eDonkey network (aka eDonkey 2000 or eD2k) is a peer-to-peer file sharing network used primarily for exchange of audio and video files. In addition, computer software may be exchanged. Being a decentralized file sharing network, files are not stored on a central server. It’s the same way for most other file sharing networks; files are exchanged directly between users in a P2P model.

eDonkey servers are the communication hub for clients allowing them access to their network files. Clients and servers are both available for Windows, Mac, Linux, as well as other UNIX operating systems. When you run an eDonkey server program on your machine that’s connected online, any user can add a server to the network. Servers and their addresses change regularly so client programs are updated on server lists often.

eDonkey2000 was an off shoot site for file sharing of much larger size including CD images, videos, games, and software programs. However the eDonkey2000 web site has been shut down; any attempts to reach it will be rebuffed.

eDonkey has numerous clients it works with, including many that are free and open-source. These include:

aMule: cross targeted for UNIX/Linux platforms

eMule: Windows based client with currently 80% of all network users (may also be run on Linux) this network is not only open source, it’s also free

eMule plus: based on eMule, the plus model doesn’t have KAD or obfuscation support. Added other features such as automated fake checks and enhanced GUI; eMule Plus actually has no direct affiliation with original eMule even though it is free, open source, and Windows based

Hyddranode: open source, cross platform, multi network, core GUI separated free client

There are numerous other clients available online. In case you’re curious, you could just open up a search engine search and you would be able to locate all the eDonkey servers and sub servers you’d need. eDonkey is available for free from a quick download on your computer. From there you could do an eDonkey search, find a server list, and so much more!

If you’re a Mets fan, you should check out eDonkey for out of market games you can get streaming directly to your desktop or laptop so long as you’re near a high speed connection.

Also if you’d like to listen to some free music, I don’t know that I’d trust a corrupt file sharing site like Kazaa anymore but you could do the eDonkey download and try to find a link.