KazaaLite and kin... [Archive] - The PC Guide Discussion Forums

YODA74

08-23-2003, 07:47 PM

Ohhh come on give it a rest people.. Yes I agree it is crap and deserves to be banished but you talk about stiffling free speach???
This board has gone down hill when you start demanding that people conform to your point of view...you better think about what your saying here. there are a lot of people that use Kazaa lite or other wise here... personally i think it is loaded with junk. but that is my opinion. Other people swear by it,,Is the board turning into socialism now?? I mean really what hasen't been cracked????????? MJC I have always respected you but this is a question that needs to be addressed or in better terms don't tread on me.

mjc

08-23-2003, 08:15 PM

Ok.. here goes....

Kazaa in its EULA discusses that the spyware components are integral and removing them is in violation of that EULA and probably will break the software (actually in the latest versions it won't run with the dummy dll).

KazaaLite and its kin, in order to run without the software must be "cracked".

Cracking, hacking and such have always been one area here that has been restritcted, bannable etc...

I don't really care if it is discussed, just don't post the link...it is easily findable with Google (http://www.google.com)

YODA74

08-23-2003, 08:27 PM

I don't really care if it is discussed

Hmmm ubelievable

andyswork@beci.net

08-25-2003, 10:17 PM

No, matter how you look at it you are stealing, which is wrong.
We have killed alot of virius from these types of programs.
I agree in free speech, but will not promote stealing.

ixl

08-26-2003, 06:27 PM

Ohhh come on give it a rest people.. Yes I agree it is crap and deserves to be banished but you talk about stiffling free speach???

Freedom of the press belongs to those who own one. This is my press, and you have only the freedom of speech that I, as the publisher, and MJC and Paleo Pete, as my designated moderators, grant you.

Simply put, we have the right to do whatever we damned well please. I am not the President and this is not the Federal Government and you have no freedom of speech here. The fact is that we NEVER abuse this power but the policy of these forums has ALWAYS been that posting links to or advertising cracked or illegal software of any kind was not permitted. We have ALWAYS deleted such links. Mike is only reiterating what should be obvious to everyone already.

MJC I have always respected you but this is a question that needs to be addressed or in better terms don't tread on me.

"Don't tread on you"?

I love people who claim to be against socialism in one breath and in the other try to tell the people who run a PRIVATE forum that they use for FREE what they can and cannot do in running it?

If you don't like the way this place is run, Yoda, feel free to politely express your opinions and we will certainly consider them. If you think it's gone downhill, the door's over there. Start your own forum and you can talk about whatever YOU want there.

Charles

Abbadon

08-27-2003, 03:30 AM

We can discuss hacked/cracked software all we like, just not link to it 'cause its illegal software. Seems fairly normal to me... I don't think anyone would disagree if the forumusers were told not to post links to sites where you can download the latest games & gamekeyes for free. Same rules obviously apply to Kazaa.

Sheesh :rolleyes:

mjc

08-27-2003, 12:39 PM

People can talk about cracked games, but not how to, where to....they exist and often are a source of trouble, because often they are more than the downloader bargained for...so it would be kind of stupid not being able to talk about them at all.

The same for KazzaLite. Unlike some other forums I visit, the mere mention of a product is not going to start a cascade of editing...(supplying the links will).

AteKnob

09-08-2003, 02:42 AM

So the software which I do (probably) or do not (unlikely) use to download illegal software is violating (therefore is of dubious legality) a software agreement for software couldn't be used anyway?
It is not like it is Hard to find.
Perhaps I should read EULAs more, heh.
As for cracked games, I have very little trouble of the malicious sort. Maybe I am lucky?

Paleo Pete

09-09-2003, 01:01 AM

So the software which I do (probably) or do not (unlikely) use to download illegal software is violating (therefore is of dubious legality) a software agreement for software couldn't be used anyway?

NOPE...The software doesn't do anything YOU don't tell it to do, so the software itself is violating no EULA. You are the one doing the downloading, YOU are the one responsible for any EULA violations or other illegal activity undertaken using your computer or software. The software cannot be held liable for YOUR actions.

The legality is not dubious at all, it's rather straightforward. The software may not be reverse engineered or otherwise altered from its original form as released by the original distributor. KazaaLite is a direct violation of that stipulation. The legality of you or any other person downloading and using it is also just as simple. The software is not in its original form and is not authorized by the company for use, therfore is illegal.

Perhaps I should read EULAs more, heh.

