LimeWire
is a free, open source Gnutella peer-to-peer network
client released under the GNU General Public License.
It is written in Java, and hence runs on any computer
with Java installed. The program allows users to share
files using the Gnutella peer-to-peer protocol. LimeWire
claims to be the fastest program for the Gnutella network.
LimeWire LLC, the developer of LimeWire, distributes
two binary (pre-compiled) versions of the program; a
basic, free version, and an enhanced version sold for
a small fee.
LimeWire
is a software tool that enables peer-to-peer file sharing
on the Gnutella Network. Similar to the popular Napster
service, it enables the sharing, searching, and downloading
of MP3 music files. LimeWire also lets users share and
search for all types of computer files, including movies,
pictures, games, text documents, recipes, and more.
From
its start as a post-Napster clone to its leading role
as the quintessential Gnutella client, LimeWire has
been one of the highest-profile P2P applications. The
4.0 series further ups the ante with a combination of
new features, an updated interface, and better network
performance.
On
the surface, the refined and zippier Java interface
houses a few new features, such as a connection-quality
meter, a button matrix for zeroing in on specific file
types, and some snazzy new icons. The search interface
now features a progress bar, and file information, such
as artist and album, is more clearly displayed. Though
the improved network performance gave us considerably
more search results than previous versions, we didn't
notice much improvement in download speed or file availability.
We liked the What's New feature, which lists files recently
added to the network. The check box to filter out adult
content also was a nice touch.
LimeWire
4.8 automatically upgrades Windows users who don't have
Java 1.4.1 or higher to Java 1.5, which runs faster
and is more visually appealing. UPnP-enabled (Universal
Plug and Play) routers are detected and automatically
configured for optimal performance. Version 4.8 also
offers the ability to search for Creative Commons licensed
files and to look up Creative Commons information if
it is available on files. Licenses, once looked up,
will be displayed in the library and search results.
And of course, LimeWire continues its guarantee of no
adware and no spyware.
LimeWire
is the world's fastest P2P file-sharing application,
letting users share and search for all types of computer
files, including movies, pictures, games, and text documents.
The application's other features include dynamic querying,
the ability to preview files while downloading, advanced
techniques for locating rare files, and an extremely
intuitive user interface.
