Limewire's logo.
Credit: Lime Wire LLC | ©Lime Wire LLC
In the days since Napster shut down, Limewire seems to have gained some popularity. It seems like a great program - the basic version of software is free, and all downloads are free. But I don't like this peer-to-peer file sharing program. It has a few glitches I don't like - it makes my computer run very slow, the program and my firewall don't get along, and you have to know what you're doing to prevent other users from accessing your files.
On the surface, Limewire is a good program. The basic software is free, and doesn't take long to download or install. It is also easy to run searches for various files and download. It's not quite so easy if you get a weak connection to a host, however. Since the program is a file sharing format, I was always skeptical of the safety of files I was downloading (all were deemed clean after virus scan, however). I was also paranoid that someone would find a way to nail users for copyright infringement. The files sometimes do not exactly match the title and description, either.
On to the Limewire glitches I don't like. When the program was open and running, even when minimized to the "quicklaunch" area of my taskbar, my computer suddenly became quite sluggish. If I closed the program completely - poof! Computer began running at a normal speed. I hope this is a glitch that has been fixed since I tried Limewire.
It's minor, but since I typically have a firewall set to maximum levels, Limewire couldn't operate normally. You can change your firewall settings to allow Limewire to function normally, but some of us would rather be barricaded behind absolutely impenetrable defense.
Also, there's this whole file sharing thing. The principle makes the basic Limewire free, along with advertising, but... There's just something about letting random people download your files that the less advanced internet user like myself doesn't totally trust. You can change a setting in Limewire to make certain files, or even none at all, available for peers to download. If you do this, you're kind of a free loader, which some of us might be comfortable with.
On the surface, Limewire is a good program. The basic software is free, and doesn't take long to download or install. It is also easy to run searches for various files and download. It's not quite so easy if you get a weak connection to a host, however. Since the program is a file sharing format, I was always skeptical of the safety of files I was downloading (all were deemed clean after virus scan, however). I was also paranoid that someone would find a way to nail users for copyright infringement. The files sometimes do not exactly match the title and description, either.
On to the Limewire glitches I don't like. When the program was open and running, even when minimized to the "quicklaunch" area of my taskbar, my computer suddenly became quite sluggish. If I closed the program completely - poof! Computer began running at a normal speed. I hope this is a glitch that has been fixed since I tried Limewire.
It's minor, but since I typically have a firewall set to maximum levels, Limewire couldn't operate normally. You can change your firewall settings to allow Limewire to function normally, but some of us would rather be barricaded behind absolutely impenetrable defense.
Also, there's this whole file sharing thing. The principle makes the basic Limewire free, along with advertising, but... There's just something about letting random people download your files that the less advanced internet user like myself doesn't totally trust. You can change a setting in Limewire to make certain files, or even none at all, available for peers to download. If you do this, you're kind of a free loader, which some of us might be comfortable with.
Comments
rad
(Guest)
(Guest)
05/19/2008
If you buy the LimeWire pro it won't slow your computer down. I think they build some type of code into the free version that after a few minutes of having LW turned on it slows you down. A few years ago we bought the pro version and never had the same issues as with the free version.
Jake
(Guest)
(Guest)
08/26/2007
My limewire only has 3 hosts and no one can help
Thanks for the info, good tips. I must not be a very experienced Limewire user. :)
Chief Jack
(Guest)
(Guest)
04/12/2007
Forgot to add that your new downloads will have to be dragged into the new sub-folder, leaving only your "decoy song" in the main portion of your Limewire download folder. Also, your initial Limewire download folder, when chosen at installation of the program, is the only place others can search your hard drive for music. Not picking a designated "decoy" folder causes Limewire to open up your entire drive to searchers by default.
Chief Jack
(Guest)
(Guest)
04/12/2007
Limewire can be rigged so no one downloads your stuff, and the downloading of your files may have been what caused the slowdown. When Limewire is set up it asks you where you want the files. If you don't pick a specially named folder, it auto-sets itself for people to search your entire hard drive for songs. I used a special folder and kept one song in it. When I downloaded music I opened up a sub-folder within the special one for the new downloads. After downloading, copy and paste your new music to where you want it on your hard drive (such as "My Music"). With one song in the original folder (make it an oddball song), it's unlikely others will plumb your computer for music.
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