Filesharing
Rants


After living on campus for some time, I heard a great deal of horror stories about people caught filesharing on the campus I-2 connection. "The MPAA/RIAA caught X!" would be exclaimed, and people would sob and quake in their boots. Well, I'm here to tell you pussies so afraid of big old Resnet and the RIAA that there's nothing to fear. You heard me right. Even with suprnova closing (mostly due to the MPAA), there are plenty of safe and quick ways to get those files you need like the electronic cocaine that it is to you people.

Here are some basic facts that you need to know about filesharing on campus:

FACT
Resnet does not scan for any illegal activity. They're more obsessed over blocking people for viruses than anything else. They will only care if the RIAA &c. sends a complaint notice. Even then, the first time is only a warning.

FACT
The RIAA has not successfully litgated against filesharers. All cases that have been not settled out of court are still pending.

FACT
The RIAA has a history of going for big sharers (1000+ of their songs). The fewer RIAA songs you have, the safer you are. RIAA Radar is a useful tool to find RIAA labels and avoid them if at all possible.


Here are some other tools for easy, safe filesharing:
PeerGuardian - an extra firewall that blocks most known litigating groups from accessing your computer (and your files).
Sygate Personal Firewall - you should have one of these already.
DC++ - useful for connecting to i2hub and other I-2 schools' private Direct-Connect hubs (a popular filesharing protocol among I-2 universities).

Now would you people quit bitching telling me it's not safe to file share on campus? Go watch your damned downloaded OC episodes or whatever the hell you do.

Nano Gnome, Jan 10 2005, 09:09 PM
Reader Comments

i know someone who got caught.
they caught him three times and suspended the internet use for his room. he had to use someone else's computer or go to a lab whenever he wanted to check his email.

Posted by: retiredperson [TypeKey Profile Page] on January 11, 2005 09:04 PM

Use PeerGuardian.

During my two years of living on campus I probably sucked down a good 200-300gb in ill-gotten goods, and I lived to talk about it.

The two or three people I know who got in hot water with ResNet had been sharing specific movies and were sent angry letters from the MPAA. These letters, of course, were sent care of ResNet. They were warned to not share any more files--no more than a slap on the wrist.

The MPAA knew what files they were sharing because they didn't have PeerGuardian watching their back.

Posted by: Nom de Guerre [TypeKey Profile Page] on January 12, 2005 04:32 PM

Although the RIAA has been mostly unsuccessful in all their suits, it does not mean filesharers who have been targeted walk away free. Some settle out of court, and most end up having to pay for legal counsel at the least. The fact is, as of now, if you are targeted by the RIAA its more of an inconvience if anything. It is true that Resnet doesn't scan users for shares and such, but they are required to comply with RIAA requests if they want to stay in business. Resnet will forward all RIAA requests to stop sharing media to the filesharer and with 3 strikes Resnet will cut your connection. Not getting caught is more of a convienence issue then a legal one. But on the other hand the RIAA could start winning court cases in the near future, and once they do they will be sure to prosecute your ass (you know they do keep records of who shares what - for the last few years).

Posted by: dbavaria [TypeKey Profile Page] on April 12, 2005 09:49 PM

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