downloading music

[diberry]

Can anyone help me please? I want to download some music and have tried using kazaa but am scared to continue because of all the warnings that my PC's firewall keeps throwing up and, to be honest, I don't understand most of the things it's telling me. I'm even worried now that I've laid the PC open to attack by starting to download Kazaa although I've tried to wipe all traces of it. My hard drive crashed a couple of months ago and I had to get a new one so I'm extremely nervous about making any mistakes and letting viruses etc in. I've set the firewall to its highest setting but when I run a security check it's still telling me it's open to attack. Please can someone advise me - preferably in words of one syllable? I'd be very grateful for help from someone who understands these things!

 

[allie5]

Kazaa is a nightmare, and I would strongly suggest you dont download it. It downloads with a ton of Spyware (software that allows ads and pop ups, plus possible access to your files if your Firewall isnt sound). Although I used to use Kazaa, we got rid of it as it was letting too much stuff infiltrate the PC.

You are better off with a reputable download company, like itunes. Songs cost an average of 79p, but are all sharp, proper copies, unlike the rubbish you get from Kazaa. Tesco, Metro newspapers and several other big companies offer the same service for the same sort of price. Nearly all of the "free" software, means you will be lumbered with Spyware or Adware and I would think carefully about using these places.

Other places, like WinMix, charge a small fee (£2 a month I think) and they guarantee no Spyware, however you could still be downloading or file sharing illegally. Check the small print.

In addition to our Norton Firewall, we recently downloaded the free anti spyware tool bar from Yahoo. This works brilliantly and we have had no attacks since it was installed.

Hope that helps a little!

Allie

 

[diberry]

Thank you so much for replying Allie. I'm really neurotic about viruses etc since my hard drive crashed and the shop where we took it said there were all sorts of viruses in it.
Do you think I've done any damage by starting to install kazaa? If so, do you know how I can rectify it?
I'll definitely follow your advice and use itunes in future. I'd rather pay and have peace of mind!!
I've got Norton Internet Security installed which includes anti virus, anti spam and a firewall plus a separate pop up stopper (not at all paranoid!!!) but still don't feel all the holes have been plugged and can't understand why the security scan said the computer was still at risk - unless they were trying to get me to buy some more stuff off them!!. I'll add the Yahoo anti spyware you mentioned. Thanks so much - I really appreciate your help!

 

[wendye]

Diana are they set to automatically update? It may just be that you need to run live update. The security checker that Norton uses takes that into consideration too and counts it as a risk. Run live update from your control panel and you should be ok.

Allie is right about Kazaa it is absolutely terrible and notorious for it. There are a number of legal download companies now including a legal version of Napster which charges £10 a month for unlimited downloads that you can put on up to three computers or devices. I rarely download myself at the moment so have only tried the free version so far but I'm thinking about doing that one eventually.

 

[diberry]

Thank you Wendye! I've run live update but the security scan still says the system's open to hackers. Never mind I've done all I can.
Thank you also for your input about kazaa - I didn't know it was so bad!!! I've signed up to iTunes!
Thank you both for your help.

 

[wendye]

You are welcome Diana. One of the things about Kazaa is that it comes with it's own built in spyware and a clause in the agreement you agree to that states they can install further "nasties"! Scary stuff really. With what you say you have your settings on I think if you are careful what you download and scan your email and anything you open you should be ok. I've been on the internet since December 1996 and so far have never had a virus on my machine and I've done that by ensuring my virus definitions are updated and just generally being careful so it can be done. The people that write virus programme tend to attack certain sites such as music download sites if you are careful when you download you will be fine. I've done some downloading but have always scanned what I've downloaded before I've opened it. Try not to get paranoid they aren't out to get you.

 

[diberry]

Thanks Wendye!!! I think my problem comes from the fact that I haven't really got a clue about computers!!!! I love mine (never thought I'd say that!!) and can spend hours on it but my knowledge of how it actually works is minimal - a bit like my car!!! I've eradicated every trace of kazaa and hope the "TCP ports" (which apparently are open - whatever they might be!!!) will not get infiltrated by badly behaved viruses!!!

 

[BCT]

Glad you got sorted Di. I know what you mean about the PC , I treat it like the microwave and the washing machine. I chuck the stuff in press the button and hope it works.LOL
Beast download programme I have used is Limewire . www.limewire.com,
no hidden prgrammes, dit downloads quickly and it seems to find most of what I need.

Good luck with Itunes idid look at it but have not tried it yet.
P.S. Talking music The patients are still alive after the Eusovision song Contest.
Getting excited now going to DLRP on Sunday can't believe it's come round so quick
Berwyn

 

[AlanUK]

Most file sharing programs exist in order to enable the infringement of copyrighted material. They also fund the fact they are free by the downloading of lots of nasty stuff onto your computer alongside their installation. It is also not wise to discuss the usage of these programs and illegal downloading in general on a public internet forum such as this as it impacts on both yours and the sites legal position.

Please stick to legal downloads. There are lots of sites out there doing them now and using them ensures that the artist producing the material gets remunerated for their work and can therefore afford to go on being creative.

 

[BCT]

Very good point Alann. Should know better at my age.
A lesson for all of us.
Big Brother is watching. Help! that starts again Tomorrow

Berwyn

3days to Sequoia Lodge DLRP 25th anniversary trip

 

[diberry]

Most file sharing programs exist in order to enable the infringement of copyrighted material. They also fund the fact they are free by the downloading of lots of nasty stuff onto your computer alongside their installation. It is also not wise to discuss the usage of these programs and illegal downloading in general on a public internet forum such as this as it impacts on both yours and the sites legal position.

Please stick to legal downloads. There are lots of sites out there doing them now and using them ensures that the artist producing the material gets remunerated for their work and can therefore afford to go on being creative.

Good points well made, Alan. I'll be sticking to iTunes from now on.