Millions of people around the world have been tempted by the ease and speed of downloading music via peer-to-peer networks …  and most of all by the fact that they make a product that would ordinarily cost $30 for 12 songs or so, free. However, music downloads from P2P sites aren’t completely fool proof, are not a victim less crime, and could hurt your computer as much as they do the musicians themselves! Here’s why you should always use legal, subscription based, paid music download sites.

Security issues

One major problems with music downloads,video downloads and especially software downloads (legal or not) over peer-to-peer networks is the security risk. Your computer must open a specific port to use the network, a route through your firewall. This opens your computer up to malicious software and attacks. If you are downloading software, the danger is even greater – it is far easier to hide a virus inside an exe file than inside ordinary music download files.

Litigation risk

The Recording Industry Association of America wona US$1.92 MILLION judgment against Jammie Thomas-Rasset, for sharing 24 songs on Kazaa. Joel Tenenbaum got a $675,000 fine for infringing copyright on 30 songs, and in the last 6 years, the RIAA has sued 30,000 people for file sharing. Music downloads via P2P may not be effectively stopped as yet, bit can still be tracked. Legal music download sites may cost a little in the short term … but illegally  downloading music via P2P can end up making you declare bankruptcy!