Should I buy a 2nd, backup computer for p2p sharing?

[Area5150]

I'm inexperienced:

Recently I was told by a tekkie that the smart thing to do would be to have a totally seperate computer for file sharing. I was told that I should dedicate that computer for file sharing and nothing else. This, they said, would be the best way of achieving total security in the somewhat risky world of Bittorrent. That makes a lot of sense to me especially when you consider that you can buy a laptop computer for right around 500 bucks, 3,034 krona, or 254 pounds. I have yet to go out and buy a new computer.

Do you think this is a good idea or do you think it's overkill in concert with paranoia, or somewhere inbetween the two extremes?

Note that I live in California, have high speed
cable with Time Warner, have zero experience
with p2p file sharing.

 

[Basic_wonder]

As long as your backup computer is on the same isp it is in just as much danger as your main computer, they get you with isp logs, not what is on your computer. So if you use either computer for bt and your isp turns over your logs you are still screwed.

I personally use external harddrives for everything, I just have bt download straight to them and then disconnect them when done. But I have several computers and laptops so this works out best for me.

 

[Area5150]

As long as your backup computer is on the same isp it is in just as much danger as your main computer, they get you with isp logs, not what is on your computer. So if you use either computer for bt and your isp turns over your logs you are still screwed.

I personally use external harddrives for everything, I just have bt download straight to them and then disconnect them when done. But I have several computers and laptops so this works out best for me.

Okay, I feel you. But I think we're talking two different types of security here. You're talking about the type of security that would shield you from receiving threatening letters from your ISP or a knock on the door from a lawyer representing someone in Hollywood, Adobe, or Snoop Dogg. (And that's a darn good subject matter, though for another thread.)

Actually the type of security I was talking about pertains to a nasty virus.

 

[Basic_wonder]

macafee and norton make things that help with those .....

 

[trowsersnake98]

i like kaspersky anti-virus....not as annoying norton or mcafee.

 

[bearfx]

You are referring to security from trojans, malware, viruses, etc. You do not need a second PC for this, and several options can acheive the same level of security

- Use an up-to-date virus scanning solution. Avast is a very good, free av solution.
- Do not run Executables you don't trust. Always scan for viruses first
- Run programs as a limited user, rather than as administrator.

In terms of legal security, the best solution is to only download through a good VPN through a nation with VERY STRONG PRIVACY LAWS. Search for Relakks via google.

If you want, you can also run software through Virtual Machines (VMWare or MS Virtual PC) to acheive the same effect as a seperate machine - you can even have it reset the state of the system whenever you wish,