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Beware of File Sharing

While file sharing applications do have some legitimate uses:

• A high percentage of files being shared this way are infected with viruses. According to a January 2004 Wired News article, 45% of files are infected, and that percentage continues to grow.
• Most of the music and videos available through file sharing programs is being distributed illegally. See http://my.simmons.edu/filesharing

  The motion picture and sound industry is quite serious about going after copyright violators, which have included college students. Simmons has a number of policies and procedures that it is important all students, staff, and faculty understand and follow. Please see Technology Policies and Procedures, and Technology Student Responsibilities.

• Many file sharing programs consist of packages of adware and spyware that install along with the file sharing program, and seriously impact the performance of your computer.