Excellent idea.

As for cracked games, I have very little trouble of the malicious sort. Maybe I am lucky?

Yes, very. The software mentioned in the original post is well known for having plenty spyware embedded, and some copies available on less reputable sites is rumored to also contain trojans and/or viruses. the websites themselves that post this type of software have a long standing reputation for using active scripting and/or java to install viruses and trojans in many cases. (Referring here to sites offering "cracked" software in general, not just KazaaLite.)

But you have missed the main point...or ignored it...

The policy of the PC Guide Discussion Forums has always been that posting links to cracks, warez or other types of illegal or pirated software is not tolerated. Period.

We must be able to discuss the various issues surrounding this type of software, since many of us have to deal with the less than desirable consequences on a regular basis. Any less would be a serious disservice to the both technicians and the casual readers of the forums, since all of us need to be informed about all the various aspects of the software and its problems. But we cannot and will not direct people to websites that offer it for download. That would be condoning and promoting illegal or pirated software.

FrankSG

09-14-2003, 10:45 PM

Charles, you have a right to run this forum any way you please. And you certainly have a right to impose any rules you choose--and I think you're doing a good job of it.

pop pop

09-18-2004, 09:07 PM

I must lead a sheltered life. I don't download cracked anything. I don't run cracked anything. I've only "heard" of Kazaa and EVERYTHING I've heard is BAD. End of story.

I've spent way too much time and money keeping my computers (and friends) free of CRAP to do something stupid like use or link (give tacit approval to) this type of garbage. The rules here are simple and expected to be understood even before the first post. Everyone else is free to do what ever they want within the constraints of those rules. I see absolutely no problem with them.

Budfred

09-18-2004, 10:05 PM

pop pop,

I absolutely agree with you... That said, did you notice the last post in this thread was a year ago?? :p :D

pop pop

09-19-2004, 12:03 AM

Whoops :( The new forum layout caused me to goof ...

I could blame it on booze, but I don't drink. Hey ... my heart was in the right place. :p

Donn

09-28-2004, 08:29 PM

Knowledge and awareness are timeless, Pop Pop.....rock on :p

ms-fixit

11-25-2004, 01:05 PM

Most professional tech support people are ethical and refuse to deal with illegal software. It hurts their reputation as solid dependable knowledgeable support people, and creates a certain negative "reputation" they wish to avoid. It's a nobrainer for me.

Do you know how many times I have been asked to fix computers that were messed up by illegal software, or copied operating cdroms, etc. I tell my clients straight up the benefits of buying legal software (such as free tech support, manuals, disks to reinstall the software!), or using GNU/GPL "freeware" programs and contributing to the computer community in a positive way. I also tell my clients I will work on systems that only have legal and legitimately obtained software.

One of the reasons some software is so expensive is becasue it has to be written and designed not to allow copying, cracking, etc driving up the cost for everyone. How would you feel if your car was repaired with cheap sub-standard parts that break down? It COSTS you way more money in the end doesn't it?

As for the forum being private and intolerant of negative, illegal, and piracy issues - that is one of the reasons *I* chose to sign up here. If you don't like the way these guys do their business don't let the door hit your @$$ on the way out. Don't blame good people for your own choices to come here and use this forum. You can chose to go elsewhere as easily as you can rant :)

papertech

01-23-2005, 05:54 PM

I know this thread was started long ago, but I just had to weigh in. In a way I like Kazaa and it's kin, because it creates a lot of work for me. I just racked up another hundred dollars stripping it and it's problems out of a customer's system. Of course it took more hours than I could bill for, but I'm always happy to get the opportunity to make easy bucks while watching TV!

123456

01-23-2005, 06:04 PM

mmm...kay...kazaa had my pc formatted. Then Limewire kills a dell 8200, (as many can see in the "Limewire killed the pc" topic. I use Warez....

Budfred

01-23-2005, 06:16 PM

Warez is NOT a good idea at all unless you are wanting to keep me and other malware fighters busy... Since we don't get paid, we would rather you didn't....

Read this if you feel you must use P2P...

http://www.spywareinfo.com/articles/p2p/

Fruss Tray Ted

01-23-2005, 07:54 PM

Here's the Editor's note at the download page of Download.com for Warez:

Editor's note: This download includes adware. Adware may record your surfing habits, deliver advertising, collect private information, or modify your system settings. Pay close attention to the end user license agreement and installation options. For more information on adware and spyware, please visit our Spyware Center.

papertech

01-23-2005, 09:31 PM

123456,
I was being a little sarcastic. The only thing I see good in Kazaa, etc. is the fact that it creates more business for me. All my clients who get it, end up paying me to clean it out of their systems. (Actually it's usually a kid or employee who downloads it, and usually without permission.)

