Abstract: A distributed media sharing and streaming system and method is disclosed, wherein an encrypted resident micro web server stores media files in a universal media format including an embedded, automated streaming media player, where the micro web server further fingerprints and authenticates media file contents, indexes media files, manages user permission, group permissions and sharing functionality, shares authenticated media files over a network via a distributed system employing other users on the network with the resident micro web server and the authenticated media file, shares media file and user information with a central index server, and streams authenticated media files to a sharing user using an embedded streaming media player regardless of whether the sharing user has the micro web server or any particular media codec.