The government will get tough on those who persistently download illegal content from the net, Peter Mandelson has announced. The Business Secretary spoke at a government-sponsored debate on copyright issues to say that illegal file-sharing will not be tolerated with persistent offenders facing disconnection from the network. Regular illegal downloader's would be sent two warning letters, with disconnection a "last resort".

Top music searches:

1. Download music legally
2. Buy MP3 music online
3. Best music download sites
4. Ringtones music
5. Music websites
6. Music videos
7. Rap music
8. MP3s music
9. Mobile music
10. Karaoke music

"I have no expectation of mass suspensions. People will receive two notifications and if it reaches the point [of cutting them off] they will have the opportunity to appeal," Mr Mandelson said. "The pay-off for tough penalties against persistent file-sharers would be a more relaxed copyright regime," he added.

Mr Mandelson praised the UK's creative industries, but said that it had "been eroded in recent year by new ways of accessing content ... I was shocked to learn that only one in 20 music tracks in the UK is downloaded legally. We cannot sit back and do nothing."

He emphasised, though, that "legislation and enforcement can only ever be part of the solution," with new and cheaper ways to download the long-term answer.

The French government have already approved a 'three strikes' policy which could see users removed from the network for up to a year. But UK internet service providers argued that they are not responsible for policing the network.

Jean-Bernard Levy, chief executive of Vivendi, a French content and internet service provider, also spoke at the forum to say: "At Vivendi, we are in the content business, we are in the telecom business and there is no internal debate. The priority is not to grow traffic on the ISPs. The priority is that creators, people who develop content, should find a way [to be rewarded]."

Let us know what you think. Is disconnection from the network too harsh, or is it only fair that content providers receive recompense?

Everyone gets bored at work at some point. It's pretty much impossible to spend 8 hours a day being totally focused on your job. The maximum attention span for adults is around 20 minutes and then your attention is likely to wander and your eyes will shift focus or a stray thought will enter your head. I'm not suggesting that you should take a break every 20 minutes! (Although it is recommended to regularly look away from your monitor if you use a computer, to protect your eyesight.) But there are a lot of online games and websites you can use during your coffee and lunch breaks to stave off the boredom.

Top bored at work searches:

1. Play online Sudoku
2. Mahjong for Windows
3. Free online gaming
4. Bored websites
5. Drawing games online
6. Online games site
7. Things to do when you're bored
8. Fun online game
9. Real arcade online games
10. Buy games online

If you're a fan of old school arcade games, you'll be able to find most of them in an online form. Pac-man, Tetris, Frogger, Super Mario, the list of games is endless. Perhaps you prefer games that involve using your brain? You can search for Sudoku or crosswords and find sites with tonnes of puzzles waiting to be solved so there's no need for you to wait for tomorrow's newspaper to get your fix.

There are hundreds of different card games available online - even ones that you can gamble on, although I wouldn't recommend doing this at work. Of course, most PCs have a games option on the start menu that includes card games and Minesweeper. Although, if you play an online version you could have real-life opponents instead of the computer.

If you prefer a game with a bit more action you can find shoot-em ups, role-playing games, racing games and puzzle games. Click on the top searches above to find the perfect game to relieve your work boredom (and maybe perk you up so you can get back to work!).

If you have a favourite online game, share it with us. Or if your company blocks you from distractions like these, share your woes with us!

Everyone's wallet has taken a bit of a bashing during this current recession and wise folks know that the best things in life are free. Of course, finding freebies isn't always easy but there are loads of bargains tucked away in hidden corners of the internet if you search for them. And because we at Search Towers are so magnanimous, we've decided to give you some hints about where to search for free stuff and bargains.

Who says there's no such thing as a free meal? There are loads of websites that offer you 2-4-1 or 50% off meals at restaurants all over the country. Check out TasteLondon or TopTable for comprehensive guides to free food.

Annoying they might be, but free stuff is is never to be sniffed at - of course I'm talking about mobile phone ringtones. Have a search now and you'll find tonnes of tunes to choose from, and make sure you type 'free' in the search bar! As for free handsets, this is perfectly possible - find a good network provider and they'll give you the phone for free and maybe even throw in some other free gifts such as a Nintendo Wii. Try searching for 'free Wii with phone' or for companies like Carphone Warehouse.

What about a free flight or holiday? These are trickier to find and may involve knowing an airline employee or entering prize draws or even becoming a game show contestant in another country! But you can still find bargains. Try using screenscrapers such as Kayak for really low air fares, or travel brokers such as Expedia for discounted flights and holidays. Moneysavingexpert has some excellent tips for finding cheap travel such as using charter flights.

Check out our top ten list of free stuff below for more ideas. Ever got the best bargain of your life online or have you just been disappointed? Leave a comment and tell us about it.

Top searched free things:

1. Free airline ticket
2. Buy one get one free deals
3. Free debt advice
4. Free ringtones for phones
5. Free holiday
6. Free 3g mobile phone
7. Free cash now
8. Free credit cards
9. Free laptop computers
10. Online translation services

Using the internet can be fraught with potential dangers such as credit card fraud, identify theft, viruses and scamming. But at the same time it's the most convenient way to do banking and shopping. Many people worry about their online privacy and a look at the top searches in security shows how they go about protecting themselves.

Top web security searches:

1. Phishing protection
2. Firewall solution
3. Antivirus packages
4. Email security
5. PC parental controls
   
6. Anti spam software
7. Automatic security updates
8. Online payment security
9. Wireless security encryption
   
10. Spware blockers

Firstly you must check for new security updates or set up your computer to run automatic updates (most operating systems have this function). Also make sure you install good antivirus software to protect you from all the viruses out there that can be picked up through emails and dodgy downloads. In the same vein,install anti-spyware tools to stop software that steals personal information and monitors your online behaviour. Firewalls are designed to block unauthorized external access to your network while allowing you to still browse the internet. To save time looking for this software, you can simply download AOL Security Suite powered by McAfee - an 8 in 1 security software protect that has everything from anti-virus to identity protection to keep you safer.

While you may have all this software and hardware to protect your PC, it's usually human error that leads to security breaches. Make sure you choose passwords carefully - ones that are (hopefully) impossible to guess and easy for you to remember. If you must write them down then do as the wise old Gandalf advised and 'keep it secret; keep it safe!' Phishing is a kind of online fraud that tricks people into giving away personal details. Don't be fooled by anyone! You probably wouldn't trust a man knocking at your front door claiming he was from your bank and could he please have your credit card PIN, would you? So don't trust any emails unless you're sure where they're from.

Have you ever been a victim of online crime? Do you feel safe using internet banking or shopping? Leave a comment and share your experiences.

AOL Classifieds has a created a cool new widget that gives you quick access to the world of Classifieds at your finger tips. With links to Merchandise, Vehicles, Tickets, Pets, Services, and more, you can find what you're looking for. Instead of looking for good deals across the entire internet, you can find deals closest to your hometown.

Have stuff to sell? Use AOL Classifieds to post your treasures for free! Add it to your desktop or social networking site to keep up with the latest we have to offer.
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