File sharing programs
Listen to this week's Tips & Tricks segment as broadcasted on JQ99.
What is file sharing?
Peer-to-peer or file-sharing programs allow you to share your files with others on the Internet -- and vice versa. File-sharing programs allow you to obtain and distribute public and copyrighted media files that are stored on users hard drives, such as photos, music, movies, program applications and documents.
File sharing sites?
Names people may be aware of are LimeWire, eMule, uTorrent.
Security Issues
The use of file sharing increases the risks of viruses and spyware. People are posting music, videos, and photos and you have no idea what you are downloading. Even with the proper anti-virus, you don't know the person at the other end and whether the files are clean. A greater danger is when you share a portion of your hard drive to others, there is risk of people inadvertently sharing confidential information and for hackers to gain access to your computer.
Access to pornography
File sharing sites are filled with inappropriate material that kids can easily find. Even if kids aren't seeking it out and innocently searching for music they could pull up pornography because of keywords being used.
Copyright laws
Many think that downloading free music and videos is harmless, but it is illegal. Even though this violates laws, use of file sharing sites continues to grow. Often, the kids install the file sharing programs, but the parents are too familiar with them or the ramifications. The potential of a lawsuit is real.
In June 2009, the Recording Industry Association of America won a lawsuit against a woman in Minnesota. Her fine was $2 million dollars, but was later reduced to $54k. What did she do? She downloaded 24 songs from a file sharing site.