Article
If You're Using a P2P Network
Using a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Network? Here’s What You Need to Know.
1. If you are going to use a P2P network, make sure that your security software works with P2P file sharing programs.
- How? First see which security software you are using. Then check out the version you are using. Finally, visit the manufacturer’s site and see if the security product works to screen malware from P2P technologies and networks. If it doesn’t, either find one that does, remove the P2P application from your computer (check with the site to see how) or check and see if the P2P program you are using offers a version that is virus and malicious code-free, and doesn’t include any executables, such as adware or spyware applications.
2. With P2P and IM file-sharing programs, protective software is important. These should include an adware blocker or removal program, a firewall and a good anti-virus program. Check to see if your software blocks adware and is up to date on virus protection, and whether you are using a firewall.
- How? Read up on the software you are using, the version and what’s in your security suite (if you are lucky enough to have one!). Click to manually update it and update the settings to make sure it updates automatically.
3. With so many teens sharing the wrong files, check out what files you are sharing with others on your P2P network. And if you don’t have P2P software installed, check and see what others are sharing by accident by searching on the P2P home site.
- How? If you are using P2P software, check on their website to see how you can confirm the right settings for your software. Then walk through the set-up again. Finally, check and see which files are in the public or shared files folder and remove anything you don’t want the world to see.