How to Avoid Getting a Virus from Limewire

clarissa
It's a big controversy: "Can Limewire give your computer a virus?" Years ago, when filesharing programs like Kazaa and Limewire first started to become popular, the answer was a loud and clear "yes." Programs like Limewire and Kazaa could definitely give your computer a virus. But now, limewire's website says that it is absolutely safe to use and that it definitely will not cause your compute to get any viruses. But the real question is, can you believe that? Maybe you can't. Here's how to avoid getting a virus from Limewire.

First, it's a good idea to explain why you can get a virus from limewire. Anytime you download something from another person's computer, you risk getting a virus. There's really nothing Limewire can do to stop that from happening. Limewire can install all of the Anti virus programs it wants to. But since new viruses come out everyday, Limewire's antivirus programs can't possibly catch them all. So basically, if you are downloading limewire files onto your computer, you're putting your computer in the hands of malicious viruses. But here's what you can do to keep your computer safe.

Download only what you intended to download in the first place. That means if you approached limewire looking for a game to download, don't be swayed into downloading a movie or some music. You have to be prepared to look for certain files with viruses. For instance, a video game download is likely to have a lot of virus contained in it, about 50-70% of the content to be exact. However, as far as music downloads go, they most likely have a a smaller virus content than games. Generally , a music virus is approximately 1 mb in size while music content is about 5-10mb in size. If you avoid downloading music files that are only 1mb in size, you will avoid downloading most limewire music viruses.

Keep you own antivirus software up to date by buying programs like Norton Antivirus or Windows Defender. Be sure to run the Norton Antivirus live update program regularly.

Consider using torrents. People usually comment on this type of shareware. Therefore, you'll know if a particular file has a history of being a virus or if a certain user has a history of sending viruses disguised as music or video files.

You also want to make sure you have the latest and greatest spyware protection. That's because viruses aren't the only things Limewire is notorious for. Some spyware can be just as harmful as the most destructive virus.

Limewire can be a fun program to have on your computer but you just don't want to be naive. Just because the Limewire website says Limewire is virus free doesn't mean your computer is safe. You have to stay educated and you have to protect yourself.

Published by clarissa

Clarissa's been writing for over 10 years in several different sectors including her college newspapers, local magazines, and online media.  View profile

5 Comments

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  • HELPPP1/25/2011

    does limewire slow down ur computer??? is there any other website that safer and faster then limewire?? thank you.

  • RuggyJ3/22/2010

    Thanks! Such advice can help a lot

  • ReyFufu11/13/2008

    Can you find the source of that 50%-70% statistic you have up there, about halfway through paragraph 3?

  • SHAGGY10/8/2008

    ya.

  • Meki g6/7/2008

    Thanks for the great advice!

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