Every day, millions of computer users share files in online. Whether it is music, games, or software, file-sharing can offer people access to a wealth of information. To share files through a P2P network, you download particular software that connects your computer to other computers running the same software. Millions of users could be linked to each other through this software at one time. The software often is gratis.

Sounds promising, right? Maybe, but make sure that you believe the trade-offs. On Guard Online cautions that file-sharing can have a number of risks? For example, when you are connected to file-sharing programs, you may mistakenly allow others to copy private files - even giving access to entire folders and subfolders - you never planned to share.

You may download material that is protected by copyright laws and find yourself delayed in legal issues. You may download a virus or make easy to security breach. Or you may unwittingly download pornography labeled as something else.