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A lot of people look for free music download programs to get limitless free MP3 downloads online. But the truth is that a few file share software could be putting you, your computer, and your online privacy at risk. And if that’s not bad enough, using a file sharing program could also get you in serious trouble with the RIAA or the MPAA. It’s no secret that the RIAA has been actively seeking out music file sharers that criminally download or file share copy-righted music online. And recently, the MPAA has started their own campaign to sue file sharers that download and file share movies illegally as well.

Being prosecuted and sued is not all you have to worry about. There are many other dangers you must keep in mind, such as adware, spyware, spoofing, and pornopgrahy.. What follows is an overview of these risks and how they might affect you.

Adware- Adware is used by large media companies and is installed in most file sharing programs. Banner ads for file share software are provided by media companies as a way to generate profit from the free music that is being downloaded. The downside for the consumer is that adware will overload the computer with unwanted advertising and can cause problems for the computer’s system.

2) Spyware - Spyware is often installed in shareware downloads, including free music download programs. Spyware secretly sneaks around in the back-round of your computer gathering information about you and your surfing habits. Spyware has the ability to perform actions hidden to you, and can even change files and your computer system settings.

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.

Graham McKenzie is the webmaster for a website that lets you Download Music for Free. For more information visit: http://www.sharepanel.com/

[tags]music, music download, free music download, legal music download, free music downloads, ipod, mp3, e[/tags]