Downloading General Junk (music etc)

I recently downloaded WinMX to try and find this song that was really bugging me, (never mind, that bit is not important). What I was wondering is, how safe are these things to use? Do these programs scan files for viruses before you download them (i suspect not), and is it possible to do it your self? I have norton corporate, but that doesnt scan things that you want ot download, well not in a way i can figure out. Is it even possible, given that any shared file (and viruses contained therein) is not accessible until it is DL, ie on your system ready to do its damage.

I think i just answered my own question, but any info to the contrary appreciated!

 

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I'm not sure of WinMX, but usually it's possible to setup the programs through an option to use what ever anti-virus program you have to check it.

As for safety of P2P networking, simply put it's a risk. The main risk however isn't from Viruses, or from the Authorities trying to catch you for illegally downloading the latest crappy pop music track, but more from the users that share files that aren't necessarily what they are labeled.

For instance it's possible that a 10 year old downloading a new game, could find the third CD in the "2 CD game" is actually a porno. As for the content of the porno, well that could be anything.

(I was just using someone young as an example, as some people wouldn't want their kids getting hold of such a collection until they were at least 12)

There are other potential risks too like trojans, however if you using some sites that have things like Bit-Torrent or edk2000 links, then the files are usually authenticated to a point so they are what they say they are and nothing else.

If your really concerned about your security you could either get another anti-virus program and get a firewall up or just go out and buy the CD.

 

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