Illegal+Downloading

=Illegal Downloading= The issue on downloading files like music, videos, pictures, etc. is a very confusing and hard topic to figure out. There are tools such as websites, and programs designed for sharing music like iTunes and Limewire, which are completely legal, if used correctly. There are other programs, like websites used to download music illegally. If caught, you could face serious lawsuits costing you thousands of dollars just for downloading a few music files! There are several cases of teens and even young adults that are caught, so no one is safe. The files could also be corrupted, having people steal identity, and bring viruses to ruin your computer. If properly informed however you can use your knowledge to make the right decisions so you don't end up being just another person not knowing how you ended up in a federal lawsuit.

A lot of teens and tweens feel that is okay to download music on the internet, that is isn’t stealing. Many parents and teens are unaware of the copyright laws on the music that they are downloading. Parents are responsible for teaching their kids that downloading music off the internet illegally is wrong. Parents should be good role models for their children and set a good example for them to follow. **Why is this a good resource for people with questions on this topic?**
 * Resource 1 (**[|http://www.connectwithkids.com/tipsheet/2003/115_mar12/music.html)] **Re-do** **this link --it's not working as it is now.**

This website shows that teens are using the computer more than ever now then in the past. Parents are supposed to teach their kids about ethics early in childhood. Many teens are aware that downloading is illegal, yet they admit to doing it anyway. Girls worry more about getting caught for illegal downloading then boys do. The risk of downloading music and getting caught is increasingly growing. **Does it offer any info about why illegal downloads are wrong? Why are they illegal?**
 * Resource 2** ([|http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:e7GB5zVniiwJ:www.playitcybersafe.com/pdfs/cyberfrontier-children.pdf+illegally+downloading+music&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=59&gl=us)]

This website basically told you that you can be fined or put into jail for illegally downloading things. It affects you and many other people including the artist that made the song. They can lose money because instead of going out to a store and buying it, your doing it free on your computer. Illegal downloading can slow down your computer, put bad viruses on it and pop-ups that you don't really want to see. In today's world you can barley ever get away with downloading illegally. Just an example of how it can ruin your computer, and even your life. Many people do not think that they will get in trouble for downloading illegally, but the truth is that many people, ordinary people like you and me, can be prosicuted if we download illegally and get caught. Another rumor on what the FBI does to get the point across to people not to download illegally is to make viruses on files, so if you do get a virus from a file it might have been thanks to our goverment. The point is just don't illegally download the consiquences are too great, it can ruin your computer, and your life.
 * Resource 3** http://www.cmta.com/brochure.htm
 * Resource 4** ( [|http://youtube.com/watch?v=8AHWAB6ro1A&feature=related )] **Let's embed this video here - - and offer some reasons to believe that it's a legitimate warning.**

These facts might suprise you. The video provides many points to stop downloading illegally, and really can open people's eyes to what they are doing when they download illegally. //I think// the issue of Illegal Downloading isn't taken seriously to some people. They download, get away with it, then just continue to do it. Personally I do not think this is right, and the goverment should try to focus on this topic if it really is as bad to the music industery as people say it is. The programs used to get the free files is easy -- **If this is one person's opinion, please sign it. Pay attention to grammar and spelling!!**
 * Resource 5** ([|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mujk4c4Zq8c)] **This doesn't link to a video, exactly -- and anything you intended for this page should be embedded.** **Offer us a reason to think that this video comes from a respected source and is worthy of our time and attention.**
 * Your opinion/reaction to the issue**