I haven't come across Warez, yet. Can't wait! Mo' money!!!!

123456

01-24-2005, 04:31 PM

when you install warez, it asks you iff you want to install spyware. Unchecked it.

Budfred

01-24-2005, 11:17 PM

123456,

That does not guarantee that they didn't install it anyway or that you won't get a pile of stuff as you do file sharing...

Toysoldiers

01-29-2005, 07:44 AM

Can you tell me who can control that kind of p2p download system ? Thanks

Budfred

01-29-2005, 08:39 AM

Can you tell me who can control that kind of p2p download system ? Thanks Toysoldiers,
What do you mean?? P2P systems are distributed... The company that puts out the software maintains the software, but I don't think anyone is really in control... Is that what you are asking??

Toysoldiers

01-29-2005, 09:34 AM

Yes, I was asking about KaZaaLite.Thanks Bufred, your dogs look cool by the way.

Budfred

01-29-2005, 12:56 PM

Toysoldiers,

Did you read the rest of this thread?? KazaaLite is not legal and it opens the door to all the malware filth online even if it doesn't come with the filth attached directly.... I strongly suggest that you stay away from it...

Winob

01-29-2005, 02:22 PM

Budfred

01-29-2005, 05:54 PM

I never use KazaaLite for download but fileshare instead...Is this so-called file sharing system having something in common with his brother KazaaLite ? malware is always BAD to me, no matter how it reasons or is reasoned for its existence on the internet !
I am not really sure what you are asking here... If you are filesharing, you are downloading and uploading... If you are doing that on the Kazaa network, the chances that you will get infected at some point approaches 100%... Kazaa has what is probably the largest collection of infected files that you can find on the internet... Using Kazaa or KazaaLite means you will probably get infected and KazaaLite is an illegal crack as well...

If you really want to do file sharing, I suggest you read this:

http://www.spywareinfo.com/articles/p2p/

123456

01-30-2005, 10:02 AM

KazaA got 2 computers in da house reformatted...my sister's 8200, (Last summerish), and my mom's Dell t550. Almost-t450...
if you need to use something, try typing "antispyware p2p" at google and see what comes up...I suggest WinMX, btw...
Limewire is cracked, killing this 8200 I am on this instant.
iMesh is crack, puts spyware on the computer.
If you get Warez, just do a spywaer scan every week and you'll be fine...that is how it goes for my dad...

Budfred

01-30-2005, 11:10 AM

If you get Warez, just do a spywaer scan every week and you'll be fine...that is how it goes for my dad... No, if you use an infested system, you will eventually get infested... Spyware is only one type of infection and the scans don't get it all anyway... You can't make up for unsafe practices with scans....

Also, when you say "cracked" 123456, do you mean software that has been hacked into, modified and redistributed or do you mean software that is bad.... Cracked software actually refers to the first definition....

123456

01-30-2005, 11:21 AM

i meant software that is bad....

papertech

01-30-2005, 11:44 AM

When you belong to any P2P network, doesn't the network utilize your available resources on a constant basis (assuming you always have a live internet connection)?

Steve

01-30-2005, 12:41 PM

papertech,

I'm not really sure what you mean by available resources in this regard. If you have the p2p program running, the files you have set to share are of course available and the bandwidth associated with the upload and download of the files will be used.

In most p2p programs you can set a limit on how much bandwidth can be used. Of course, if you need the full resources of your computer at any time you can just shut down the program.

YODA74

02-04-2005, 03:53 PM

In case you are curious to see what is installed alongside Kazaa

http://www.spywareinfo.com/articles/kazaa/install.htm#TOC

jimmy5k

02-07-2005, 03:32 AM

I'm probably repeating what's been said. but its a calculated risk. i cant afford $200 for a virus scanner, another 500 for some firewall and so forth. i'm taking a risk using the copied applications, but some people out there cant afford a small fortune to be safe.

