[Dr Warmoose]

The law prohibits unauthorized distribution of copyrighted work. Owning a legal copy does not change that.

OK, I have a file server at home and keep available my whole collection of music so that when I am at work, i can type in my static IP address and listen to my own music. That way the employer doesn't get mad about streaming audio, and I don't have to worry about co-workers pilfering my original CDs.

Am I in violation?

Unbeknownst to me, some doofus's web crawler discovers my hoard of MP3's and moments later is publishing my IP address on his website. Soon thousands of ne're do wells are maxing out the bandwidth of my personal home webserver. Will I be sucessfully sued or will I just be pissed off because I am having a devil of a time retrieving my own files to listen that afternoon?

[SouthernClaire]

I dunno the answer to your questions, Dr Warmoose. However, I know that your response will be my defense if needed! Great points.

[Old Professer]

You obviously need a more demanding job.

[DB]

Personally I think your in the clear as long as when you do find out others have broken in to your server you attempt to further protect its contents.

I have a music file server. It is also my internet server. I have a firewall and other protections to keep hackers out of it.