The Internet is a fantastic resource and you may find things that you want to download to your computer.

When you download something, your virus protection should warn you if there is a problem with the file, but some viruses slip through the net, so always scan any new files before opening them on your computer.

There are lots of websites that seem to offer free music, videos or software, but beware; you rarely get something for nothing and it could lead to more trouble!

Although file sharing is a legal technology with legal uses, many people use it to download and share copyrighted materials without permission, such as MP3 music hits and blockbuster movies. The police, the media and related authorities are aware of this and are clamping down on illegal file sharing. One method they are using is to monitor the downloads from well-known sites that are breaking the law. In some instances, individual downloaders have been sued for illegally downloading files from sites such as Kazaa, Napster, BitTorrent, Lime Wire and Morpheus.

During 2008, the UK government tried to bring in laws that would allow illegal downloaders to be banned from using an Internet connection altogether as well as imposing criminal charges against them.

If you are in doubt, do not download the file. Better to be safe than sorry!

For more general advice see the following website:

• www.pro-music.org

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