by Rachelle de Bretagne

Created on: October 26, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2011

Everyone wants to get on the bandwagon and download music and movies from all over the world for free. Programs like Limeware not only encourage users to do this, but they also encourage people to break the law. While there are those who argue that if software manufacturers create these programs for users to take advantage of, there is no harm done, this is not a valid argument when faced with fines for the downloads that you perform. This article goes into the legalities and also into the dangers of Limeware, as there are many areas which are not clear to Internet users.

Geographical differences.

Did you know that while in one country it may be legal to download paid for items, it will mean differences in law depending upon where you live. As a general rule, if you can download material which is protected by copyright law without payment, then you are breaking the law. The makers of movies do not give away their programs free of charge, and believing that they do is absurd.

Movies.

The Internet is being searched for people who share copyrighted material. Did you know that your home can be entered and searched if violations occur? They can and they do on a regular basis. This must be sufficient deterrent for those who share their movies with other Internet users and yet day after day, millions of people across the world flaunt these copyright rules and share movies which are newly released.

There is no financial gain to be made from allowing your files to be copied, but the price of being caught can be enormous. The authorities are looking for those people who share big time and if you are among these, it may be worth re-thinking your sharing as it could cost you dearly.

Music.

By the same token, newly released music and music from established artists is not given away for free. Often people browse torrent sites, though the torrent sites (or many of them) gain money from you clicking on advertisements for porn sites, as well as offering you free downloads. Much of what you find on these sites can be downloaded legally, though you should look for sites which ask you a fee per track, or if in doubt go to reputable sites like Amazon and listen to tracks, before buying them. Music is not produced so that Limewire users can copy them for free, and it is against the law.

Accidental file sharing.

Did you know that if you do not take care of your settings, you can share whatever is on your computer with total strangers? Some people, with very little knowledge of how

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