Peer-to-peer (P2P) filesharing software such as Gnutella, LimeWire, BitTorrent or AresWarez may seem like a convenient way to download music and movies, but this convenience is a double-edged sword.

When you download files using filesharing programs, those files are shared with everyone else on the Internet. Copyright holders are vigilant and are always poised to pursue legal action against people--including you--who are sharing these files.

Legal Risks
Sharing files without the permission of the copyright owner puts you at risk of a criminal and/or civil lawsuit. Unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material also violates the university's Acceptable Use Policy. Those who violate this policy are subject to further disciplinary action by Student Judicial Affairs.

Security Risks
Filesharing applications expose you to unnecessary security risks. Some successful computer viruses propagate through filesharing networks now. Computers that are infected with viruses are removed from the university's network until the virus can be removed.

Need Help?
Do you need help removing filesharing-related virus infections?

If you are a student living in University Housing, contact ResNet at 346-4223.

All other UO students can contact the Help Desk at 346-HELP.

Extensive clean-up jobs are usually referred to the Electronics Shop in 151 McKenzie Hall, where technicians remove viruses and malware for a fee.