the eDonkey network still exist?

The ed2k network still technically functions through eMule, but user counts are a fraction of the peak. Most P2P activity has moved to BitTorrent.

What is the legal way to share large files?

BitTorrent (via qBittorrent) is used for legal distribution like Linux ISOs and open source software. Cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive) handles personal file sharing.

Features & How-To Guide

#	Feature	How to use
1	File download from eDonkey and Overnet networks	Connects simultaneously to the server-based eDonkey network and the serverless Overnet (Kademlia DHT). Preferences › Network.
2	Multi-source download (swarming)	Files are split into 9.28 MB fragments downloaded in parallel from multiple users. Progress is visible in the Transfer panel.
3	File search by keywords	Tab Search › Type keywords › Select category (Audio/Video/Software) › Results with source count. Double-click to download.
4	Processor identification	Each file is identified by a unique MD4 hash. Downloading via ed2k:// links guarantees downloading exactly that file.
5	Download speed limiting 6	Preferences › Connection › Speed Limits › Set separate limits for upload and download.
6	Queue and credits system	Tracks upload/download ratios. The more you upload, the faster you download from others. Monitor in Transfer › Queue.
7	Server list management	Tab Servers › Add/remove/connect to eDonkey servers. File › Import Server List to import a server.met file.
8	Shared file management 2	Preferences › Shared Directories › Select folders. Shared Files tab shows shared files with hashes and statistics.
9	Torrent file support	Open a .torrent file › The client connects to BitTorrent and eDonkey sources simultaneously. File › Open Torrent.
10	Leeching protection	Built-in system penalizing clients that download without uploading. Preferences › Connection › Minimum upload speed.
11	Downloading file preview	Right-click on a downloading file › Preview. Opens the partially downloaded file in a player to check quality.
12	Interface skin change 3	View › Skin › Load a .msk file. Panels (servers/transfers/search/shared) are resizable and dockable.