CNET News.com: Napster boots 317,377 users from service

"Napster has blocked all users identified by Metallica as allegedly infringing, based on Metallica's sworn allegations against these user names," the company wrote on its Web site today. "We intend to fully comply with (federal copyright law) and our policies...."

"Napster's action may have limited impact, however. The company is working from a list of its users' online aliases, but these individuals simply can delete the software from their computers, reinstall it and log in under a new name."

"Napster's music-swapping program, which allows computer users to open up their hard drives and quickly trade MP3 files with thousands of other people online, has thrown a panic into the music industry."

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