Mp3 Players and Digital Music  » Legal Music Download Sites VS P2P File Sharing.

Legal Music Download Sites VS P2P File Sharing.

This article compares the differences between legal music

download sites VS file sharing networks.

1) Music files available for download:

The p2p file sharing networks heavily out number the legal music

sites when it comes to the amount of files available for

download. A p2p application provides millions of unlimited mp3

music files, while a legal music download site provides

legitimately licensed music files in the hundreds of thousands.

2) The cost of downloading music:

You can download p2p file sharing networks for free, or for a

very cheap one-time fee. A legal music download site is usually

either "subscription-based" or "pay-per-download". A legal site

will also usually charge extra for the ability to rip or burn

music.

3) Variety of files available for download:

A legal music site mainly provides ONLY music files for

downloading. A p2p application gives you, besides music files,

will also usually charge extra for the ability to rip or burn...

full movie, game, video, software, TV show and ring-tone files

to download as well.

4) Legal Issues & Controversy:

Legitimate legal music download sites are completely free of

controversy and 100% legal to use. P2p file sharing networks,

while legal, are not without lawsuit concerns and controversy

due to how the file sharing technology can be used.

If you choose to use a p2p file sharing program, there are

potential risks you need to be aware of, including:

Lawsuit Risks - Peer to peer file sharing networks have

been ruled legal in a court of law. However, if you download and

share "copyrighted material" you could risk becoming targeted,

and possibly sued, by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association

of America).

Virus And Privacy Risks - In using a file sharing

application, you risk the possibility of installing harmful

spyware, viruses, worms and malware on your computer. And if

that's not bad enough, many p2p applications also leave you

exposed to online hackers and identity thieves that can steal

you personal information.

Legal Music Download Sites VS P2P File Sharing - Summary:

At first glance the p2p file sharing networks may seem to offer

an easy way to get unlimited free file downloads. But remember,

nothing is really free and this is especially true with the p2p

file sharing applications. The file sharing programs come with a

price of increased privacy and security threats, and potential

RIAA lawsuit risks.

The legitimately licensed music sites, that provides downloads

of music legally licensed from the record labels and artists

themselves, are the only way to get safe and legal music

downloads online.

About the author:

Article by Anna Rowe, webmaster of a popular online music

download site that provides free mp3 music download reviews and

quality online music download solutions.