Thursday, August 6, 2009

Free Music Online Tips

By Susan Reynolds

Free music download programs are a popular way to have unlimited access to free music. And with CDs easily costing $15 a piece, what could be better than free music? However, it is important to realize that this free music could be putting not just your computer at risk, but you and your privacy as well. File sharing can also get you into legal trouble with the Recording Industry Association of American (RIAA) or the Motion Pictures Association of America (MPAA). Everyone knows that people who illegally share music online have been actively sought after by the RIAA for several years now, but now the MPAA is also seeking to find and sue those who illegally share movies.

There are several other issues of concern in addition to the risk of lawsuits by RIAA and MPAA for copy-right infringement. There are other hidden dangers in using free MP3 downloads and using their file share software. Some of top dangers are enumerated below.

1) Adware ? Often, adware has been installed in the file sharing program. Large media companies use this adware to help generate revenue from a product that is supposed to be free. If this adware has been installed into the download program that you are using, it can cause problems with your computer. Often this adware consists of large banner ads that will take up a lot of room on your computer and cause problems with operation.

2) Spyware - Spyware is also another hidden danger. This can be installed in free music download programs as well as other download programs. The spyware operation is not obvious to you, yet it is able to go into your computer and gather information concerning you and your internet habits. Spyware is very undesirable because it has the ability to change files on your computer without you even being aware that this is happening.

3) Spoofing - Many file sharing programs are swollen with corrupt and fake files. Spoofing happens when think you are downloading a song, but you get a corrupt music file instead of the song download. A new type of spoofing problem occurs with a brief 20 to 30 second music loop that continues to play over and over for 3 - 4 minutes. There is talk on the net that the RIAA may be behind many of these spoofing plans as a way to get people to pay for legal music downloads.

4) Pornography ? You should be aware that the risk that pornography can be a problem with file sharing software. This is especially important to note I you have children in your home. Pornography is often disguised by the devious porn peddlers as a download for a game or for free music but when you click on the link you are exposed to a pornographic site instead.

Considering all the above issues, is it really safe to download free music online? There are some serious risks that the user needs to be aware of before considering downloading music, including possible legal sanctions brought on by the RIAA for copy right violations. It's important to make sure you are knowledgeable in this area before downloading free music. Use your common sense. Your best bet is to find a free legal download program where you can download music for absolutely free.

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