Download a free virus (KaZaA)

Member Name: Asylum

Product:	KaZaA
Date:	03/10/02 (437 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: free to use, vast amount of downloads

Disadvantages: danger from virus attacks

Kazaa Media Desktop is available as a free download. Although the original file downloaded is only an installation file which connects to the internet and downloads the remainder during install. The complete application is around 4 Mb and would require about 20 minutes to download on a 56kps modem.
The first problem is that Kazaa is bundled with a lot of third party and unwanted features, but the program will not operate unless you install everything. Even after installation is complete you are required to keep all such systems on your computer or Kazaa will not work.
The core program is a peer to peer application, which simply means that it links directly to another computer to download. The problem here is that none of the available downloads are vetted in any way. Kazaa creates a folder on your computer to store downloaded files, and uses the same folder for uploads to other computers. To add an item you need only place it in this folder and all other Kazaa users can see the file and copy it to their machine. There are apparently no restrictions or monitoring of what is offered to other users. This leaves the whole system seriously at risk from viruses and other undesirable items.
I am quite surprised that the system is still being permitted to operate, because a great deal of pirated software, copy write material and pornography are being transmitted this way. The program does ask you to agree to a disclaimer, but that appears to be as far as it goes.
All in all there is a phenomenal amount of free material available here, several terabytes in fact, but the risk involved to your privacy and the stability of your computer far outweighs the value of it.
If you do choose to use this program then BEWARE, use a regularly updated anti virus program and back up your system on a regular basis.
Better still: AVOID KAZAA.

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