Is it Safe??

Question

A friend suggested a P2P network for online file sharing like Gnutella - Is it safe? Can other clients transmit viruses onto my computer? If I download a file from a host, and the file is contaminated, can my computer catch the virus too? What about if it's in a format that only hurts certain systems, is it possible for my computer to be exempt at all, even if I have antivirus software and firewalls?? My friend uses it on a Compaq Presario SR1212NX model, which is a pretty good system, but intermittently, it hums. Not a loud, malign hum, more of a gentle "woosh," like a fan motor. I understand that these computers are designed with internal fans to cool down the systems, but I'm wondering if that is, in fact, what it's doing, or if that's an indicator of when someone is downloading files off of you. I'm worried that someone might steal my personal files or that the network will hurt my system. Does anyone use P2P networks like LimeWire? Does it work okay for you? Thanks for the input.

Answer 1

I can assure you, the hum of the PC is not a result of folks downloading files. They get old, and loud, it happens. Especially when the hard drive starts to get old, you can hear it working much more loudly. Either way, P2P is safe for the most part, they usually have built in virus blockers, which I would not depend on competely. You should always have an anti-virus installed on your PC, like Norton, for example. These are always running in the background and check any file being loading into your hard drive or memory. And as long as you keep your antivirus up to date, you shouldn't have any problems. And only download things that look legitimate (I am not condoning software or media piracy in any way) Don't download files that claim to be large programs or media files and have a file size of 22KB. A 2 Hour video file should range between 600-800MB (600,000-800,000KB) Full CDs are 700MB. You have to learn to recognize this sort of thing. If a file ends in ".exe" always be cautious because that is a PROGRAM file and could potentially be a virus. Always check the description of the file you are downloading by moving your mouse over the name of the file.

You also have to set which files you share to download. There is a specific folder, just check the option in the program. Obviously, don't put your personal files in those folders. You can manage how much bandwidth you devote to uploading also, so it will not slow your internet connection down.

Master these things, and you will be a p2p deity!

Also, may I suggest Ares, the best freakin P2P program on Earth.

http://aresgalaxy.sourceforge.net/

Happy Downloading
Giro

Answer 2

Make sure you have a very good firewall and antivirus (leave Norton antivirus alone)running at all times!! Download and install PeerGaurdian and keep it updated. Any file you download from any p2p software you should scan it first before opening it, except mp3 files. I have used Limewire but deleted it and use Frostwire now. And noone can steal any of your files because you tell which folder that Limewire can share. Let's say it's the music you download and put into a spacific folder and only that folder will be shared with other on the net. Keep your firewall updated! Then you shouldn't have any worries. But remember, no all antiviruses can catch everything.

Answer 3

I've used a P2P network for about 5 years now and I've never had any problems, as long as you've got good anti virus and firewall everything should be ok. Mine makes the same noise as your cos it's a old computer and it doesn't like to do oo much these days, try closing some other stuff down when your using the program.