ParetoLogic Privacy Controls > Tutorials > Erase P2P File Sharing Application Logs
Erase P2P File Sharing Application Logs
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P2P file sharing networks have quickly become very popular. Users from all around the world are typically able to upload files so that other users can download them for their own use. As the Internet has progressed in its speed and depth new and usually improved technologies have been released accordingly. Regardless of whether you are using the latest torrent download software or a more typical download application the vast majority of P2P software includes a downloads folder, at the very least, containing the items you have previously downloaded. It is also common for these applications to contain a raft of personally identifiable information.
Cleaning Out Download Folders
The regular cleaning of download folders may seem like enough to protect your privacy and ensure the best level of performance from your system but this is rarely the case. ParetoLogic Privacy Controls provides a list of folders and settings that can be cleared or deleted for seven different P2P agents as well as general download folders that can be cleared. By using these options and regularly deleting the information contained within the files and folders it is possible to protect your privacy and retain an optimum performing PC.
The Potential Problem With P2P File Sharing
P2P networks are notorious for containing viruses instead of genuine files and applications. Hackers and other unauthorized third parties use them to gain access to personal information or, even worse still, gain complete control over your PC. Clearing out any obsolete or undesired files can lessen this risk significantly for you and other users of your PC and network.
1 - Opening ParetoLogic Privacy Controls
Open ParetoLogic Privacy Controls and click the Options link in the top left of the screen.
2 - File Sharing Options
On the Options tab ensure that the File Sharing box is ticked and click the arrow next to it. This should result in a list that consists of different P2P applications and a general options tab.
3 - Selecting The Right Applications
Select any application you currently use or have used previously and click the arrow next to these items in order to view the individual options that each offers.
Shared P2P Resources. Under this section it is possible to delete the cache directory that is used to store files that are available for download. It is also possible to clear the database directory that contains information regarding all of the files you have downloaded on P2P networks.
Azureus users can
delete the history of files they have downloaded as well as existing
torrents, seeds, and logs of your file sharing activities.
BitTorrent options include the ability to empty the completed
and incomplete download folders, remove all torrents, and delete any
logs related to the use of the BitTorrent software.
Download history, existing torrents, and the contents of the
download folder can be cleared in Torrent using the ParetoLogic
Privacy Controls application.
Morpheus users have a deluge of options to choose from. It is
possible to clear the temp folder, download folder, and the shared
folder and it is also possible clear out incomplete or partial
downloads, search history, Playlists, pod casts, torrents, and
recently played media files. You can also choose to clear toolbar
information including search history and toolbar cache as well as
logs and cache related to the entire Morpheus application.
It is possible to delete channels, remove information about shared
files, and empty the shared folder and the incomplete downloads
folder for Limewire.
KaZaA users can remove all information pertaining to file
transfers, users, and searches conducted. They can also delete
filters, the recent file list, the contents of the shared folder,
and the personal file organizer. It is also possible to remove the
KaZaA search agents that are deployed in order to run scheduled
searches or reattempt unsuccessful searches.
Finally, from BitComet you can empty the downloads folder and
remove the downloads history and delete all traces of any existing
torrents.
4 – Starting The Scan
Once you have decided on the areas you wish to clear you should ensure that each of these options for the appropriate software are ticked. When done click on the Scan & Erase link at the top left of the ParetoLogic Privacy Controls dashboard to open the scanning page. If you are happy with the options you have chosen click the Start button to begin the scan.
5 – Viewing Scan Progress
While ParetoLogic Privacy Controls is scanning it will display a scan progress page.
6 – Scan Results
On completion of the scan you will be presented with the results including any files and objects that have been found. You can view each of these individual items by clicking the arrow next to the appropriate name.
7 – Erasing P2P Files And History
Click the Erase button when you have selected everything you wish to securely delete. You can also choose whether you wish to delete the files ordinarily or by using secure deletion. Once ParetoLogic Privacy Controls has erased the selected files you will be forwarded back to the main page where you can continue using ParetoLogic Privacy Controls or completely close the application down.
A Note On ParetoLogic Privacy Controls Deletion
Secure deletion using ParetoLogic Privacy Controls ensures that files are properly and thoroughly deleted. While this is beneficial in ensuring the integrity of your personal data and identifying information it also means that any deleted items cannot be restored once deletion has completed. Be sure that you wish to delete any files before you begin because it will be too late to restore them afterwards.