[OPLINLIST] LimeWire; BitTorn

[Chad Neeper]

 From an IT standpoint, blocking peer-to-peer sharing programs such as 
Limewire at the network perimeter firewall can be a rather difficult 
thing to do. Most of these programs provide methods to easily bypass 
standard blocking methods. Definitely consult your IT staff and/or 
consultant before you commit to using technical methods at your firewall 
to block the peer-to-peer network traffic.

If you are having problems with patrons installing these programs on the 
library's public computers, then you should be able to lock them down a 
bit further to prevent patrons from installing programs. If you are 
having problems with patrons using these programs from the patrons' own 
laptops, then your problems become exponentially more difficult.

Most of "my" libraries have public workstations that are locked down and 
patrons are unable to install their own programs. In general, the 
libraries also tend to leave wireless/laptop users alone as long as the 
patron isn't viewing inappropriate materials (a very, very rare 
occurrence, given each library's Internet content filter) or being 
otherwise disruptive.

For what it's worth,
Chad

-----------------------
Chad Neeper
Senior Systems Engineer

Level 9 Networks
740-548-8070 (voice)
866-214-6607 (fax)

--   Full LAN/WAN consulting services   --
-- Specialized in libraries and schools --



Dawn McCleery wrote:
>
> Our library’s computer policy states that if we find a patron using 
> our computers for illegal purposes, they can be stopped and if 
> necessary, police called in.  The policy clearly states that 
> activities considered illegal includes “…copyright infringement, such 
> as unauthorized file sharing”.  How are some of you handling patrons’ 
> access to LimeWire, BitTorn, and other such sites?  There has been 
> discussion here regarding blocking LimeWire because it plays havoc 
> with our system.  Are other libraries blocking these sites?  Are you 
> policing patrons to see if they are using these? I’m reluctant to have 
> my staff spend their time preventing patrons from using these sites 
> which do an extraordinary amount of illegal file sharing but by not 
> doing so, we violate our own policy. 
>
>  
>
> Dawn McCleery
>
> Head of Reference
>
> Marion Public Library
>
> 445 E. Church St.
>
> Marion, OH  43302
>
>  
>
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