Come join Chris Pirillo and Roger Chang on today's episode of "Call for Help" as they teach you everything you need to know about file-sharing programs.

What is peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing?

This is a basic term that describes a user who is looking for specific information and wants to connect with another user who has that information. The connection is made through a central server system, such as Audiogalaxy, where all users sign in to one place, or it is done through a decentralized network, where users have a "floating" server.

P2P file sharing is like a library where everyone brings their books as they arrive. People come in and search through the card catalog for a book they want. If somebody at the library has the book, then you can copy it.

The value of the library depends on how many people are there at any given time. The more people, the more books there are available, and the more likely you can find what you are looking for.

Is P2P file sharing safe?

If you can get past the fact that safety is a fallacy, then yes, file sharing is safe. If you're hooked up to an always-on network, conceivably you could get into some trouble. File-sharing programs like Napster, however, won't work with files that aren't MP3s, so viruses can't be transmitted across those networks.

However, since Napster's demise, newer file-sharing programs such as eDonkey2000 allow users to share almost any type of video, graphic, or audio file on a user's system. So you could conceivably download a virus if you aren't careful.

Another thing to keep in mind while installing a file-sharing program is that third-party applications often get installed to offset production costs. What does this mean? Recently, it was reported that KaZaA bundles a third-party application (which you don't have the option not to install) from Brilliant Digital.

It's reported that this application serves 3D ads from your computer to other KaZaA users using your spare CPU cycles. This feature (if you call it that) must be opted-in before it takes over your computer. The bottom line is you need to be extra careful and aware that if you install file-sharing programs, you'll also be installing additional programs without your knowledge.

Protect yourself

How do you protect yourself from malicious programs bundled inside file-sharing programs? First, it's really important to read the End User License Agreement (EULA) before agreeing to install any program on your system. The EULA will hopefully identify any additional programs included with the install and will explain where to go to learn more about them.

Second, you do have the option to use a program such as Ad-Aware to remove all forms of adware and spyware from your system. Be forewarned that your file-sharing program may not operate the same if you remove a portion of the bundled program. Another source of information is Spychecker.

The bottom line is you need to do your homework before installing file-sharing software on your machine. The place to do this is Zeropaid.com. Do you really want to give up your privacy or spare CPU cycles for free audio, video, or image files?

In the backlash of bundling third-party applications inside popular file-sharing programs, outside developers have taken it upon themselves to distribute "lite" versions of these programs. A lite version simply means that the program works exactly the same but is devoid of the third-party applications, adware, spyware, banner ads, and other malicious code.

KaZaA and Audiogalaxy both have "clean" versions available.

P2P file sharing applications

Here's a list of a few of the more popular P2P applications.

Brad King is a reporter for Wired News. Greg Melton is an associate Web producer for "Call for Help."