P2P networking clients, Kazaa, Gnutella etc.

We have noticed that a number of W3Z users are using P2P networking systems such as 'Kazaa' , 'Gnutella' and others. Unlike other ISPs W3Z does not barr these services, nor do we charge a premium rate for allowing use of these services.

P2P networking can be a very useful and fun facility; however it does raise some issues which users should be aware of.

These systems can, if not carefully controlled represent a very serious security risk to your computer, in effect P2P software must by its very nature make a 'hole' through any firewalls between you and the internet.

The use of a 'personal firewall' or a 'NAT firewall', as included in the routers supplied by W3Z will be no protection as the hole produced in any firewall by P2P networking can allow malicious users to gain access to your computer.

Our advice to P2P users is to regularly check their systems for virus / trojan infection using up to date antivirus software. W3Z does not currently supply such antivirus software, however we can recommend Grisoft's AVG package, which provides good basic protection and is free to download and update.

AVG can be downloaded at http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php. Once you have installed antivirus software don't forget to update it and use it regularly.

P2P network users should remember that the nature of P2P means that a firewall provides little protection, and will not prevent infection; your best defence is to catch any infection early by running regular virus checks. If you are not able to carry out regular antivirus checks and to keep your antivirus software up to date we would urge you to consider not making use of P2P networking.

Whilst on the subject of P2P it is worth remembering that using this (or any other) method to 'share' or distribute copyrighted material is against the law. W3Z will fully co-operate with the authorities in identifying any individuals using our network to facilitate this form of theft. W3Z users may be interested in the following links.

This is a download link for 'spybot search and destroy' an excellent free 'spyware' removal utility. If you are plagued by dozens of irritating popup adverts every time you switch on this utility may help you.

From this link you can download 'Zone Alarm' , a good free personal firewall providing basic protection. Remember that the security provided by Zone Alarm will be bypassed by any P2P application you may run!

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