I'm in a place where piracy is rife. i've only seen 1 original OEM cd of XP-Pro. gaming companies release games here for $20-$50 after a few weeks. why do software engineering companies charge hundreds for their software? i dont condone this but, there is no sign that prices will drop at all. this is why people use pirated copies and warez and other p2p software. its a risk, but necessary sometimes. I for one will not release any sources of "dodgy" software but on the most dire circumstances.

we really need to ask "do you really need the program so badly that you'll risk your computer's stability?"

theres my 10 cents with interest

YODA74

02-07-2005, 11:10 AM

i cant afford $200 for a virus scanner, another 500 for some firewall

You don't need to spend money on firewall or an AV there are free one's that are as good if not Better than paid.Such as Avast,Sygate,ZoneAlarm, AVG etc......So having to pay for one is no excuse

why do software engineering companies charge hundreds for their software?

Well lets see If you spent Hrs and or month's or even years developing a piece of software wouldn't you think your time and trouble would be worth a measly 40 or 50 bucks??? There is no good reason for stealing someone else's hard work!!

usmcbizkid

11-02-2005, 06:48 PM

I Cannot Believe How Much Stuff Gets Installed With Kazaa.. Good Looking Out Yoda

jcnoernberg

01-11-2006, 03:06 PM

I'll keep this thread going for another year... just because I'm interested in the last question... This P2P software is controlled by SOMEONE. When they get sued the software is shutdown, how do they do that? Like with the original Napster, one day it was just gone. I thought, theoretically, the software could go on forever inside your PC

Puter Padowan

01-17-2006, 04:57 PM

I'm not a computer whiz. That's why I came to this site. Quite frankly...most of the advice and tech support I see given here would costs an astronomical amount of money if you hired a guy to come to your office/home and attempt to fix it. Then when he explains it to you and you see how simple it is...and you could have done it yourself in 5 minutes, THEN he says "Okay sir, I was hear 5 hrs, that's uhh... six hundred and fifty dollars"

Seeing how many people have made replies saying "Thanks, it worked" or "YES it's fixed now, thanks" not to mention the fact that I myself have recieved help quite a few times...tells me one thing. The powers that be who run this site, KNOW what they are talking about.

My point? Why would tech genius' who have been doing this sort of thing for years, who's primary concern is HELPING people SOLVE their pc issues actually support or allow links to software that could very possibly cause pc's to go insane?

Why are there even people in this forum arguing? Arguing about conforming to socialism? LOL give me a break. This is not a political discussion. This is not about who's right it is to say what or do whatever. This is not about "Wait a second..don't post Kazaa links? Lets look at the 26th amendment here and see what that says" It's simple. First off, no matter HOW you look at it... it is ILLEGAL to do what it lets you do. Plain and simple. SECONDLY... it's full of garbage that has the capability to destroy vital things on your system. THIRD if the powers that be have rules to follow on this site, you should respect them OR leave this forum and find another.

Sorry if I sound like a jerk to some of you... but really... Some of those comments were a little ridiculous. To the rest of you guys who have no interest in the earlier part of the forum discussion....sorry, lol And hopefully you won't have to deal with anything crazy eating away at your system.

the masses

02-12-2006, 03:47 AM

I know this thread is pretty old, but I don't understand why people don't get it! File sharing isn't necessarily free. You will probably pay for it in the long run. Maybe not with money directly, but probably indirectly (time is worth money to me). Kazaa, also, reformatted my hard drive a couple of years ago, but, tonight, it was Limewire. I came from my Dad's, and after cleaning his computer up (and restoring almost 50MB of memory used by background processes and a bug), I decided to look Limewire up. Here is a link to an article that I found, that any would be file sharers should see.
http://www.wfaa.com/s/dws/news/localnews/tv/stories/wfaa051122_mo_limewire.495ad3f.html

If at all possible, cross-platform. I like to use Mac for surfing and media, and PC for......well, whatever I have to.

pcwiz

02-13-2006, 09:05 PM

well, there are Internet Explorer and even Windows vulnerabilities that allow people to do a lot worse than that...you would not believe the amount of trojans that the average person has on their computer. Anyone who isn't informed enough to change security settings from the defaults in windows is asking for trouble...anyway, programs like LimeWire can be useful. If you own the music in another format, say on a record, but you don't have the knowledge, equipment or time to get it from the record to the CD. Kazaa is just useless, though, becayse there aren't nearly as many files on that network as there used to be, and what's there is mostly ridden with trojans and virii.

Budfred

02-14-2006, 12:10 AM

There is a difference between walking along through the jungle without adequate protection and being eaten by a lion versus jumping into the lion's cage to pet it...

