Question

Are Minecraft server's ok? My dad says they run on Peer-to-Peer networks. I've looked it up but I can't find anything saying that you can do that through the game. As far as i know, you can ban people by hostnames and users. Also, can people have access to my files through the server?

Answer 1

It depends what server you want to join, some servers can be hosted on a persons computer, other times there might be a dedicated server hosting.

Either way, yes, they can ban people by their IP or username.

And no, the other players won't have access to your files, they make a connection to the server, you make a connection to the server, you two don't make any connection so it's highly unlikely any other player could get your personal information.

Find a reputable server to play on, and you'll be fine.

Answer 2

"My dad says they run on Peer-to-Peer networks." I am not sure why this is a concern to your father. Server systems use the principals of peer-to-peer systems to increase reliability. The servers in the peer group automatically back each other up. The movie industry uses P2P to keep distributed copies of digital versions of the moves, so they don't have the issues of the film archives of the past where so much was lost. Universities use P2P to distribute information. International corporations use P2P to easily and effectively distribute their software. And yes, some people abuse P2P to do illegal file sharing.

It is a tool. How it is used is the question. A car is a tool and some people use them in bank robberies. I don't tell people to stop using cars because of bank robbers. So I don't tell people to stop using P2P because of the abusers. I just tell the abusers to stop abusing it!

The main points are two fold. One, as Anteara said, make sure you play on a reputable server. Two, if you install software, make sure it is from a reputable source and that you check it for viruses. Between these two, you can have some fun with a game and not be at a large risk for viruses or whatever it is your dad thinks P2P does.

And as for the P2P for illegal file sharing... just don't do that. Lots of people put viruses into the programs they crack. Very bad stuff.