Avoid a DMCA Notice

To avoid violating copyright laws, users should consider the following:

When using P2P file sharing programs on the university network, users should be aware of what they are downloading and sharing. Prior to installing P2P software, you should assess whether the software provides you with the ability to restrict access to a designated shared folder. While installing the software, designate a folder that contains only the files you want others to see and access.

Turn off or disable the upload ability from your computer if you are not actively sharing documents. There may be an option in your P2P software to "disable uploading to others", "disable file sharing" or reduce "upload rates" to zero. Note that some P2P software will lose preferences when updated or reinstalled. If you have disabled file sharing and "run on startup" you may need to reset those preferences after an update.

Refrain from downloading files that are likely protected by copyright law, and do not make such files available to others. While there are cases where the legal right to copy and distribute may not be clear, items such as commercial software with a "free" or "hacked" license, current movies and music, and other items that you would normally pay for, are likely not being shared legally.

Disable your P2P file sharing applications when you are not using them. This will limit the amount of bandwidth consumption by your computer.

When sharing a cyberlocker web link with others, avoid granting access to material protected under copyright law, and store this material in a separate folder.

Disable the Simple File Sharing feature in Windows XP/Vista/7. To do so, click on the Start button, and then select Control Panel

In XP, select Appearance and Themes

In Vista/7, select Appearance and Personalization

Select Folder Options, and then select the View tab. Scroll to the bottom of the Advanced settings list:

In XP, clear the Use simple file sharing (recommended) check box

In Vista/7, clear the Use Sharing Wizard (recommended) check box

Click Ok, and then close all windows.

Turn Off File Sharing on Mac. To do so, from the Apple menu, choose System Preferences, and then in System Preferences window click Sharing. Remove the check from File Sharing

Adhere to Carnegie Mellon's Fair Use Policy and Copyright Violation Guidelines. Students should also read the Residence Hall and Dedicated Remote Access Guidelines to familiarize themselves with issues and penalties for copyright violations.

Adhere to the Cyber Security Pledge when it comes to monitoring bandwidth usage, not sharing copyrighted material and physically secure your computer.

For more information on File Sharing, and on FQA: file sharing, please visit the Computing Services Security Documentation page on File Sharing.