When you use P2P software, you are opening yourself to every infection around and you better be really well armored if you expect to leave without damage...

pcwiz

02-14-2006, 06:55 PM

Well, using Limewire to download an ooccasional mp3 file has never harmed me...but then again I scan for spyware every night and use a software and a hardware firewall. I've never had any problems.
Actually, I do most of my music downloading in Linux anyway... :D

stefanus

02-15-2006, 09:13 AM

In case you are curious to see what is installed alongside Kazaa

http://www.spywareinfo.com/articles/kazaa/install.htm#TOC

In a previous post Budfred has already posted that link. I do not understnd quite what is required. People who have taken the time to initially post this thread re-Kaaza and Kaaza-lite have indicated that it is an illegal programme and is not wanted here. That should suffice for any one not to use it. In saying that. Use it; but not here! :>). Fore warned is fore armed. ;)

jcnoernberg

02-15-2006, 09:36 AM

it's all these simple to use fancy GUI filesharing programs that let the common joe-blow idiot download music and get everything banned and shutdown in a few months... started with napster.

mirc lacks the appeal and keeps the idiots away...

Paleo Pete

02-15-2006, 09:54 AM

Just spotted this, haven't taken a look at this thread in a while, but since it's still running...

When you belong to any P2P network, doesn't the network utilize your available resources on a constant basis

Sometimes, especially if that P2P network is Kazaa. If you check your system you may find BDE.sys (I think that's the correct filename). That is Brilliant Digital software that connects you to a "distributed computing network" designed to use your computer to send advertising to other people on the network. Along with P2Pnetworking.exe that's a pretty good drain on the system. Then add in all the spyware...My Way, Top Search, Gator, BDE, then whatever they download and install, and your computer is not only wide open to anyone with a little knowledge, but runs like a 386...

What I always try to get people to understand is that when you use P2P programs you are connecting your computer to a distributed computing network of one sort or another, no matter whether it's Kazaa, Limewire or whatever. That means any time someone on the net clicks on the link to look at whatever files you are sharing on your computer, a bit of tinkering (along with a little knowledge) and they are looking at the ENTIRE SYSTEM, not just that shared folder. All the trojans floating around cyberspace that eventually end up on your computer are mostly designed to make that kind of access easy...point and click rather than dive into command line utilities that require some in depth knowledge of the OS.

Those trojans and other malware files are also spread by being placed on users' computers, in the shared folder, as well as by sending themselves to others, since most of them are designed to look for network connections. Soon as the trojan "sees" someone else connect to your computer to look at your shared files, it sees a network connection and sends itself there. Most contemporary viruses do the same. (Remember bugbear? One computer on a network gets hit and in 10 seconds every computer on the network is infected.)

Also, back to resources, some of the trojans or worms perpetuated by P2P networks are spam bots, sitting there spewing out spam emails from your computer as long as it's online. Your 386 is now a 286...I've seen several in my shop that were so bad you would click the start button, go get a cup of coffee, check the mail and the start menu was just popping up after you wiped up your coffee spill...I'm serious, one machine took over 3 minutes to get a start menu...that particular one was so seriously infected I had no choice but reinstall the OS, and the customer had no backups, so everything was gone...including all those mp3 files, something like 6GB of them...

Then the customer asks, "OK, so how do I get music"? My response? BUY THE CD.

stefanus

02-21-2006, 03:05 PM

Just spotted this, haven't taken a look at this thread in a while, but since it's still running...

Sometimes, especially if that P2P network is Kazaa. If you check your system you may find BDE.sys (I think that's the correct filename). That is Brilliant Digital software that connects you to a "distributed computing network" designed to use your computer to send advertising to other people on the network. Along with P2Pnetworking.exe that's a pretty good drain on the system. Then add in all the spyware...My Way, Top Search, Gator, BDE, then whatever they download and install, and your computer is not only wide open to anyone with a little knowledge, but runs like a 386...

What I always try to get people to understand is that when you use P2P programs you are connecting your computer to a distributed computing network of one sort or another, no matter whether it's Kazaa, Limewire or whatever. That means any time someone on the net clicks on the link to look at whatever files you are sharing on your computer, a bit of tinkering (along with a little knowledge) and they are looking at the ENTIRE SYSTEM, not just that shared folder. All the trojans floating around cyberspace that eventually end up on your computer are mostly designed to make that kind of access easy...point and click rather than dive into command line utilities that require some in depth knowledge of the OS.

