Sorry, I'm still in the Kazaa days.

Which is the most popular one now?

How does a downloader protect himself from viruses, spyware, and malware when downloading files?

I'm using Azureus on Bittorrent, still occasionally use emule (but there's so much carp and fake files there now).

As to protection. I have an independent download machine isolated from the rest of my network with fully updated anti-virus and spyware scanners, anything downloaded is scanned there before being allowed anywhere near another machine. That said I've never had anything nasty just a few fake files (one of which turned out to be something that I was actually looking for ).

I do only use 'reputable' trackers, can't mention which ones, that would be against the rules, let's just say they specialise in UK TV.

The most popular? I can't speak based on statistics ... but I use Rapidshare and so do millions of people. Very reliable with a premium account and speeds upto 224Kbs when using a downloader.

I like to use Limewire as it's got a built in link to Bitzi.com so you can check if the file is genuine...or not

I like to use Limewire as it's got a built in link to Bitzi.com so you can check if the file is genuine...or not

:D

I don't have 2 computers, so I don't have the luxury of having a low-security one and a high security one.

What if I do this for safety?

1) All files downloaded go into a special folder.

2) This folder is scanned for virus and spyware before I move the contents out to another folder which I use for viewing/listening.

Assuming anti-virus and spyware remover is up-to-date, is this measure sufficient?

OR

Does the spyware/virus on the file take control of the computer as soon as it's downloaded?

It's not really difficult to avoid malware. Never under any circumstances run an executable file you have downloaded from a P2P network. Anti-virus software only detects known viruses so is not going to help you if someone has just created it or it's not very widespread. Music and video files don't have access to the OS so can't install viruses so are no problem. I'm assuming you're not daft enough to be tricked into believing an executable file is a music file (britney.MP3.scr or whatever).

The malware doesn't "take control of the computer" as soon as it's downloaded. It needs to be run.

It's not really difficult to avoid malware. Never under any circumstances run an executable file you have downloaded from a P2P network. Anti-virus software only detects known viruses so is not going to help you if someone has just created it or it's not very widespread. Music and video files don't have access to the OS so can't install viruses so are no problem. I'm assuming you're not daft enough to be tricked into believing an executable file is a music file (britney.MP3.scr or whatever).

The malware doesn't "take control of the computer" as soon as it's downloaded. It needs to be run.

hmmm.... I'm not tech savvy.

1) How do I know if a file is a music file vs. an executable file?

2) Regarding viruses not being detected if they're newly created... maybe I should leave the file in the folder and wait at least 3 days before scanning it and playing the file? Would that help?