Ray Harris asked:


Getting free mp3 downloadable music from file sharing programs is extremely popular. It’s estimated that as many as sixty (60) million music lovers like you get music for your mp3 player or ipod this way. But have you ever considered the issues involved with downloading your favorite songs from file sharing programs? If you haven’t shared any music files yet, you really need to know the benefits and risks; and I wrote this article to provide you with an overview of what’s involved in getting mp3 downloadable music from file sharing programs.

The Benefits of Downloading Music From MP3 File Sharing Programs

The biggest draw to getting music from mp3 file sharing programs is the ability to download music you would ordinarily have to buy for free. Along with getting the music you want for free, there is no limit to the number of files or the size of the files you can download. Also, today’s p2p file sharing technology makes it possible for users to quickly search for, download and share music files at lightning speeds.

As exciting as it is to be able to search for, find and get fast downloads of the music you want for free, there are downsides to getting mp3 downloadable music from file sharing programs.

The Risks Involved In Downloading Music Files From MP3 File Sharing Programs

The greatest risks surrounding downloading music files from mp3 file sharing programs involves spyware and getting sued for copyright infringement. Many popular file sharing programs expose users of the p2p (peer to peer) network to spyware, adware and computer viruses. They are free open source programs or freeware, and as such, they may be bundled with spyware that slows down your computers’ performance or adware that tracks and reports your online activities. Additional computer security risks come from the files of other users in the p2p network. However, the most controversial aspect of getting mp3 downloadable music from file sharing programs involves the sharing and/or distribution of copyrighted works that hasn’t been legally licensed by the mp3 file sharing program or service. If you download and share copyrighted music that hasn’t properly licensed for digital distribution, you expose yourself to possibly getting sued by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) for copyright infringement.

While the computer spyware and lawsuit risks are serious, there are steps a determined mp3 file sharing program user can take to reduce or eliminate those risks.

Clearly the draw, as well as the excitement of getting free mp3 music from p2p file sharing programs is hard to resist. On the other hand, the risks to your hardware and personal finances are hard to ignore. However, if your desire for unlimited free mp3 music outweighs your concern about these risks, getting mp3 downloadable music from file sharing programs might be the way for you to go.