Napster 1.0 , launched in 1999, allows Internet users to share, upload, and download MP3 files directly from any computer
connected to the Napster network free of charge. This paper provides background on Napster and similar sites. This paper
examines principals of the RIAA (Recoding Industry Association of America) in suing consumers who disregard the copyright laws, including its
lawsuit against Napster. The paper also examines Napster's views and arguments on the lawsuit. The paper includes an outline.