[Cerek]

Thanks for all the advice and info. I knew KaZaa wouldn't be "spyware free". That was just a pipe-dream.

As for "recovering" my old files, a coworker said that she had managed to retrieve her files after installing a new HD on her PC and neglecting to copy her music files.

I had quite a few files, but I doubt I would be considered a "major user". After about 2 years of downloading songs and videos - I still had less than 200 files total.

I used KaZaa because it was better than Morpheus or WinMX at the time (Morheous was absolutely LOADED with spyware that took over my PC as soon as I browsed through it.

According to the latest ruling from the 9th Circuit Court, software like Gnutella and the other popular one right now were found innocent of copyright infringement (RIAA is appealing the decision, naturally).

Since I still have not gotten my main PC back online, I won't be downloading ANY type of new software for awhile.

Thanks again for all the comments.