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What is file sharing and how can I protect
myself from spyware?

File sharing has become a favorite pastime for Internet users because it allows users to share files online with one another for free or at a minimal cost. Some popular file sharing applications include KaZaA, LimeWire, BearShare, WinMX, iMesh, Morpheus™, and XoloX, just to name a few. While file sharing can be a great way to enjoy the Internet, there are hazards involved of which users should be aware.

Some file sharing applications can use your computer’s resources (such as CPU and memory) to such a great extent that your other applications (including Internet browsing) can slow down significantly. Some of these applications use software called “spyware” to monitor, gather, and store information about your Internet activity without your knowledge. Spyware can sneak onto your computer by piggybacking on an email, or downloaded program, such as a file sharing application. This unsolicited software can reduce your computer’s speed, decrease your productivity, bog down your Internet connection, and compromise your personal privacy.

The following are signs that you may have acquired unsolicited software:

	Your computer is sluggish
	Advertising windows pop up even when you're not browsing the Web
	Data is being sent back and forth from your computer even though all of your applications are idle
	Spyware software, such as, CommonName, FavoriteMan, and GAIN appear on your computer

How to protect yourself:

	Make sure you have an up-to-date Anti-spyware program installed and running on your PC.
	If you aren’t using an application, exit from it completely.
	Many file sharing applications have the traditional red “X” in the upper right-hand corner of the application window. While this typically closes an application, it may only minimize a file sharing application, which will continue to use your computer’s CPU power and memory. The longer the application is left open, the more CPU power and memory it can use. Consequently, this will significantly slow down your Internet browsing and cause your system to seem noticeably sluggish.
	You can avoid installing unwanted software by being choosy about the free programs you download, by reading the end-user license agreement carefully and by increasing your browser’s security settings (to at least ‘Medium’ or higher).
	Always be careful to fully understand what an application will be doing on your computer before you download it. If you are unsure or unclear about what the application does, don’t use it. Safeguard yourself and find out if technical support is available for the software. Make sure it is scanned for viruses/Trojan horses, and determine how much memory and CPU power the application will use.

If you would like detailed information on removing spyware applications, visit the article What is spyware and how can I protect my computer from it?

Please note: Some software downloads that use spyware prohibit modifying the software and/or the usage of the software without the spyware download. Read the license agreement to find out.

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