using kazaa smartly?

i got a new computer, with a CD burner, so obviously i would like to download Kazaa or something like it. however, i don't want the spyware and adware to mess things up in here. i also don't know how much it will slow down my system, since i've never used it before. Is there a way to circumvent the evils of Kazaa and still be able to download stuff? how have your experiences been with using it?

Short answer: don't. Kazaa profoundly sucks. It's hard to use, it's nearly impossible to assemble accurate CDs, the RIAA is watching it like a hawk, etc. For my "money", DC++ is the only game in town. It's a little harder to learn, but it's much more powerful and safer. Plus, it's easy to download entire directories (read, albums) and there are almost no fake files. Combine that with an endless list of specialized hubs and you're good to go.

If you must use Kazaa, use Kazaa Lite, which is a version hacked to remove the spy/adware.

http://www.winmx.com/

I know there is a Kazaa lite out there without spyware. If you don't share (disable the sharing folder) then the RIAA doesn't have a reason to slap you with one of their illegal subpoenas. But yes, Kazaa is being targeted by the RIAA heavily.

hrm...this looks tempting.
will a good virus protection software care for my computer adequately while i'm using this?

you should use that and a good spyware program.

You should always have virus protection running. I hear that AVG is a good free scanner. And like Chrissie said, a good program like AdAware will keep your computer Spyware-free.

Is there a guide for noobs telling the basics of using DC? I mostly end up angering people with my dumb questions. I tried reading the DC++ FAQ, but it wasn't whole heaps of help.

Oh. Here are a couple I picked up from the forums:

here
and
here

Looks like I'll be switching from Kazaa then. Heh.

Someone said that the new lop.com spyware isn't being picked up completely by Adaware.

I didn't want to give out adaware because some people have their preferences for spyware removal. :)

SpyBot has served me better for spyware removal than Adaware did.