Share Laughs, Not Files

Peer to Peer (P2P) file sharing is illegal and harmful to your computer

by Stephanie Witkin

Have you seen this poster around Adelphi’s locations? It was designed by Adelphi alumna Crissy Bilardello ’13.

Illegal file-sharing is when copyrighted materials are downloaded or uploaded without the consent of the copyright holder. While the content is usually “free,” downloading them can come at a serious price.

Downloading music, movies and TV shows has increased in popularity over the years. However, when downloading copyrighted materials over the Internet it’s important to remember that you are often downloading more than you think.

Malware has become a vicious hazard that can come with downloading your favorite song. This malicious software embedded in your illegally shared file can include viruses, spyware, Trojan horses and worms. All of this can wreak havoc on your computer and ultimately shorten its life span. Even though the music and movies seem free, how much is new computer going to cost you?

Lowering your firewalls to allow your computer to download content freely leaves you and all the information on your computer open. This allows others to access personal files and information that is stored on your computer.

Not only can downloading content cause harm to your computer, it’s important to remember that downloading copyrighted materials is stealing and makes you susceptible to copyright infringement lawsuits.

It’s important to note that those using large bandwidth or disrupting the campus networks by downloading copyrighted materials are vulnerable to having their on-campus internet access disconnected.

As Adelphi’s File Sharing/Download Policy outlines, those who have had their internet disabled due to file-sharing practices will have to contact the IT Department to have their internet connected again. Students who repeatedly ignore the policy will be referred to the Dean of Student Affairs or Assistant Vice President for Human Resources & Labor Relations and face further disciplinary action.

It’s not worth the risk. Just use legal services such as Spotify or Pandora to get your entertainment fix.

For further information on security issues:

Visit our IT security site for more topics at it.adelphi.edu/security.

Live chat with a Help Desk rep at chat.adelphi.edu/chat.php.

Email your issue to helpdesk@adelphi.edu or call 516.877.3340.