31 replies to this topic

[mfenech]

I'm a Limewire user. Is there any advantage to using Frostwire instead?

Best I can tell from FW's site is:

• You get the equivalent of LW Pro's extra features.
  
• There is no difference in the filtering method.

Can someone spell out the other differences?

Thanks.

[CTskifreak]

Never heard of Frostwire.... sounds like it is just trying to imitate...but I haven't looked at the website yet.

I'll get back to you if I can tell the differences.

AJ

[Talldog9]

basically Frostwire is a rehash of the Limewire pro source code. It has it's pluses and minuses. I personally would choose fw over lw free/pro anyday.

[mfenech]

Thanks, but what is the appeal of Frostwire? They don't contrast it against Limewire on their website or in their user forum (that I could find). I could try it myself, but I can't tell if it would end up being more redundant than worthwhile.

[User000]

mfenech, on Sep 15 2007, 09:22 AM, said:

Thanks, but what is the appeal of Frostwire? They don't contrast it against Limewire on their website or in their user forum (that I could find). I could try it myself, but I can't tell if it would end up being more redundant than worthwhile.

having used both, i say go for frost wire. It has everything limewire has and its better, faster downloads

it is updated more frequently as well

[Robbie]

I believe, though I may be wrong, that Frostwire was developed by the same team that developed the original Limewire. If I recall, there was talk in 2005/6 that Limewire (or the company that owns it) was going to remove the ability of users to download material that needed a licence (to help comply with a court case that had been brought in the US against another file sharing application in 2004 or 2005). Because of this, I'm almost sure the original developers of limewire then moved on to developing Frostwire as they wanted an application that would remain both open source and without any limitations. The limitation meant for Limewire was never ultimately introduced, other than the ability of the user to actively block material that needs a licence.

I much prefer Frostwire, though I rarely use p2p anymore. It's quicker, easier to use and it has the added bonus of allowing connections to 4, rather than 3 (which is all the free version of LW allows), ultrapeers, which means better searches and more sources.

[DennisD]

Have just dipped my toes into P2P today, and did it using Frostwire. I looked at this stuff before but didn't like the look of some of the programs.

Must confess, this seems is a good program for a total novice. If I can understand how this thing works then anybody can.

Still got a way to go before I suss it all out, but stuffs been going in both directions so I must be doing something right.

Any input from you experts would be appreciated.

[DennisD]

Just had this thing running for about 5 hours and I'm really pissed.

If any of you P2P guys want to know why..... Edit: Read below.

[Andavari]

DennisD, on Sep 15 2007, 03:46 PM, said:

Just had this thing running for about 5 hours and I'm really pissed.

If you're going to use P2P get into the very religious habit of virus and malware scanning everything you download.

As for Limewire allowing users to block illegal downloading of licensed content, well I must say it's a wise thing to implement - not just for them to protect their own backsides but also for the end-user as well, because nobody wants to get sued, especially by the RIAA, etc., who will want thousands of dollars for each offense.

[mfenech]

Andavari, on Sep 15 2007, 04:31 PM, said:

If you're going to use P2P get into the very religious habit of virus and malware scanning everything you download.

One does have to use common sense with what gets downloaded. If you're downloading programs (coughcrackscough) and videos (coughporncough), you're almost asking for trouble.

I just download music.

[Robbie]

I only ever use FrostWire (and previously LimeWire) to download music. When downloading music, always run a virus check BEFORE opening the file to check for viruses etc.

Also, anyone installing LW / FW should be aware that:

1. the default setting is for LW / FW to share with the whole world certain media files on your computer - ensure this option gets unchecked. While the shared files are normally things like mp3s etc, Word and other types of text files can be shared - I once had to contact someone to tell them they had put up for sharing their CV which included their name, address, telephone number, email address and (US) Social Security number.

2. a further default setting is to share files as you download them - making them immediately available for upload - not a good idea. I have a separate folder for uploads and NOTHING gets shared unless I move the file to that folder. In fact I haven't used p2p for months so the folder is currently empty - it usually contains just a small handful of old songs.

3. a further, further default setting is (and this one is as important as 1. above), despite deciding not to share your media files at 1. above and disabling sharing partially downloaded files, there is a further default setting to share downloaded files even when you decide not to share the contents of your computer by unchecking the option at 1. above - some people don't realise that the program automatically enables sharing of anything you download by default regardless of any other options you chose. You have to search out the option to remove this feature - you won't be asked (or at least I wasn't asked) to either allow or cancel this feature.

By disabling the three options above it means that you can safely download music without the song being available to upload without your express permission.

p2p is relatively safe IF the user applies sensible precautions. Additionally, as Andavari has pointed out, the RIAA in the US (and its UK equivalent, the BPI) have taken legal action against file sharers. In the UK several people have been fined up to £8,000, which is US$16,000. Most were adults in their 30s and 40s, but it is widely believed that the real culprits were their teenage sons and daughters. It was the internet account holder who was sent the warning letter and a demand for compensation and then taken to court if they refused to pay. Needles to say, the usual amount of files being shared was in the thousands.

[DennisD]

Whoaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!

I wasn't keeping quiet because I was downloading porn.

*************************************************

Edited to keep me out of trouble.

[Robbie]

I just stick to downloading music. A song normally takes about a minute or two to download and doesn't use much bandwidth.

[DennisD]

Robbie, on Sep 15 2007, 11:56 PM, said:

I just stick to downloading music. A song normally takes about a minute or two to download and doesn't use much bandwidth.

This did put me off a bit, but it's such a good program I might just do as you do.

I'm still chuckling away here. I bet you lot thought I was sitting in front of my pc wearing a long trench coat and dark glasses.

[mfenech]

DennisD, on Sep 15 2007, 06:10 PM, said:

I'm still chuckling away here. I bet you lot thought I was sitting in front of my pc wearing a long trench coat and dark glasses.

More like nekkid and oozing.

[Talldog9]

Well this has taken an interesting turn...

edit: http://limewirepro.at.tt/ or http://www.freelimewirepro.net/ if you want Limewire Pro. No reason really to use the free version.

[Robbie]

^^

I would be wary of downloading from the above sites. The second link triggers popups and links to adult dating sites which include pictures of nudity as well as a gambling sites- popup and all this BEFORE the actual program has even been downloaded, indeed before you even get to the download page.

The first link launches popups (or more exact pop alongs, it appeared from the left hand side of my screen, with an ad in German.

I'd avoid both sites and stick to the official download sites.

[Talldog9]

I agree 100% with you, those sites are ad ridden but I can assure you that the actual exe's are clean. I personally examined the program from the first link, the second is by far the most popular. The first one tends to compile the newer versions first though.

Edit: LINK to SiteAdvisor page for first site (ignore the very first comment...)

[DennisD]

I'm puzzled guys. I've just been running Frostwire, and after having a search through the various folders the program installs, in "C: > Documents & Settings > Compaq Owner > Application Data > Frostwire > .Network Share", I found the Installation Package for the program mentioned above, "Limewire 4.14.8".

Whats that all about?

[Robbie]

yeah, I noticed last year that LimeWire is in that folder - I guess FrostWire just installs LimeWire, then modifies it to the FrostWire program. It certainly seems strange, but it's been like that since FrostWire was first launched early last year... if you click on that actual file it goes to install LimeWire, if I remember.