can we trust these sites (Napster - Should Music Be Free To Share?)

Member Name: floddy

Product:	Napster - Should Music Be Free To Share?
Date:	06/07/02 (98 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: not sure yet

Disadvantages: too many other downloads

I am really new to mp3 and music sites, so when i enquired after this new phonomenon i was directed to napster, which is the most well known.

Unfortunately, for me, this came too late, as the site was almost closed due to court cases, so i went in search of different ones, although there were plenty i found downloading time excessive and difficult, so abandoned the idea until i had more information.

I duly did my homework and tackled the sites with much more confidence, then along came audiogalaxy!! I registered with this site as instructed, downloaded the music i wanted (if it was available) and happily switched off my computer content that i had done something at last.

The following day i switched on my computer as normal, but it did not behave as normal, there were major delays in accessing my desktop, unusual adverts and a general slowing down of the whole system, time to fetch the expert (hubby), he examined recently downloaded programs and enquired as to how many files i had downloaded the previous evening, as i had only downloaded audiogalaxy and a few music files, this was easy to answer, but the computer told a very different story.

This site had managed to download no less than six programs onto my hard drive which proceeded to dominate the whole thing, they were all duly deleted and everything returned to normal, now you would think that was the end of the matter! but no

I have today received an e-mail from my daughter, who downloaded the napster website last night, she now reports that it has completely wiped out her usual e-mails, she can receive them, but can not send any e-mails out, without error notices giving her the information, as this was the only site she has downloaded for a while she investigated, and discovered that not only has she downloaded the music but umpteen other files as well!!

Having checked out the chat rooms to gain information, i have learnt that many others have experience
d these problems too, and so downloading music from the internet is not free or easy, unless you know how to put these things right, or know someone who does, it could result in a very expensive visit from your local pc retailer.

If anyone can give me help on how to avoid the pitfalls (or mistakes if i am at fault) then i would advise everyone to be cautious and look very carefully at what is being downloaded and when, do not leave the computer to download files by itself or you could easily end up with the problems i have encoutered.

Summary: