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Free File
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Free file sharing programs and their issues with computer security
December 10, 2005
By: Bob Whitehead
Peer to peer file sharing programs are quite popular
these days, due to their convenience and the fact that many
are free. People prefer to install software that enables to
them to download movies and music instead of paying for CDs
or tickets. However, while you may be saving money, you
could be doing a great deal of harm to your computer through
using free file sharing programs.
What often happens with P2P file sharing is that
installing the program on your computer may in turn install
spyware programs without your knowledge. Spyware is software
that follows your activity on your computer -- what kind of
sites you visit, what searches you perform -- which is an
invasion of your privacy, as the data gathered is sent to
advertisers. File sharing without spyware is possible but
more difficult with free programs using public networks.
P2P file sharing programs have default settings that make
it easy for the information on your computer to be accessed.
Spyware can make your computer run slower and impede its
functions. However, this may seem like a small problem
compared to security issues, like protecting your passwords.
Changing these default settings can help protect your
computer from further damage.
Enjoying free music doesn't have to come at the price of
your security. There are programs that can help to clean any
infected files on your computer, and changing the default
settings can help too. However, paying a small fee for a
clean service that operates without installing unwanted
spyware on your computer can save you from a lot of privacy
and security headaches.
About the Author
Bob Whitehead is a successful freelance writer and
contributor to Web-Conferencing-Zone.com. Your
definitive guide to web conferencing services, online
collaboration software and web meetings for business.
Also See:
[
Interactive presentations, text chat & integrated VoIP
conferencing ]
[
Interactive web conferencing tools for more interactive
presentations ]
[ Web based file
sharing alleviates the burden of e-mailing large attachments ]
Home Page:
[ Web-Conferencing-Zone.com ]
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