IP Blockers and......

[eduardo]

I have been told by a mate to download an IP address blocker like Peer Guardian or Blockpost.

Now he didn't really tell me why and I'm not sure what they do apart from the obvious thing of blocking IP addresses but why block them in the first place.

I've done a Google search but I'm more confused now than ever.

Anyone help me with what they do, why and how and if it's worthwhile installing one.

Any help would be appreciated.

[Guilbert]

I had never heard of them before, but a quick search reveled the following.

They are mainly used by people who do a lot of P2P file sharing (Kazaa
etc).

They seem to be tools to block your machine from being searched by certain
companies and organization who are trying to stop file sharing.

They work by blocking the IP address of known companies, although the
list does seem to need to be updated on a regular basis, rather like you
need to regularly update your anti-virus list.

Guilbert

[Deuce Bigolo]

I think its safe to say that if your going to use any P2Ps then you should run some sort of specific security so those companies looking to take someone down for copyright violations don't come knocking on your door

Another which is similar and meant to be easier(than Peer Guardian) on your Computers resources is proto wall

I'd also say Spyguard is well worth running to stop any undesirables from entering your computer(in real time) when you download of a P2P
although it comes with a warning that is a work in progress and there other program Spyblaster is less likley to cause conflicts with other software



cheers
B....OZ

[eduardo]

Okay thanks to the two of you for your help.

As I don't use file sharing sites that often (I may download maybe 1 album a month max) then there's probably no need to run that programme on my PC.

Thanks again.

[Deuce Bigolo]

Minimal downloaders aren't likely to be targeted but never say never as copyright violations are still breaking the law no matter how small they may appear to you

If your sharing the downloads with others via a permanent broadband connection I'd certainly take every security precaution possible because if they find you theres no telling what you might cop

cheers
B....OZ