Limewire software?

[Natasha4995]

I'm a bit uncertain about Limewire file sharing software works, is it safe, do I have the option not to share my files etc?

[snook]

I've used it quite a bit and found it generally safe. Yes, you can specify not to share files (I think it's in Options >Preferences).

Keep an eye out for anything that just looks wrong. I'm thinking, for example, of a file you might have specified for a search and then you get one (or very often many all at once) that show a file size that really doesn't make sense. If you're expecting the file to be about 4-5MB, for example, and the file that comes up shows a file size of, say, 17kb... then you can be pretty sure that's not the one you're looking for, but a virus that's been packaged to be attractive to you (I think they must use programs that 'grab' your search terms and use them to rename their nasty little files so you get hooked).

Watch where your downloads are saved to (it's usually a folder called Shared), then virus-scan that folder every time you've finished downloading something. It's the only way you've got a chance of staying 'clean'.

[kat472]

You do not have to share files (as in answer above).

If you specify to not share files you can only download at a certain bandwidth, if you do share files this bandwidth increases, making it easier for you to download new things etc..

Snook's right, as long as you run an anti virus / anti trojan / anti spyware programs after downloading you should be ok.

[gary baldy]

ive used it hundreds of times and its great for music but i downloaded some fonts once and they were very bad and really goosed things up. Stick to mp3s.

[qapmoc]

The idea of things like Limewire is that everyone shares files so that everyone can share them!! If everybody set up their PC to only download then the system would not work and you would not get any files, it is no problem to let the upload occur, it is downloading bad stuff that you need to worry about.

[snook]

Qapmoc, I take your point about uploading - sure, ideally we should all choose to share rather than not to, but if the mp3s, for example, that you have on your hard disk, or have just downloaded, are copyright, then you might just be a bit wary of getting an unwelcome knock at the door if you choose to share them freely. It's a decision that each user must take for himself after considering the consequences.

I imagine some users would be more inclined to share tracks that are not currently in the charts, since their record companies might just be more pro-active in trying to stamp out illegal file sharing. Those same users would probably be more than happy to share music files of older tracks, ones that aren't generating that much income for anyone through the normal channels.

Also, whenever I hear of some action being taken against a file-sharer, huge numbers of files are mentioned, so most people would probably feel more secure if they allowed a small number to be shared (I'm sure the music companies want to make examples of people who are really making them look foolish).

[KebabMeister]

Also when you close Limewire make sure to go to the icon in the system tray and right click and exit from there too otherwise it's still connected to the network and may slow your internet connection down.

[Mortartube]

When you install Limewire, it asks you whether you will/won't use it for copyright infringement as part of the setup process.