P2P

Peer to peer networking has become very popular amongst children. The programs required to join a P2P community can be downloaded off the Internet and easily installed on home computers. Files (such as music-video or pictures can easily be located, downloaded and then shared out to others. Large quantities of people can become members of P2P communities thus increasing communication opportunities for kids.

Many Peer to peer programs today can share all sorts of files regardless of how big they are. This may include music and video games, Word and Acrobat documents as well as computer programs. Please note that all content that is available on some p2p networks may not be suitable for children and caution is recommended when using such applications. Peer-to-peer networks are online communities where members share, search and download files which are located on their computers.

Many p2p programs today can share all sorts of files regardless of how big they are. This may include music and video games, Word and Acrobat documents as well as computer programs. Please note that all content that is available on some p2p networks may not be suitable for children and caution is recommended when using such applications. Gnutella, Kazaa, Filetopia, Limewire and Bit Torrent are just a few common ones.

There are both obvious and hidden dangers that exist. Wrong Files There is often confusion between what you think you are downloading and what is actually downloaded. Names and descriptions for files can be misleading and you could end up with inappropriate materials. Viruses – Often a virus can be attached to a file that is shared across the network.

Kids need guidance before they start and when they are using P2P programs and networks. Ensure you understand the potential dangers of P2P networking and have knowledge of how P2P communities work. Investigate the popular P2P programs or the particular one which your children wish to use. Determine the level of parental controls you can apply to the P2P program.