The world is experiencing an amazing transformation in information technology with more and more products and services available to us via the internet. These resources make our lives better and give us access to rich and exciting content from around the globe.

But with this access comes the tempation to take what may not be rightfully ours. Using peer-to-peer and other file sharing networks to trade copyrighted material without properly compensating the owner is illegal and against university policy.

Your actions have consequences. Using peer-to-peer (P2P) networks for pirating of copyrighted music, movies and other material may have negative effects, including:

• You put your own security and privacy at risk: All files in the folder designated for P2P usage may be accessible to anyone that has access to the folder. These could include your e-mail files and personal documents.
  
  
• Destructive worms and viruses can invade your computer through P2P file trading and can harm other components on the WSU campus network.
  
  
• Illegally trading songs denies the artists revenue. When fewer artists are funded, there is less diversity and choice in the marketplace for consumers to choose from.
  
  
• You may be at risk of legal action by illegally trading copyrighted material.

Respect for intellectual property is a cornerstone of academic life. Students have many options for safely and legally enjoying the music they love. Ruckus is one of these choices. The university encourages students to take advantage of the free Ruckus offer or select another service that best fits their needs.