10 Ways To Protect Your Computer While You Use File Sharing Programs

In these times when we often talk about the security of our national borders, perhaps more thought should be given to something that labors under a more constant threat of assault: your computer.
As a computer technician, my opinion of most file sharing programs is pretty low. Most of them have few computer security options, if any. In addition to that, many computer security companies (including Symantec, makers of the famous Norton Antivirus software) have confirmed that many P2P programs contain spyware. And if you have a broadband connection, you're even more vulnerable than dial-up users to download a virus.
However, I feel I should provide a few tips to those brave souls who continue to use file sharing programs, despite the ever-present possibility of downloading a virus that can remotely control your computer, transfer your personal information to a third party, or just delete your entire hard drive.
Here's a list of the 10 best tips you can follow to reduce your chances of getting a virus while you engage in 'traditional' file sharing. I'll break the tips into 3 sections: what to do before you download the file sharing software, what to do after you download it, and what to do during your use of the software.
Of course, it's impossible to eliminate any possibility of getting a virus. But if you take a few precautionary steps, you might avoid some major problems.
BEFORE you download any file sharing software...
10 - Use anti-virus software AND anti-spyware programs
Hackers are getting smarter (and sneakier), and some viruses can go undetected by the best programs. That's why it's important to have multi-level support with 2 or more security programs. You'll be covered if you have a good anti-virus program, a good adware program, and a good firewall program, in addition to whatever firewall protection your operating system came with. Run the programs weekly, whether you notice a problem or not! If you use more than 1 lock on your front door, use more than 1 for your PC.
9 - Back up your computer BEFORE installing any new software
Let's assume that the software you plan to install has more viruses than an outhouse! If you need to restore your computer to its pre-software settings (after you delete the program, of course), then you should back up your system BEFORE you download any risky software. If you have Windows XP, use the System Restore ability to make the restoration a little easier.
8 - Review the software AND its manufacturer before you download
There are several anti-virus programs that actually contain spyware. The main reason people download software like that is because they never bothered to investigate the software maker or the program itself before they downloaded it. Look for reviews of the software and the company behind it, and ask several questions: does the software have advanced security settings, are there satisfied users who give it high ratings, has it won any industry awards, can it be completely uninstalled when you choose to delete it? These questions should be answered long before you even consider downloading a particular program. (see #6 and #7)
7 - Download all of your software from a reputable source
You can avoid a lot of heartache by choosing to download your software from a website with a great reputation. Websites like Download.com and Tucows.com both list programs that have been thoroughly tested before they're made available to the public, as well as useful reviews and recommendations. Like a grade school bully, you should let the nerds do your homework if you're unwilling to do it yourself.
AFTER you download the file sharing software...
6 - Modify file sharing program settings for maximum security
It's astonishing that so few users of file sharing software ever bother to review the software settings. NEVER use the default software settings because they're usually designed for the benefit of the community - you often get the lowest security, the slowest download speed, and the fewest search options. Make sure you alter these settings for maximum security. If the software doesn't allow you to do that, don't use it! Downloading P2P software is like inviting strangers into your house - you hope they'll do the right thing, but it's up to you to make sure they don't do the wrong thing.
5 - Avoid programs and other executable files when file sharing
Although it's tempting to download many types of computer programs (especially .EXE files), you must be careful. They can easily be modified to contain viruses. Downloading files that are popular (i.e. files that have been downloaded many times, or files that are on a "popular files" list) can also present problems because some viruses are programmed to change its title to that of a more popular file. For example, a hacker can easily rename a virus from "harddrivekiller.exe" to something more desirable, something like "PhotoShopInstaller.exe." Don't allow your greed to override your common sense (see #2 and #3).
4 - Look for adult and game files elsewhere
Adult files (i.e. files with explicit sexual content) and PC game files are the 2 most likely types of files to contain viruses, adware and spyware. Downloading them ANYWHERE on the internet is somewhat risky if you're not familiar with the source website, but trying to get them through P2P networks is like playing Russian roulette - you might escape the bullet for a while, but you'll get it eventually.
DURING your use of the file sharing software...
3 - Look at the file size and type when you download a file
P2P programs are full of files with inaccurate (and intentionally misleading) file names. But you can often spot a fake file by making sure the file has a corresponding file size and type. For example, most songs (not albums) and books shouldn't be greater than 10 megabytes (MBs) in size, and they shouldn't be executable files, either. If you want to download a copy of the Bible, but it's 15MB in size and it has a .EXE file extension, it's probably a virus, not a book.
2 - Read user reviews of each download file
Most people don't realize that you can read user reviews of a file before you download it. There's no single file sharing protocol, so I can't tell you exactly where you should look. But look for any links that say "User Comments," "File Reviews" or something similar, and read what others are saying about the downloaded file. They can warn you if the file is corrupt, if it has an inaccurate file title or description, contains a virus, etc.
1 - Be observant about your computer and its behavior
Has your computer been acting 'weird' lately? Has a new folder or icon appeared on your desktop? Are you unable to access or delete certain folders? These symptoms could be the first signs that you have a virus. Be grateful that you caught the warning signs, and act quickly! Delete the file, run your anti-virus and adware software, and restore your pre-download computer settings. Hopefully, you followed tips #10 and #9 before you started to experience a problem.
I hope these tips are useful to you. As I stated earlier, you'll always be vulnerable to many types of viruses when you engage in traditional file sharing, regardless of how careful you are. But, if you follow these tips, you can significantly reduce any problems you might experience. Happy file hunting!

Ken Walker is a certified computer technician who specializes in file sharing and computer security. He's the author of the "Next Level File Sharing List" - the most comprehensive collection of file sharing websites, tips and tricks - available exclusively at [http://www.NextLevelFileSharing.com]. He is based in New York City.