[steve-b]

The argument is that even if a defendant has never copied or distributed a file illegally, the fact that he or she possesses a computer with a shared-files folder on it that contains copyrighted files "made available" over an Internet connection

The lawyer who brought this suit should be sanctioned for barratry and/or simple incompetence.

The usual reason for placing files in a shared-files folder is to make them available to other machines on one's local network (e.g. storing files on the main computer in one room and accessing them from a laptop in another room via a wireless connection).

[darkwing104]

Most shared folders for networks are not necessary the same folders used in P2P programs. While the P2P programs are running the files in the P2P's shared folders are available for distribution through the internet.