What Are the Dangers of LimeWire?

LimeWire is a person-to-person program that allows file sharing. Some of the files LimeWire allows its users to share are video and audio files. Music downloads, such as latest album releases and MP3 files, are popular searches on LimeWire, as well as popular download requests by its members. LimeWire allows illegal file sharing, and has potential risks for both computers and computer users.

  1. Sharing Illegal Files

    • LimeWire does little to stop piracy and sharing of copyrighted materials, such as music releases by popular artists. Downloading copyrighted materials is illegal, and a computer user could face potential criminal charges if found to be guilty of pirating music.

    Viruses

    • LimeWire is also a common spot for scammers to hide viruses and Trojan Horse viruses inside of music and ZIP files. These viruses are not easily detected and a computer user will find out they have a virus only after downloading the file.

    Spyware

    • Spyware is another common problem hidden inside of LimeWire files. Scammers place spyware in ZIP or music files installed on a computer. This spyware can completely take over a person's Internet browser, taking them to advertising websites or even stealing personal information off the computer.

    Allowing Uploading To Computer

    • LimeWire allows other people to upload files to your computer, as part of its shared network. This setting has to be disabled inside the LimeWire settings so that no sharing folders are available. By allowing someone to upload files to your compute, it allows a scammer to upload viruses or other questionable files.

    Avoid .exe files

    • Files with an ".exe" extension are usually applications or screensavers. Never download application files off of LimeWire, as they could be virus or Trojan Horse files renamed to appear as a web-user application.

    Always Use Antivirus Software

    • Antivirus software is useful to have on every computer, even if LimeWire is not installed. If you do decide to use LimeWire, always scan every downloaded file before attempting to run it.

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Comments

  • hannesinnjoy Aug 17, 2010
    Hi, I've been hearing that by using limewire, I'm exposing myself and my PC's IP address and making it very easy for someone to hack in? Any truth to this?

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