Suffolk University does not endorse nor encourage the use of file sharing applications such as KaZaA and LimeWire. The University does encourage you to uninstall any such application you may have on your computer. There are inherent risks in using such applications, including, legal ramifications and network degradation. If you still choose to use any of these applications you must not use them in server mode.

 The University network has a large amount of bandwidth(amount of network traffic)allocated for internet use, however, file sharing applications such as BitTorrent, KaZaA, LimeWire, etc. all use a big share of this bandwidth, which degrades the entire network. It is important to understand that when you are using these programs you are affecting not only your own connection, but other residents, staff and faculty as well. Also, most of these applications contain spyware/adware, which adversely affects your computer. Downloading files from unknown sources greatly increases the risk of receiving a file infected with a virus, worm, or trojan. This puts your computer, your files, and your personal information (i.e. credit card numbers, bank account PINs, etc) at risk.

Copyright Laws and File Sharing

These file sharing programs are not illegal, although the files shared with these applications are usually copyright protected. Although you may have paid a subscription fee, to download MP3’s or any other music or video file, if you are then sharing those files, you are breaking the law (Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1988).

Steps to Configure Your P2P application

Peer To Peer applications are increasingly consuming more and more of the University bandwidth, which is negatively affecting the business and academic organizations ability to use the full capabilities of the network.
If you have any questions regarding the ramifications of illegal file sharing or the proper configuration of P2P applications, please contact us at rcs@suffolk.edu.