Createrson

I'm inexperienced:

Should I change my IP address right before and right after a p2p download? Would that increase my level of security when using a utility like the one at thepiratebay.org?

Please note: my IP address is comprised of anywhere between 8 and 10 numbers. I can never change the first seven numbers: 75.85.175. Those seven numbers always remain the same.

Note that I live in California, have high speed
cable with Time Warner and have zero experience
with p2p file sharing. Thanks for any of your advice.

Freedom_User

Turn your modem box off for a couple of minutes. It will restart with a fresh IP. Go to IP Chicken - Whats my IP address? ip address lookup to see if your IP has changed.

If your IP changes only by one number, than you are free from someone connecting to your computer and upload some sort of virus. Good luck.

Edit:
Also, sounds to me like you need some sort of Anti-Virus. If you need one, PM me and I can give you a pirated copy of some of the best A/V's on the market.

__________________
The feds continually use and twist this simple clause as an excuse to expand their own power - at the expense of our liberty.

"If you shot a ton of pot to the Sun, will it burn up and get everyone high?"

Createrson

Thanks and that's very very kind of you. But security in the form of protection from spyware and viruses was not what I was alluding to. I'm talking about the type of security that is completely different. The type where a corporation can't track you, send you a threatening letter or send a lawyer knocking at your door.

Darque Pervert

I perfer MoanMyIP.com - Sexy Girls Moaning Your IP Address!

__________________

Life is always a spiral. It's the choices of the individual as to whether that spiral is aimed up or down.

Freedom_User

Fucking A! I believe I'll be checking my IP daily now. LOL

SpiralArchitect

Make sure you are running a IP blocker too. If you have one of those I don't think changing your IP address often will be of much use, as your already mostly protected. You can never be too safe though.

Phoenix Labs » PeerGuardian 2

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SpiralArchitect

Look no further than post #3.

Perhaps this may be of help as well

How to Protect your IP address for Free

shibshib

First off... unless you are a heavy torrent user, your chances of actually being caught are minimal.

Second off... even if you did get a new IP before and After you downloaded... that does not "hide" you whatsoever. Your ISP keeps records of which IP was leased to which client. So this is just a waste of time, really. (It's good to get fresh IP's now and then, IMHO... but to do one before and after is pointless).

Third... don't be so afraid of getting caught. Worst case scenario is you get your internet shut off (thats if you have a really pissy ISP).

I've gotten--and torn up--3 letters so far. 1 from MPAA and 2 from RIAA (both through my ISP).

Again... IANAL... but I'm still a downloadin' machine.

Createrson

Shibshib, a lot of other people on the 'net echo each and everyone of your sentiments. Suffice to say that I've been doing a lot of research on this subject since I last viewed this thread. So thanks for your post.
If you don't mind me asking: when it comes to downloading using a tracker like thepiratebay.org, how do you feel about a person downloading the more popular photo editing and video editing programs out there? And what about DVD tutorials that instruct people on how to use a photo/video editing program? Should I stay away from all of those, would you categorize those as being high risk material?
For instance: I was told that new movies are high risk material. Not old movies, just new ones. Might the aformentioned editing and tutorial DVD programs be high risk? If you don't know that's okay, too.

shibshib

Again... keep in mind that no one has ever been sued/lost in court for downloading.

Well, let me rephrase... only 1 person has, but she was an idiot that used Kazaa with her paypal account name or something.

The fact is that all you need to do, if you ever are sent a letter, is make it clear that you know your rights and you understand that an IP does *not* equal a person. It's just as blatant as that. I have done alot of research on this as well before I decided to tear up those angry letters (most of the articles i found via techdirt.com). But yeah, its just most profitable for the RIAA/MPAA/etc. to scare people who don't know their rights than it is for them to actually go to court.

There are other easier and more private methods to downloading, but in fear of crossing the line on this forums, I won't post them publicly.