System and method for optimizing access to information in peer-to-peer computer networks

A computer-readable media for directing a computer to optimize access to information,

• the computer-readable media comprising:
• instructions for maintaining a first database that includes status information about a plurality of computers within a network;
• instructions for maintaining a second database that includes content information about the plurality of computers within the network;
• instructions for filtering the content information of the second database using the status information of the first database, at a time of a request for information;
• and
• instructions for accessing at least one of the plurality of computers within the network based on the filtered content information of the second database.

A system for optimizing access to information within a network, the system comprising:

• a first database coupled to the network, wherein the first database includes status information about a plurality of computers within the network;
• a second database coupled to the network, wherein the second database includes content information about the plurality of computers within the network;
• and
• a computer coupled to the network wherein, at a time of a request for information by the computer, the content information of the second database is filtered using the status information of the first database, and wherein at least one of the plurality of computers within the network is accessed by the computer based on the filtered content information of the second database.