Discover Important File Sharing Facts Now.

For many people looking to learn about file sharing online, it's easy to get confused. Why? for music online are confused

Getting real answers to your questions and concerns at most p2p sites can be extremely hard to do. The truth is that p2p networks are in the business to make money online, and therefore, some sharing sites fail to disclose the risks involved when sharing and downloading off the Internet.

So if you have unanswered questions about how file sharing programs work and the possible risks in using a p2p network, don't fret! This page is designed to help you learn about how p2p networks quickly. You'll get the facts so you can make an informed decision when it comes to choosing an online music download solution is right for you. So let's get started...

What is p2p file sharing?

A p2p network (also called peer to peer and person to person) is a software utility that give you the ability to download any type of file online directly from the computers of other members within your peer network. Hence the name file-sharing.

The huge amount of files (including; music, movies, games, videos, ring tones and TV shows) available to download are the reason p2p applications have become so popular.

Is file sharing legal?

Years ago the original Napster was forced to shut down their site because they lost a major court battle against the Recording Industry Association Of America (RIAA). On APRIL 25, 2003 a federal judge in Los Angeles ruled that Streamcast and Grokster were not liable for breaking copyright infringement laws.

Basically, the judge ruled that although file sharing can be used for illegal practices, that file sharing itself was not considered illegal. So, as of now, file sharing networks in the US are legal ...

...However, if a file sharer downloads or shares copy-righted material, then the file sharer is breaking copy-right infringement laws. Therefore, the file sharer breaking such laws could possibly become targeted, and sued, by the RIAA.

Why is file sharing so controversial?

After the Grokster verdict, the RIAA immediately shifted their tactics and started targeting and suing people who break copy right infringement laws when using p2p applications. As mentioned above, the RIAA now sues people if "copy-righted" material is downloaded and shared with others on the Internet.

Furthermore, in more recent developments, the Recording Industry Association of America has sent letters to p2p networks demanding them to "immediately cease-and-desist from enabling and inducing the infringement of RIAA member sound recordings."

The RIAA is very serious about finding, and suing, people who are breaking copy-right infringement laws. Therefore, it's strongly recommended to take the lawsuit risks very seriously yourself BEFORE using a p2p application.

How can the RIAA find out my identity?

All online networks, including peer to peer networks, must use specific identifying information when connecting to other computers in order to upload or download files. And because of a past court victory for the record industry, an ISP (Internet service provider) must, if requested, provide the names of people suspected of downloading and sharing music illegally online to the RIAA.

This is why many people seek out privacy protection software. In order to help you achieve anonymity online, 'privacy and security' software can help keep your IP address hidden and remove all traces of the web sites you visit. But it's important to note that even privacy protection software is not foolproof in keeping your online identity and activities hidden.

Are p2p applications safe to use?

No. The truth is that most (if not all) file-sharing programs give you much more than you bargained for when you use their network. Besides the lawsuit risks, using a free downloading application opens your computer up to a variety of harmful programs that can invade your online privacy and security.

It's true. Free file sharing programs install potentially harmful programs on your pc (such as adware, spyware and malware) that are secretly "bundled-in" with your p2p network as a way for the p2p software developer to make money. For example, the original kazaa was loaded with spyware such as "bonzi buddy", "Cydoor" and "Brilliant Digital" (considered worse than spyware).

Furthermore, when downloading anything off the Internet, you leave your computer at risk for viruses, worms, Trojans and online hackers which can extremely damaging to your PC and your personal security. And although it's true that technology usually evolves around problems to provide effective solutions, there are no guarantees when it comes to safe sharing online.

File Sharing Tips

Knowing that using a p2p network could mean trouble, here are some important tips IF you choose to use a p2p application:

1) Use caution and common sense. Learn all you can about a file sharing network before using it.

2) Be sure your computer has a quality anti-virus software program on it and that it is updated with the most current virus definitions. Plus, always have a firewall running at all times on your computer, and that your firewall is up-to-date.

3) Learn tips about how to stay legal when using a p2p program with safe p2p file sharing techniques.

4) And lastly, remember that the only way to guarantee safe music downloading online is in choosing a fee-based legal music download site or a free legal music solution.