richpull200

I recently recieved a letter in the mail from Cablevision which is my ISP for Optimum Online which contained a letter forwarded from Symantec regarding the suspicion of an illegal download of their Systemworks 2004 program. I was bewildered that corporations snoop on these networks. The letter showed the P2P signature and the file name and said that this is proof that I illegally downloaded their software. The two problems with what they call proof are:
1). They don't have the binary of the file. They only know that I downloaded a large zip file called "Norton Systemworks 2004", but that could just be an improper name or a zip file which contains an instructional video on how to use that product.
2). I own Systemworks 2004, but I lost the CD key and when tried to re-install it I couldn't. So its not a copyright violation at all. I am just trying to keep my rights to the use of the program.

I sent them a long well-written letter explaining that they should include the CD-key on the actual CD rather than pasting it to a paper CD sleeve. Arggg. I hope I don't get sued. Don't download Symantec's software over any P2P networks.

BloodNOil

Which network were you using? some are more secure than others.

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twistedkarma

just use a p2p filesharing program that doesnt use a centralized server..emule doesnt,thats just one there are some others.

PsYcHoLoGiCaL

Wow, that sucks is there any way that you can post a copy of the email? This is the first I've heard of a software vender actually checking for piracy in this manner. Also I guess I'll use this post to let people know that it seems like the MPAA is starting some schemeing on suprnova.org (and possibly other networks), I've had peer guardian block 2 connections for Sony, and 1 from MGM. Be careful everyone.

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drdoug99

or dont use symantec lol

i've never used it, but many people say its way too bloated and stuff

I knew the RIAA went crazy suing people, but not computer software companies...that sucks.

cs88

Say that you have a WiFi base station on your network. If they threaten legal action you can deleate the file and blame war drivers, this has never happened to me, but I would think that the wardriver statement would be enough to keep them from running forensic tools on your hard drive (or if your really parinoid get another hard drive, copy what you need, and then melt the platters of the old one)

Also, there is a marketing research comany that tracks kazaa song downloads, so dont think your safe on any network becuase it is de-centralized

Higher Logic

Bah, anti-virus software sucks. I've never had a virus, and I never use AV software. It's the user who is the virus, they are the ones who allow **** to get all on the computer. Just be smart about it...

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PsYcHoLoGiCaL

Do you use Microsoft? If so you better have AV. Anti-Virus in general is a good thing to have, everyone should have it, however I would recomend against things like Norton or Mcafee, go with something light weight I recomend this free anti-virus solution http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/.