Limewire is a peer to peer (P2P) file sharing program, much like the original
Napster. Other comparable programs include Kazaa, BearShare, etc. However, Napster
allowed sharing only of music files, while most of the current software out there,
including Limewire, allow sharing of any type of file (including images, video,
executable software, etc.), which actually have a much greater risk of infecting
computers with viruses and spyware than music files do. Many of the P2P services
have been ruled in violation of copyright law. (See article:
http://informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=170703862). Another
major risk is that they do not filter content in any way, and pornographic
materials, including child pornography, are widespread on P2P networks, which
children could easily access, either accidentally or intentionally. (See
http://news.com.com/2100-1028_3-5073817.html and
http://news.com.com/Congress+mulls+new+P2P+porn+restrictions/2100-1025_3-992471.html)
On the positive side, there are a few legitimate, non-copyright infringing and free
sources for downloading music online, and a number of reasonably priced ones. An
interesting article on free book, music and movie downloading appears at
http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,117822,00.asp .
Some sites to check out include:
Amazon.com "Free Music Downloads":
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/468646/002-4365626-0260855
Download.com's Featured Music (Free, other music is available for a fee):
http://music.download.com
eMusic.com (2 week free trial, then a monthly subscription fee):
http://www.emusic.com
Apple's iTunes (99 cents per song):
http://www.apple.com/itunes/
There is also a fairly comprehensive website on downloading legal music at
http://www.goingware.com/tips/legal-downloads.html. Under contents, the fifth link,
"Websites for Free Music," contains just that (mostly links to websites belonging
to particular recording artists/bands that post their own music online for free).
There is also a link for "Paid Subscription Services" and numerous articles about
finding legal music, how recording artists can still earn money while allowng their
music to be downloaded for free, and etc.
Good luck,
Emily Milla
Library Clerk
Escondido High School
Escondido, CA
<emilla@euhsd.k12.ca.us>
>>> Karen Walstein <mets53@COMCAST.NET> 10/10/05 11:36 AM >>>
Today the kids in school were talking about Limewire. When I asked
questions, they only knew it's where you can download music. I'm sure it
breaks copyright and it's probably like the original Napster. So, my
question is what else do you know about Limewire? If you download songs can
you pick up virus, etc.? I'd like to talk to the kids intelligently about
the subject and persuade them it shouldn't be used.
Thanks,
Karen Walstein, Teacher-Librarian
Old Bridge Public Schools
Old Bridge, NJ
mets53@comcast.net
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