Those trojans and other malware files are also spread by being placed on users' computers, in the shared folder, as well as by sending themselves to others, since most of them are designed to look for network connections. Soon as the trojan "sees" someone else connect to your computer to look at your shared files, it sees a network connection and sends itself there. Most contemporary viruses do the same. (Remember bugbear? One computer on a network gets hit and in 10 seconds every computer on the network is infected.)

Also, back to resources, some of the trojans or worms perpetuated by P2P networks are spam bots, sitting there spewing out spam emails from your computer as long as it's online. Your 386 is now a 286...I've seen several in my shop that were so bad you would click the start button, go get a cup of coffee, check the mail and the start menu was just popping up after you wiped up your coffee spill...I'm serious, one machine took over 3 minutes to get a start menu...that particular one was so seriously infected I had no choice but reinstall the OS, and the customer had no backups, so everything was gone...including all those mp3 files, something like 6GB of them...

Then the customer asks, "OK, so how do I get music"? My response? BUY THE
CD.

What can one say! Except Laugh! Nice one PP!

;)

toxi

03-13-2006, 12:31 AM

I just found this forum and you people are pretty funny. :D I've been downloading warze, cracks and reg codes since around 97, started using p2p in around 99......
I've NEVER had much trouble with spyware, viruses, trojens.......malware of anykind. It's true that i've had my share of threats but seriously of around the 20,000 warze programs i've downloaded over the years, i've caught maby 20 trojens/viruses. The 30 or so spyware infections i've had are from software i knew had spyware/adware. (such as kazza, DAP, etc.) :rolleyes:
Hasn't been much of a problem considering I re-formating every 2 - 6 months, 8 months max, is part of my maintnence routine.
It's also true there are a lot of scripts, trojens and spyware assioated with the software, warze sites and p2p.....but with tools like antivir, zone alarm, ad-aware se, spybot - search & destroy, peerguardian, and commen sence, the fact that you can disable java in firefox, make all your p2p traffic go through 1 port on bit torrent, how can you not enjoy all the good free software, music and movies, not to mention tv rips out there.

btw....I stoped using kazza about 2 years ago, it was crazy trying to remove all the spyware, data minning, etc. it has and the content was getting old...limewire started to have fresher content in about 2004.

I do NOT view warze and p2p as stealing, I belive there always needs to be a free outlet for everything , namley commercial stuff so those that are financialy 'deprived' do not miss out on the cultural side effects of music, movies, games and software as long as they do not use them for anything other than privet use or profit from them.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The above was probably copyrighted by someone else... so sue me for thinking! ;)

Budfred

03-13-2006, 12:44 AM

toxi,

Assuming that you are not just trying to be funny... Your description of your procedures for stealing other people's work is a good example of why it is not a good idea to do what you say you are doing... If I understand you, you have had a number of malware problems, you reformat frequently to deal with these problems and you eventually gave up on some of the crapware because it was too much trouble even in the interest of stealing free stuff...

As for your argument that you believe you should be able to steal whatever you like because you don't have the money to go out and buy it, that argument is used by most of the people who are in jails for their crimes... There may still be some argument about whether downloading music is a crime, but there really is no serious argument that it is okay to steal other people's software for your own purposes... How is that different than walking into the computer store and walking out with a copy of MS Office tucked into your coat?? The fact that you have been online since at least '97 suggests that you are not all that poor anyway... Computers are not usually considered necessities that even the poor worry about as they struggle to put food on the table...

