Information Technology

Filesharing at Pepperdine

Illegal filesharing is a continuing problem among academic institutions that provide Internet access. The information below is provided to protect the University and YOU from costly litigation. Pepperdine employs several technology-based deterrents, technical barriers can only go so far toward protecting users of our networks. 

Every network user must be familiar with the following information about downloading and sharing files on this network. However, the bottom line, proactive step you can take is this:

Unless you know how to avoid illegal downloading and prevent automated sharing of your copyrighted files, remove p2p download programs from your computer now.

Faculty, staff and student use of the Pepperdine network is governed by the Computer and Network Responsible Use Policy, which prohibits illegal downloading and filesharing. However, Information Security wants to emphasize that the University community should take proactive steps to avoid illegal filesharing activities.

How to Avoid Copyright Infringement and Associated Penalties

  • Do not use peer-to-peer (p2p) software to download copyrighted media:
    • You MUST have the copyright owner's permission or your download is illegal!
    • Most programs that let you download songs and movies without payment, share your computer's files to the Internet by default.
    • Popular P2P programs used to obtain media illegally include: Ares, Bearshare, Bittorrent, eDonkey, Gnutella, KaZaa, Limewire, Morpheus, Warez P2P, etc.
  • Use legal downloading services, such as Amazon, iTunes, Rhapsody, Movielink, etc.
  • Do not share media you obtained legally, except as the copyright holder permits (iTunes streaming, Zune Squirts, etc.). Most p2p software, by default, finds, advertises and shares any music and movies on your computer.
  • Protect your computer from malicious software. While malware rarely installs p2p software, p2p software is routinely exploited by criminals to provide a distribution channel for 'free' files that contain software that steals your information (What is malware?).

Questions? Bring your laptop into Pepperdine's Tech Central to have one of our technicians scan your computer and make recommendations.

Laws Governing Illegal Filesharing

Additional Resources

Please contact the Information Security Office at if you have any questions or concerns related to filesharing on the Pepperdine campus.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with Tech Central to have a technician scan your computer for malicious software or assist with the removal of p2p software, please email .

 

Get more help from the IT Help Desk at 1-310-506-HELP (4357).