File sharing has firmly established itself as a staple of the college student lifestyle. But no matter how badly students want to hear the freshest Gucci Mane classic, it must be remembered that there are rules to what can and can't be shared.
As most people at UB know, the DC++ file sharing program is the most popular among users of the UB network. For Windows users, DC++ is known as Bizarro; for Mac users, it is ShakesPeer.
But there are many misunderstandings about exactly what the DC++ program is.
'UBIT does not run a DC++ hub. There are no official UB DC++, or other P2P protocol, hubs. This is a common misconception that we encounter regularly,' said Dr. Richard Lesniak, director of Computer Information Technology at UB.
In other words, UB's hub is not actually UB's hub. The DC++ software that is downloaded and installed allows users of the same network to share files with others users of the same network. UB has not played any role in setting up any file sharing hubs.
'Use of DC++, and any other peer-to-peer protocol for that matter, to share copyrighted media illegally is a violation of UB rules and federal law,' Lesniak said.
Because there can be just as much legal sharing as illegal sharing of copyrighted material, UB does not ban use of the DC++ software. And while UB itself does not aggressively attempt to find offenders, it is no pushover when it comes to breaking UB policy and federal law.
If UBIT engineers notice an unusual amount of traffic over a network port and believe it may be illegal file sharing, they can shut down the port, denying users Internet access.
UB also receives dozens of copyright violations each week.
'We received 12 from the [Recording Industry Association of America] yesterday. These notices are sent by copyright holders or their licensed agents, such as the RIAA, to UB's designated agent with claims of alleged illegal file sharing activity,' Lesniak said.
Offenders are then disciplined. First-time offenders are enrolled in the Copyright Course via UBlearns. For those with multiple offenses, the Student-Wide Judiciary gets involved, and the copyright owner may file charges.
Other obvious risks involved with file sharing, whether legal or illegal, involve damage that can be done to the student's computer. Harmful files and programs can be downloaded directly or can just be vulnerable programs that allow hackers to gain access to any information on the computer.
Along with other free software, 'UB provides sophisticated antivirus software for PCs and Macs, all downloadable from the UBIT.buffalo.edu/software for no additional charge,' Lesniak said.
However, despite terrifying warnings that file sharing can get students in trouble with school, cause them to pay huge fines and give their computers viruses, students continue to make the most of the DC++ program.
'I used ShakesPeer all the time last year in the dorms,' said Jon Musson, a sophomore nursing major. 'Whole albums took ... 25 seconds to download.'
UB's wireless networks allow students to connect to the hub without needing an Ethernet connection.
'I try to bring my laptop to campus once in a while, to download music and movies,' Musson, who now lives in the University Heights, said. 'It doesn't always work, though, because of some sharing requirements or a bad wireless connection.'
Hub users are encouraged to share legal content with others unless traffic may be increased on a certain sharer and slow down everyone else. Students should also be mindful of which items are legal and which aren't.
E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
