Movies can be found through peer-to-peer file-sharing programs, such as Kazaa and Limewire, but none are legal, despite the claims to the contrary. Many Web sites that make such claims charge membership fees, but none of the money goes to the studios that own the film.

Peer-to-peer file sharing also comes with a host of technical problems; files often are corrupted, incomplete or infected with viruses. Some mask pornography behind mainstream titles.

Jenna Martin, 16, of Alexandria, said she has experimented with peer-to-peer movie downloads and has been disappointed with the results. "Kazaa has done a number on my computer and tends to crash it regularly," she said.