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    On P2P Security And Your Identity

    P2P or Peer to Peer file sharing is a new technology that allows its users to share files on the internet using a relaxed network of computers that are using the same software.

    This technology allows internet users to gain access to very huge networks and an overload of information. But just like any other innovations, this P2P network entails a lot of danger like identity theft and virus attacks. There are also instances when files that are being saved on the computer are copyright protected materials, pornographic or they contain viruses. There are also instances when you would actually allow other people to seed from this folder only but they are able to access your other folders.

    If you seriously want to take advantage of P2P sharing, follow these steps:

    Be very careful when you install file-sharing software. Very few people actually realize the fact that the installation of file-sharing software is one of the most crucial steps that you would have to undertake. Most of the most basic feature that you have to turn off is seeding. This would prevent other people from accessing your accounts. Check the proper settings that you need to modify and make sure you specify which folders can be accessed or not.

    Install a good and reliable antivirus program that would protect your computer form potential viruses and spywares. There were a lot of instances when very destructive viruses are being embedded into different programs and therefore transferred to people's computer who download the particular file. Malware and spywares are very dangerous programs because they can strip off your hard drive of anything and render it unusable.

    Avoid connecting to the P2P connection online. Most P2P programs run as soon as you open your computer and closes as you soon as you turn off. The most advised start up schedule is this: open it as the needs arise.

    If your computer is capable of handling multiple in one computer, create multiple accounts but never allow anyone to gain access to administrator account. Limiting the users of your internet connection may sound like a drastic step but if you would focus on the integrity of your personal data, then multiple accounts are just okay.

    To avoid the frustration of a computer crash, you need to back up your data regularly and have it stored in a separate hard drive. Do not store it in the same drive as your other files because this would defeat the purpose of online backups. Password protect your files so that even if you lose your hard drive, then you can be sure that no one will be able to access your personal information stored in that particular drive.

    You have to remember that millions of users share millions of information, movies, audio files, ebooks and personal details online. It provides people online another huge resource for information and this is something that cannot be discounted. Using a P2P network, however, exposes you not only to scammers online, but to identity theft criminals which may be lurking somewhere down the deepest alleys of the world wide web.