Learn about legal music download sites and compare the differences between legal sites VS file sharing networks now.
For many looking to get music downloads online, p2p file sharing programs are an alluring choice. But using file sharing programs can be risky and harmful, and can even get you in trouble with the Recording Industry Association of America - RIAA for short.
Learning all you can about your music download options online and how to download music legally is critical. So here is a quick guide comparing legal music sites with p2p file sharing sites.
1) Amount of Music Downloads Available to :
The p2p file sharing networks heavily out number the legal music sites when it comes to the amount of files available for download.
A p2p application provides millions of unlimited free mp3 music downloads. Most legal music download sites provide less variety in your music download selection, however, all the music is legitimately licensed and completely legal.
2) Music Download Cost:
You can download p2p file sharing networks for free, or for a very cheap one-time cost giving you unlimited free music downloads for life.
Legal music sites are usually either "subscription-based" or "pay-per-download". Plus, a legal site will usually charge extra for the ability to rip or burn music.
3) Variety of Music Download Files Available:
A legal music site usually ONLY has music files to download. A p2p sharing site provides, besides music downloads, movies, games, videos, software, TV shows and ringtones to download as well.
4) Music Download Legal Issues:
Legitimate legal music download sites are completely free of controversy and are 100% legal to use. P2p file sharing networks, while legal, are not without lawsuit concerns and controversy due to how the file sharing technology can be used.
If you use a p2p file sharing program, there are potential risks you need to be aware of, including:
- Lawsuit Risks - Peer to peer file sharing networks have been ruled legal in a court of law. However, if you download and share "copyrighted material" you could risk becoming targeted, and possibly sued, by the RIAA.
- Virus And Privacy Risks - Using a file sharing program can expose you to potential dangers, including getting harmful spyware, viruses, worms and malware installed on your computer. And if that's not bad enough, many p2p networks also leave you exposed to online hackers and identity thieves that can steal you personal information.
Music Download Summary:
At first glance the p2p file sharing networks may seem to offer an easy way to get unlimited free music downloads. But remember, nothing is really free and this is especially true with the p2p sites.
File sharing programs come with a price of increased privacy and security threats, and potential RIAA lawsuit risks.
Legitimate legal music download sites get their music legally from the record labels and artists themselves. Therefore, using a legal music site is the best way to safely download music legally online.
Article by Anna Rowe. Please visit her popular free music download site to learn how to download music legally and get free music site reviews of the best online music download sites now.
Source: www.ezinearticles.com
