P2P or peer-to-peer applications are programs that allow quick and multiple file sharing capabilities through the Internet. Allowing Internet users to connect to one another, they can share video, music, program, text and other file documents. This has also brought on thousands of illegal file sharing cases. This can lead to serious consequences in the end for Internet users.

Recently, the RIAA has begun to crack down on Internet users illegally sharing and downloading music. While downloading songs one has already purchased, whether it is from legal online vendors like iTunes or by purchasing the CD is legal, many P2Pers don’t do this. Organizations against this type of online activity have brought people to court, threatening those that have done so years in jail if they fail to pay thousands of dollars in copyright fines.

If you use or are thinking about using P2P sharing applications, you should really start to consider what might happen to you if you use these programs illegally. The programs are perfectly legal, and can be used to share freeware, files with all rights released, or personal files. However, using these programs to download movies or music you don’t yet own can be very hazardous. Be aware that if you are caught, you could be facing a very large organization like the RIAA, which have hundreds of lawyers. You will have to pay up.

Another hazard of P2P is the dangers it can hold to your computer. Before using any P2P program, be sure your computer is protected from malware, spyware, and make sure you have virus and spam protection. Many people use P2P to send modified files that can install viruses and drone programs to make your computer a zombie for their misuse.

The best way to avoid any of these problems is to avoid P2P altogether. There is no way to know beforehand what you are actually downloading, and if you download any copyrighted material, you might end up with a document demanding you in court for breaking copyright laws.

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