Information (files) loaded to or from servers is called bandwidth. Every time you
upload a file to your ISP, surf the web or download a video, you are using bandwidth.
Bandwidth is limited. Why? Because it actually is a bunch of wires or fibers
connecting servers to the global network. And wires can only carry so much data. When
someone attempts to get more data than can be handled by the wire, the transmission of
the data is slowed down.
Some ISPs limit the amount of data that a site can use during a particular time
period. As an example, an ISP might limit you to 1gb of data per month for your flat
fee, then charge you an extra $10 for each additional gigabyte. Some of the more
obnoxious ISPs actually just block transmissions when the bandwidth is exceeded
(effectively putting that site out of business for a time).
It's common practice to load most of the images, sound files, videos and documents
in your web on your own site. This excludes, of course, advertising banners which
are rotated and some specific documents and images which are supposed to be loaded
from a central location.
It's common among amateurs and beginners to link to images and other files
directly to some other server instead of putting them on their local server.
Sometimes they just don't know better, sometimes they are just lazy, and sometimes
they've just run out of space at their free host.
So not only do they "steal" the image (it is probably copyrighted and they are copying it
without permission each time the web site is loaded) they "steal" the bandwidth!
This is extraordinarily bad form, it's tasteless and it should be avoided like the plague.
In some extreme cases, unscrupulous "webmasters" (I use the term loosely) link to
large zip files on other servers to give their own visitors extra features. This often
occurs with sites containing downloadable software, wallpaper and desktop themes.
DO NOT do this without permission! If you do, you are a thief and you are costing
someone else money and aggravation.
What do you do if someone links to your images or files without your permission
and he will not stop? Replace the file with something else. A picture or document
stating that this person is stealing bandwidth should suffice. If you can get the
email address or phone number of the person, you might include it for additional impact.
Richard Lowe Jr. is the webmaster of Internet Tips And Secrets. This website includes
over 1,000 free articles to improve your internet profits, enjoyment and knowledge. Web Site Address:
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