So what can you do to prevent this from happening?

Here are a few tips that won't provide 100% protection, but will ensure that majority of users will not be able to easily access and steal your products.

1. NAMING YOUR DOWNLOAD PAGE

If you name your download page something like 'thankyou.html' or 'download.html' then it's a pretty simple process for average hacker to locate your page and download your product. Give your download pages a complicated name that is neither easy to guess, easy to remember nor easy to recognize.

2. CREATE 'NESTED' DIRECTORIES

In keeping with point number 1, this is just a question of making it more difficult for average hacker to find your download pages.

Let's say you're selling an ebook called "How to Make Your Hamster Happy". Now, let's say you're selling it at this URL: http://www.yourdomainname.com/happyhamster.

In this example, your sales page is contained in directory called 'happyhamster'.

Now, rather than store your download page in this same directory, you can make life more difficult for hacker by creating sub-directories (or 'nested' directories) for your download page.

Just create a sub-directory inside 'happyhamster' called, for example, 'srB45n' and another directory inside that one called 'trd12s' (or whatever) and then place your download page inside this directory. In this scenario, your download page would be contained at this, more hidden, address: http://www.yourdomainname.com/happyhamster/srB45n rd12s

Another approach is to place your download page directory in a separate place altogether on your server - thus making it even more difficult for a hacker to track it down.

3. CREATE AN INDEX.HTM PAGE FOR EVERY FOLDER

If you don't have a page called 'index.htm' in directory that contains your download page, then your host server will display a page listing contents of that directory.

Here's an example of a directory that doesn't have an 'index.htm' page: http://bizzydays.com/example. As you can see, contents of directory are there for all to see (and download).

Your 'index' page can be a regular page from your site or you can make it re-direct visitor somewhere else. You can see this idea in action by visiting http://bizzydays.com/free. As you can see, when you try to access that directory, you're immediately re-directed to BizzyDays.com home page.

To create your own re-direct page, simply paste following HTML code into Windows Notepad (or your web-editing software) and save it as 'index.htm' or 'index.html'. Now upload it to folder you wish to protect.

This is a quote from Angela Wu's "Online Business Basics" that should help answer these questions and other related issues...

[BEGIN QUOTE]

Business registration and licensing requirements will vary depending on where you live. This is not intended to be legal advice; please consult with a lawyer or your local chamber of commerce for information on your specific situation.

Check zoning regulations. Make sure that you are allowed to run a business from your home. Some residential areas may place restrictions on types of businesses that can be run from your home. Try calling city offices first; if they don't have this information, they may be able to point you in right direction.

Purchase any required licenses or permits. Once again, you will need to check with local authorities to find out what licenses and permits you need.

Decide on a business structure. Many Internet home businesses start out as sole proprietorships; visit US Small Business Association for more information : http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/index.html