Remove peer-to-peer software completely

P2P software, as well as many other types of free, web-based software, is often bundled with advertising or tracking software, some which may actually be malware. When a user installs a program such as Kazaa, a popular P2P application, the bundled software gets installed too. This additional software can substantially slow down a computer. There is no easy answer for removing these programs, so users need to be careful. Here are a few tips on dealing with those "extra" programs.

1) Online help: Many websites offer step-by-step instructions on how to remove the extra software. PChell.com offers a number of application-specific solutions on how to get rid of bundled software.

2) Subscribe to the P2P service: P2P is usually not freeware, even though free versions of the software are often made available. The extra software included with the main application often pays the bills, so to speak. Many P2P developers offer paid versions of the software than comes without the extra software. Before sure you're dealing with a reputable company before handling over credit card information.

3) Subscribe: Don't install P2P software until you know - and are willing to deal with - the extra software that is included. P2P sites are not the most reputable sites to begin with; Napsters and Kazaa are just a few of the sites that have been sued for copyright infringement. If these software companies are willing to violate copyrights, why should you assume that the extra software that gets bundled with there software won't do damage to your system. A number of application bundled with P2P software are clearly malware, so why risk it?