I was just wondering if you could give me some advice as whether it would be safe to download kazaa/kazaa lite or any other file sharing program for that matter. My mom doesn't want me to download kazaa/kazaalite or any other file sharing program because she is afraid that we will get a virus or viruses and it will wreck our computer and she doesn't want that to happen because we can't afford to buy a new one if that happens. Would it be safe to download kazza/kazaa lite or any other file sharing program if we have Adaware, ZoneAlarm Pro Version 3.1.395 (it's just a trial version though, we haven't actually bought Zone Alarm Pro), we also have Norton Antivirus (OEM) Version 5.01.049 Is it safe to download Kazaa and download things like software and movies and mp3's, without the risk of getting viruses if I use these programs? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

One thing is when you install KaZaa it uses your system as a server. Any thing that you download is then available for upload to anyone else looking for the same thing. It can really slow down your system. That is what file sharing is all about. There is also a major chance of Virus from some of the files. If you decide to install, download and run Ad-Aware. It is a free program and it will remove all of the(spy-ware) that KaZaa installs and will help you out a little. Best Bet! Listen to your MOM.

This is just my opinion, but I would NEVER download KAZAA, its cousin or any near relatives. They are all just ticking bombs. Read the SECURTY forum here and you'll learn very quickly how troublesome sharing/unknown downloading can be. Granted, with AntVirus and firewall, it adds a texture of security, but there is ALWAYS a chance for infection, trojan control and hacking when file sharing and downloading from "Unknown" sources. Internet security is difficult enough without those sites and then add those in to the mixture and it's just a matter of time. There's just too much risk! Also, I have seen PCs with viruses that caused some serious damage and it can be very difficult to recover from, especially for a novice, so it takes very fast learning and getting lucky or paying big dollars to restore. Besides, just BUY what you want as for the software that is so attractive. If you really think about it: "Do I really need that software/file.?" Yes, then whip out the cash. Besides, there are many reputable sites on the web that offer FREE, solid, safe downloads. But you have to spend some time looking around for them. Also, there is some very keen music available FREE that won't whack your PC, from safe servers. The whole concept that the hacker operates on is social engineering, whereby he/she hopes you badly WANT their FREE their "software", enough to think momentarily that it is "not that risky." GOTCHA! There are some real pro hackers trolling the Net as we speak waiting for the next victim, to innocently stumble across their nasty, vicious vandelism.

eh...you can download mp3's all day without fear of viruses... movies are a little different...but .asf files can contain executable code...so make sure to go for .avi files... all in all mp3's are very safe and movies a little more risky... now for software you are really at risk of virusing yourself...i agree with the other guys on this one...buy the program or download from somebody reputables website...there is too many leaks with software...that being said you can find some great stuff if you are willing to chance it... being as you are using your moms pc, then you should adhere to what she thinks...and then when you get your own pc maybe try and experiment a little bit

Kazaa is Spyware and can cause some problems besides. Iv'e never tried it, but my understanding is that Kazaa Lite has the same file-sharing functions as Kazaa, but without the spyware. Best Wishes, Bob

first off no Kazaa no way no how. second, what type of connection do you have? if you have dial up then it's really slow for downloading anything like mp3s. then again if you have cable or dsl and don't have a router or a hardware firewall you might think twice too. but if you're interested in this stuff look here http://www.gnutella.com/connect/ here is a good basic program that doesn't have junk http://www.gnutella.com/connect/windows/clients/3 and forums http://www.gnutellaforums.com one thing you could think about is getting another real cheap system for downloading. or getting another hard drive with another OS on it. they have hardware switches that you can install so the two drives don't interact. there is one named trios or something. or you could get a removable hard drive tray to switch drives too. I think it's a good idea not to load any of this stuff on you moms computer. not just because of viruses but general security as well. there was that one program that if not setup as default share settings. anyone could look thru any of your files on your whole computer. and that was just anyone. it's like leaving the door wide open. TheGorx TheGorx.net

PLEASE! listen to your mom. dont use p2p on her comp. there is just to great of a chance to catch a virus or a 95% chance of getting spyware.(and with a p2p program you WILL get spyware installed sooner or later) i could make this long but for your sake i will make it short n sweet. Your mom is going to be surfing the internet and then the spyware kicks in and pops up a porn advertisment. now she knows that she isnt lookin for that stuff so she is going to think that your using the internet to look at porn and ban you from the computer. now stay on your moms good side and wait till you get ur own comp to use p2p.