Quick Facts

Peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing allows users to share files online through an informal network of computers running the same software. File-sharing can give you access to a wealth of information, but it also has a number of risks. You could download copyright-protected material, pornography, or viruses without meaning to. Or you could mistakenly allow other people to copy files you don't mean to share.

Choose good passwords and keep them safe

Your password is more than just a key to your online account. If your password falls into the wrong hands, someone can easily impersonate you online, sign your name to online service agreements or contracts, buy merchandise with your credit card, or lock you out of your Yahoo! account. Choose a password that would be difficult for anyone else to guess and treat it as personal, confidential information.

If you haven't installed anti-virus software on your computer, do it now. Anti-virus software can detect many — but not all — forms of malicious software before they have a chance to affect your computer. When you purchase anti-virus software, look for one that includes anti-spyware. Most anti-virus software can automatically download updates for you. Check to make sure your software is downloading updates correctly.