360 Share

[Salamander]

A friend of mine is trying to get me to download 360share, a p2p program.
Has anyone heard of it? Is it free to download and use and is it legal?

[Buenchico]

Don't bother. 360Share states that their software is free but you have to pay for 'support'. This costs �17.88 for 'lifetime membership' but they also suggest that you need their 'codec pack' (�8.97) and their 'download protection' (�6.97).

What you actually get is a program which enables you to connect to the Gnutella p2p network. That's exactly what what programs like Limewire and Bearshare do for free!

Almost every file available on P2P networks is protected by copyright. Downloading any of these files is illegal but it's normally only a civil offence (i.e. you can be sued but you can't be fined or sent to prison). It only becomes a criminal offence if you download files 'in the course of a business' or if you do it 'to such an extent as to affect prejudicially the owner of the copyright'. (i.e. on a large scale).

However, all P2P software works on the basis that, while you're downloading files from other people on the network, the P2P files on your PC are available for other people to copy. This is uploading or, in the eyes of the law, distribution, which is a criminal offence which can result in fines or imprisonment.

Chris

[hibeeslass]

Hiya,
I use 360share and have done for a couple of years. I paid �13.00 for the lifetime membership and although i could have got the same thing for free elswhere i have to say i have never had a bit of bother with it (touchwood). Not being the most knowledegable of how all these things work i find it easy to work and quick, thought you might be interested to hear another take on the subject is all.