toxi

03-13-2006, 01:53 AM

Actually Budfred,
Using tools like antivir, zone alarm, ad-aware se, spybot - search & destroy, peerguardian and small things like disableing java, trying to make your communications go through as little ports as possible is commen sence security.
Security from what? Spyware, viruses, trojens, worms, scripts.......malware of anykind and hackers. All you need to do is simple everyday web browsing to contract worms, accidently stumble on a hostle site without knowing it and your web browser will automaticly accept a script that was written to gain knowlodge about you, gathered from your cookies, browsing history, the OS you have installed, what ports you have open, etc. etc.
Procedures for stealing stuff? Hardly!
Out of the 20 trojens/viruses I have had in 9 years AT least half of that where worms and ALL the spyware/adware I have contracted has been from shareware and adware. Virus scanners, adware scanners and commen scence downloading/web browsing, has, 90 out of 100 times caught the malware in warze before I exucute it anyway.
And how can a copy, of a copy, of a copy be stealing anyway? Is a photo illegal? Thats a copy of somthing.
As far as im concerned, your only stealing if you take the origional or the only one (of somthing) if somone has the origional. So how can warze really be considered as stealing? The only software i have removed because of malware has not been for warze either......you can get creative commens/open source/public domian stuff on p2p too you know.
I reformat frequently not because of malware but because im a power user. I always have installed a lot of programs, tried them, if I didn't like them I'd removed them......Programs, maleware or not, about 80% of the time usally leave stuff in the registry after an uninstall, lots of programs that are not malware leave junk files on the system that you never know if they are safe to remove and over time can really slow down a system with no spyware or other malware....so in a lot of ways a reformat IS like a spring cleanup....the more programs you install and uninstall the more often you should reformat....did i mention its good for security too?
I thought this thread was funny because right back till 2003 very few people who posted here where NOT scared of warze.
With the right tools and a security conciouse mind you are no worse off than simply web surfing or checking email. :p
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If copying is a crime, the whole internet and computers in general are illegal :rolleyes:

hockey man

03-13-2006, 01:58 AM

Amen! Post it Budfred. Toxi, if no one ever paid for the programs you take, then there would be no incentive to make them- so there would be nothing to steel. Just another perspective.

And how can a copy, of a copy, of a copy be stealing anyway? Um. . .becuase it is an ilegal copy. Doesn't matter how many copies were made from other copies, it is still ilegal.

toxi

03-13-2006, 02:01 AM

lol.....ever heard of open source :)

hockey man

03-13-2006, 02:05 AM

Yes, instead of useing ilegal software, get Linux, Firefox and open office. That will do all the esentials just fine.

toxi

03-13-2006, 02:31 AM

I personaly compose music, not for money but for a hobby, I dont care if people take my music for FREE even though I put a lot of effort into each song.....about 4 hours goes into 30 seconds - 1 min and 20 seconds......I put extensive work into my songs......and my heart and soul.....
Are you telling me hocky man if I made no money selling my songs, that i would have no desire to compose them?
You said it yourself......
Power: Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely....... That applies to the big record companys who charge a too much per cd, then people turn to the internet and p2p to get what they couldn't afford in the first place.....newbies get sued because of it....record companys says its because the artist isn't getting their money when the record companys take most of it before the artist even sees one penny of it.
The record companys fixs prices, hides the truth about it, spys on their customers and lies about that too and they expect us to follow the law, when they cant?
Sounds like hypocrisy to me
Did you know the RIAA even wanted to use the patriot act to spy on everyone (even people who do not buy their cds).
The MPAA is trying to use some of the same technics the RIAA has been using.
You people dont even know what your defending!!!
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When freedom is outlawed, only the outlaws will be free.
Live free or die. Death is not the worst of evils.

toxi

03-13-2006, 02:34 AM

Yes, instead of useing ilegal software, get Linux, Firefox and open office. That will do all the esentials just fine.

I have those already....Been using them for years

toxi

03-13-2006, 03:36 AM

Amen! Post it Budfred. Toxi, if no one ever paid for the programs you take, then there would be no incentive to make them- so there would be nothing to steel. Just another perspective.

Um. . .becuase it is an ilegal copy. Doesn't matter how many copies were made from other copies, it is still ilegal.
Does the same go for photo copies, tv shows you tape on vhs, songs you used to tape on the radio? I know you save a picture from time to time on the internet.
Who doesn't right??
The point is the tv shows, the radio shows, the books and magazines, you photocopy from are all copyrighted too. SO you are no different than me.
What about most of the content you see online, a substantial amount IS copied from website to website illegaly by webmasters.
And a lot of the software used by a lot of webmasters IS illegal software registered by illegal registration codes or cracked.
A lot of content you read online IS copyrighted in some form by an author and IS posted out of accourdence to the copyrights of the authors and is duplicated over and over again just so you can read it. The net as we know it depends on it.
Without copyright infrigements the net as we know it would not exist and you would NOT find the infomation you wanted as quick as you do.
I hope you relise that.
There is much freedom on the internet because of Warze and copyright infringment.
Take that away and the best technology we have ever created (the internet) and the best information repository (text, books, music, sounds, pictures, movies, software, etc.) we have starts to move in a backwards direction and dwindles.
Do you really want that?
Warze and copyright infringment are NOT a bad thing.
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When freedom is outlawed, only the outlaws will be free.
Live free or die. Death is not the worst of evils.

toxi

03-13-2006, 04:06 AM

I have mandrake linux 10, but use windows cause its more universal, (Its a windows world out there) I use firefox all the time cause 'in my opinion' its the most secure web browser and its open source, I use open office over microsoft office any day as its open source and is proberbly more stable.
I also have da gimp wich is open source but prefere to use a cracked version of paint shop pro 8 as I find it is easier to use.
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I ain't as stupid or naive as people would like to believe I am.

