Safest File Sharing Programs
File sharing programs are one of the easiest ways to find free content you can download and distribute elsewhere. They come with a variety of features, download speeds and security devices. How safe they are depends on a number of factors. While many of them are similar, some allow you to search for and download content in safer situations.
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Benefits
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File sharing programs are easy-to-use programs that allow you to search for content such as music, videos and photos from other users across the world. They mostly rely on the Gnutella network and are good for finding content that is especially difficult to find. They search for files from many different sources and allow you to download them on your computer, where you can transfer them to other devices. With file sharing programs, you can download files in many different formats, such as MP3, MOV and JPEG.
LimeWire
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LimeWire is one of the most popular file sharing programs and is offered in a Basic or Pro version. It relies on the Gnutella network to search for and download content. LimeWire includes a built-in anti-virus and anti-spyware program that scans all files while you download them and cancels any download with an infection. Keep in mind that these built-in security tools are nowhere close to being as effective as tools such as Norton, but they make LimeWire just a little safer for downloading than other file sharing programs such as Ares.
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BitTorrent
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BitTorrent is a different kind of file sharing program compared to LimeWire. It is a protocol that allows you to download a file quickly by downloading it parts at a time. This makes it much safer for downloading files from other users. In addition, it is fast and efficient, especially for downloading large files such as videos. BitTorrent DNA is a paid version of BitTorrent that allows a more secure peer-to-peer downloading and is stated to be virus- and spyware-free.
Warning
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Never run a file sharing program without first installing and running an anti-virus program on your computer. While these file sharing programs may have security tools, there's always a possibility of malicious files sneaking through and infecting your computer. Scan your computer as frequently as you download files. Perform safe surfing when searching for BitTorrent files by making sure an Internet security program is running as well as a pop-up blocker, because on some websites, a torrent file could secretly install spyware (e.g., pop-ups) or Trojans on your computer.
Expert Insight
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Not every torrent website is safe for locating and downloading torrents. Some bombard you with pop-up advertisements that contain spyware. Pop-up-free and spyware-free torrent sites such as Mininova, The Pirate Bay and iSohunt (see all in Resources) are better for locating torrent files. Because one file sharing program offers a "Pro" version does not mean it's more secure. While pro versions may include speed optimizers and improved searches, malicious programs can still secretly install on your computer through them.
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