Allan C wrote:
> One of my clients wants to install Napster on one of the PCs in
> his office. This PC is one of about 15 networked computers with
> XP PRO sp2 installed.
>
> He wants to use Napster to download * only * and not share any
> of his files.
>
> Any input as to how 'safe' this is and whether/why he should avoid
> this software is appreciated.

Shenan Stanley wrote
> You have to maintain these systems?
> The answer would be "No" if your answer to my question is "Yes".
>
> The machine in his office is for work.
> Unless the company he works for deals in music in some way that
> this is vital to his productivity at the office - seems like a
> no-brainer to me. =)

Allan C wrote:
> He is the owner of the company.
> Do you think that it is 'safe'?

He hired you because you are supposed to maintain the security and integrity
of his computer systems.

There is a reason that he cannot install it himself - my first inclination
is that you did not grant the users of these systems the rights needed to
install such things - no matter how "safe" it may be. Every foreign
application installed on a system (especially Internet specific
applications) opens up the possibility of trouble down the line.

Does Napster contradict what you were hired to do? Why does he not just
install it on his personal machine(s)? Will you now be supporting Napster
and any problems that arise from its installation and interaction with other
applications that may be required for actual work activities?

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html