Skip Navigation

Safe File-Sharing

Peer-to-peer (P2P) software (e.g., LimeWire, KaZaA, BearShare, and BitTorrent) enables users to download and share music, video, and other materials with other computers in the same P2P network, typically without copyright permission.

On this page:
Uninstall P2P Software
Disable File-Sharing

OIT recommends that you uninstall P2P software from your computer (or at the very least disable file-sharing) for two reasons:

  • You may be illegally sharing/downloading copyrighted materials, which puts you at risk for hefty fines, suspension from the University, even criminal charges. When using P2P applications, you are actively sharing your files with anyone on the Internet searching for them (including copyright holders and their agents).
  • P2P software may threaten your computer and personal information. Several applications are known for installing adware and/or spyware which threatens your privacy and may compromise your computer's security. Note that this type of malicious software is very difficult to remove. More about spyware and adware

Uninstall P2P Software

These instructions are intended to provide an overview for uninstalling P2P software. Specific steps may vary among different operating systems (and versions of the same operating system).

Windows XP

  1. Go to Start > Control Panel...
  2. Select Add or Remove Programs. The Add or Remove Programs window will open.
  3. In the Add or Remove Programs window, from the list of Currently installed programs, highlight the P2P software you want to uninstall and click Change/Remove.
    Note: You may be prompted several times to confirm the uninstall. Click OK or Yes to continue with the uninstall process.
  4. Once the uninstall is complete, restart your computer.

Mac OS X

To remove P2P software from Mac OS X, simply drag the application to the trash.

[Back to Top]

Disable File-Sharing

The University of Chicago maintains instructions for disabling file-sharing for an extensive list of P2P software. Note: Some peer-to-peer software may not allow you to disable file-sharing. In this case, we strongly recommend that you uninstall the peer-to-peer application

Need Help?

If you encounter problems, submit an online Help Request.
- or -
Contact the OIT Help Desk at 545-9400.

Last revised September 18, 2008