13. How can I avoid illegal filesharing and its dangers?
Disable or remove peer-to-peer filesharing programs from your computer. Some of these programs automatically share everything on your machine, even if you have opted not to share.
Use a firewall.
Update your operating system and the other software on your computer.
Install antivirus software and keep it active and current.
Install antispyware software and keep it active and current.
Do not share your passwords with anyone for any reason.
Delete any pirated material found on your computer.
Learn all you can about your P2P software before downloading it.
Be very careful about the files you download or make available to others. When in doubt about any program or file, it is best not to download or share it.
Do not store copies of copyrighted files that you have legally purchased, such as songs from a CD or a licensed retail music site in your P2P filesharing folder. (Most P2P shared files are typically stored in a single folder on your computer, often named "Shared Files".)
Use legal sources for media: The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), and Educause provide lists of some of the more popular legal online media sources. If you want to purchase access to songs or movies, find a service that has negotiated copyright agreements with the companies representing the artists. Some of these legal source include:
How can I avoid illegal filesharing and its dangers?
