PEER TO PEER FILESHARING TIPS

Peer to peer networks are called this because it is basically the way the files are gotten in the first place. How this works is that any file that is executable on your computer can be shared with other people’s computers. The most popular forms of p2p networks is those that offer music and movies.

File sharing can be dangerous as you can imagine, Below you'll get a variety of safe file sharing tips that are designed to help protect you if you choose to use a peer to peer file sharing network. However just to let you know again that the only way to guarantee 100% safe downloading online is by using a legal or small payment site.

Note: Legal music download sites have come a long way over the years and have succeeded at giving people excellent download quality, cheap music solutions and improved music selections to choose from. Most also give you a free music trial for trying them out.

Of course since no one knows exactly what the RIAA will sue next, the file sharing tips offered below do not guarantee that you will have a safe file sharing and do not guarantee becoming a target of the Recording Industry yourself someday. They are provided for you as useful tips and suggestions only because in the end when using a p2p file sharing application online you just never know.

Here are some safe P2P file sharing tips and useful suggestions:


1) Watch your music file size.

Basically the RIAA sued people who shared at least 1,000 songs or more. As a safety measure, and to be sure you less likely to be a target, either keep your music collection fairly small or move your music files to a non-shared folder so that they are harder to track.

After you download music, simply move the files out of the folder you designated as your shared music folder to like media player or something like that. This is not a fool-proof solution, but could be helpful in avoiding becoming a target of the RIAA.


2) Use file sharing privacy protection features.

The RIAA has mainly sued file swappers who made their own files available to others for download. Basically the music companies target users who only download music, many file sharing networks (like kazaa lite) have features that allow you to turn off the file sharing option.

However you should know that in using the file sharing privacy protection features you should be safe but doing this will not provide complete protection from the RIAA.


3) Learn all you can about a P2P file sharing program first.

Check out the file sharing site thoroughly to try to get important details and information from them such as;

1. How does the P2P site operate
2. Is the file program free of adware, spyware, trojans, etc.
3. Do they provide customer service
4. Do they offer legal P2P advice and prevention tips.
5. If you can't get your questions and concerns answered from the website, you should email them and ask.

Needless to say, if you choose to use a p2p file sharing program, I would strongly recommend that you read the site's entire security and privacy section. The file sharing networks have suggestions & tips on how to stay safe while downloading files online.

4) Know the risks involved with file sharing beforehand.

Due to the huge pile of people downloading Trojans and other malware from p2p networks, reports estimate that virus attacks, disruptive worms and security threats will just keep going. If you have ever downloaded freeware or shareware before then the odds of having adware and spyware on your PC is extremely likely.

When you are downloading files online from unknown places to you, it's extremely important that you keep your virus-checking software up-to-date. Using Norton and mcafee is a great way to start. Just note that many of these programs don’t work with firewalls.


5) Check out privacy protection software.

It's a well known fact that technology evolves as the designers needs do. And many p2p file sharers use safe sharing software programs designed to help protect their online identity by keeping their IP addresses and surfing habits anonymous.

However, even privacy protection software can’t assure you total anonymity online. Controversy about copyright infringement laws continues to surround the use of P2P file sharing online. Of course, if you are really worried, just don’t do it.