This is an issue I run into often with a lot of clients. I’m going to explain my reasoning on why I feel free file sharing programs are a bad idea for any computer… I’ll try not to ramble 
These programs are peer-to-peer file sharing programs, so installing them gives you access to download music, software, and other programs, usually for “free”. They are “free” because someone else has bought them already and are giving you access to download them, usually illegally. This is called a peer-to-peer type network connection. A “peer-to-peer” network creates a sharing connection between all users that have this software installed on their system. It’s like you are sharing files within an office, except sharing over the entire Internet. This can be bad for many reasons:
- Most of the content you are downloading is technically stealing
- You are usually, unwillingly, sharing your music collection with strangers.
- As these strangers are downloading your music, it is robbing much bandwidth away from your Internet connection, and using hardware resources on your computer. These will will both slow your system down significantly.
- Some of these strangers embed or hide viruses and spy-ware into the music or files you are downloading. Once you’ve downloaded them and tried to open them, you run the risk of installing these viruses.
Ultimately, this is why these programs are not “free”
- They slow your system down, so they rob you of productivity
- They can install viruses and spy-ware, which could cost you a hundred or two to upgrade your anti-virus software and have a technician remove them for you.
- The music you download is usually labeled incorrectly, so it’s not what you wanted, or you have to spend the time re-labeling it to be correct
- You could get hit with a lawsuit for downloading unlicensed material
- The wrong kind of virus could open up a connection to your system that exposes your personal or client’s data to the public
In general, it’s just a bad idea, but it’s at your own risk. If you have any questions about a program you are using, or you think you may have an issue like this you can contact us.
Here is a good reference on peer-to-peer networks and examples.
