# Comparison
In this section, we cover the disadvantages of different protocols and file-sharing methods and examine their weaknesses.
# XDCC
XDCC (Xabi DCC or eXtended DCC) is a computer file sharing method which uses the Internet Relay Chat (IRC) network as a host service.
| x | XDCC Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| 🔴 | Requires a centralized indexer/tracker/lister which is subject to censorship and single point of failure |
| 🔴 | Transfer protocol rather than a complete file sharing solution |
| 🔴 | No built-in search functionality |
| 🔴 | No incentive to retain data |
# Usenet
Usenet is a distributed discussion system since 1980.
| x | Usenet Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| 🔴 | Requires a centralized indexer/tracker/lister which is subject to censorship and single point of failure |
| 🔴 | Most of the time requires subscription and forces user to pay - what if only one single file is needed? |
| 🔴 | Although Usenet providers retain data, it still lacks the incentive mechanism which allows other peers to participate in the retention process |
| 🔴 | Usenet servers do not operate in a peer-to-peer model and most operators just have a cluster of servers which are owned by them |
# BitTorrent
BitTorrent is a peer-to-peer file-sharing protocol that requires a client and trackers/DHT.
| x | BitTorrent Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| 🔴 | Requires a centralized indexer/tracker/lister which is subject to censorship and single point of failure |
| 🔴 | Inactive Torrents without seeders/Lack of incentive mechanism to reward peers for seeding |
| 🔴 | IP addresses are completely exposed. Anyone can see what user is downloading and uploading |
| 🔴 | (Optional) Requires additional VPN and proxy services which are paid services, to solve the above problem |
| 🔴 | Unstable download/upload speed |
# Cyberlocker / Filehoster
A cyberlocker is a third-party online service that provides file-storing and file-sharing services.
| x | Cyberlocker / Filehoster Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| 🔴 | Requires a centralized indexer/tracker/lister which is subject to censorship and single point of failure |
| 🔴 | The Filehoster on its own is subject to censorship. (e.g megaupload was shut down by DOJ) |
| 🔴 | IRequires subscription and premium upgrades - what if only one single file is needed? |
| 🔴 | Extremely slow speeds which force users to pay for premium account |
| 🔴 | Inactive files are deleted after a few months / Lack of incentive mechanism |
| 🔴 | Your personal information and credit card data are in risk of being abused or sold since most operators disappear |