Budfred

03-13-2006, 09:04 AM

You can justify it all you want, but you are still stealing and that it is not acceptable to advocate that at PCGuide... If you wish to continue posting here, I suggest you drop it...

As I said earlier, there are still arguments about music that may be valid... Open source is open for general use and is available for free, so that is not stealing... If I decide I want to give away a bunch of Toyota Prius, I can do that as long as they are mine to give... If I steal them and then give them away, I am a thief and you are participating in that theft if you take one, especially if you know they are stolen...

The truth is that those of us who actually pay for the software are subsidizing those of you that steal that software... The price of the software has to compensate for all the thieves to make a reasonable profit so that they can continue to produce the work to create that software and updates... People who do open source are choosing to do that as volunteers, so they do not require pay and that is wonderful, but it doesn't excuse stealing from commercial ventures at all...

And by they way, I do know a bit about computer security... Over a much longer period of time than you are describing, I have had one computer infection on my home system... That was Welchia when I went for a few minutes without a firewall on... Don't assume that we all get infected like you do or that we all steal like you do...
Who doesn't right??
I don't...

You mix what is known legal use with your illegal use... You are no different than a shoplifter or embezzler... You try to do your theft so that no one can see it, but it is still criminal behavior...

hockey man

03-13-2006, 11:30 AM

Just for your information, everything on my pc is legit. I have purchased it all, or it is open source. So no; I don't steal.

paul_

04-11-2006, 06:51 PM

oi ve...

I have not put any P2Ps on my new computer and even used the internet (opera) sparingly, just to keep it running at top speed. I couldn't live with reformatting every month... hehe listen to me i'm just a gamer in a jock world :D

panther_base

04-18-2006, 07:07 AM

Originally Posted by Toxi
And how can a copy, of a copy, of a copy be stealing anyway?

Lets put this in a different light: you purchase a car from a person to person sale everything goes good, car runs great, your driving down the road when you get pulled over by the cops. They proceed to tell you the car is stolen and you're under arrest, you tell them "Well I just bought this car, I had no idea it was stolen". Guess what, you're still going to jail for recieving stolen property.... It doesn't matter who stole it, what ultimately matters is that it is stolen. I'm all for getting rid of the illegal copies of programs documents and other items on the net, contrary to what you say toxi it wouldn't bring the net crashing down it would ultimately save a lot of systems and headaches. There's A LOT of useful, LEGAL information out there it's just too bad one has to swift through all the garbage to find it. One of the reasons I joined this forum is because of it's approach to illegal downloading and warez programs. Budfred is right, you have such regular reformats BECAUSE of illegal downloading, malware, spyware, and adware. You said so yourself, you do regular reformats because of all the junk left on your computer. Lets face it, there is no real defense of illegal downloading, otherwise it wouldn't be called ILLEGAL DOWNLOADING......

On a last note, I COMPLETELY support the non-posting of links to these sites, all you guys here on this forum have assisted me in many ways and it's wrong for people to come in here and expect for you to condone actions that make your VOLUNTEERED assistance that much more difficult by posting this type of garbage..

NeWbiE :-)

03-19-2007, 01:57 PM

Budfred

03-19-2007, 08:34 PM

Wow, i must say Toxi puts up a good fight, there is alot of copyright infringment everywhere you look. I'm blessed to be a little younger and grown up in the CD era, but i remember the days when my older brother used to record songs on the radio to his cassette mix tape. And i still have VHS's of some of the most historic sporting events. Some of the illegally taped games i have may be worth alot of money some day no? The examples you give are considered "Fair use" and are legal... If your brother made multiple copies of those mix tapes and sold them, it would be illegal... Even if he stood on a street corner and gave them away, it would be illegal... Just making a copy for himself is legal... If you tried selling those VHS tapes, that would be illegal... however, since they are probably worthless, that probably wouldn't work anyway...

All of that said, this thread is almost a year old and has already been worked over pretty well... You may want to start a new one if you really want to address this issue...