MP3,P2P

Safe & Responsible Computing

MP3, P2P & File Sharing

You’ve probably heard these terms before but may not know what they are.

What is MP3?

It’s an abbreviation for MPEG 1 Layer 3.
It’s a type of file that compresses music to save space and speed up downloading.
MP3 files can be played on computers, some pda’s (personal digital assistant) and special MP3 players (heard of IPOD?).
Some are free and some charge a fee.
Some are legal and some are not.

What should parents be aware of about downloading MP3 files?

As with any file download, MP3 files can contain viruses that can harm your computer.

Some sites contain ads or other art work that you might find offensive and not appropriate for your family.

Some sites are not legal. The site does not have the permission of the record label or composer of the music to sell or give away the music. The recording industry is taking a tough stand on illegal downloads. Individuals who illegally copy music – knowingly or not – can face criminal prosecution and civil suit.

What was that about “some are legal and some are not??

You can search the Internet for “free legal music downloads” and get a list of resources that claim to be both “free and legal.” While we cannot give legal advice or guarantee the legitimacy of these types of sites – we can offer some general guidelines.

When a site is legal – the music they make available has been provided by the music industry – either the record label or recording artist.

Illegal sites have music that is copied from a cd and posted to a website either for sale or illegal downloading. The quality of this music will not be as good as the original files provided legally.

What is file sharing and P2P?

P2P is a computer networking term that literally means “peer-to-peer.” Its original use describes a network of computers linked to each other before the use of client server architecture.

Its use in regards to file sharing means “people to people.” So, P2P file sharing is simply sharing files among people. And file sharing is simply swapping or trading files with other users. Sharing is good, right? Well, not necessarily.

Some recording artists are making the case that file sharing is a violation copyright laws. When you buy music, whether on line or at the store, you are buying the right for your use. You have the right to listen to the music whenever you want. But because you do not own the copyright to the music, you cannot sell it or profit from it in anyway. When you trade that piece of music with a friend – you are in fact, profiting from the exchange.

Once again – we cannot give legal advice but want you to be aware of the issues regarding file sharing and P2P. The Recording Industry Association of America is taking a strong stand against copyright violations and is vigorously defending the rights of music industry in this regard.