Getting “free” music and media can seem pretty cool and almost exhilarating. You just figured out how to get something for nothing. But, what are you really downloading into your system? Is it really free…or are you paying for it some how, some way?
First, I am going to use the word Malware to represent viruses, Trojans, spyware and other malicious software. There is always a chance that you are picking up some sort of malware when you download media
Again, free is not always free. Any sharing site (like limewire, youtube, Kaaza) is just what it sounds like. You are opening up your computer for sharing…music, movies, etc. While you’re downloading the newest Beyonce song…someone is downloading something from you. Right there you are inviting others into your computer. All you need is one smart person to know a little about computers and they can capture all your information. Identity theft is a big problem these days and that free movie can cost you your name and financial information.
Secondly, you are allowing files to be downloaded onto your hard drive. Many if not most files have malicious code embedded in the background of that free song. Minimally you are allowing someone or something to track where you go (what websites you are visiting). Worse, you also can be downloading a virus that can wipe out your hard drive. How much do those pictures, documents mean to you? How much money will it cost you to get that machine repaired?
Teenagers love these free sites. They can put music on their MP3 players and movies on their ipods. They can share videos with each other and keep each other updated on social sites (facebook, myspace). It keeps them busy but can be jeopardizing the family computer in the ways I have explained.
The first mode of protection is to just keep an eye on what they are doing. If you see a ton of music, if you cursor is now a pretty bird or there are smiley faces (emoticons) in your emails…you can be sure the computer has been downloading items for some time.
Secondly, Anti-virus is a must. Not a free version Time Warner or AOL gives to you for using their services. Go out and buy a highly rated anti-virus. We sell Panda Internet Security and AVG internet security. I like them both because they update daily and catch things quickly.
Remember when thinking about anti-virus, there is no guarantee that ANY anti-virus can catch all malware at 100%. They update there database AFTER a malicious code was made. They other thing to keep in mind is to run the program. I think if you have tweens to teenagers in the house, scan your computer often.
The best prevention is just not to do it at all. It will protect the computer and all the information that it holds. It will save you aggravation and money in the long run and just not worth doing.
