FrostWire (newest version: 4.18.5), released December 11, 2009, is a free, open source Peer to Peer application.
To insure broad appeal, FrostWire is a multi platform program running on Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2000, NT, Mac OS X 10.4 or later, Linux, and some flavors of Unix.
FrostWire includes all of the free LimeWire version’s functionality as well as a number of the features of LimeWire Pro – including multi-threading downloads, and Turbo-Charged connections. An added benefit in using FrostWire; you won’t have to put up with LimeWire’s nag screen or ads.
Fast facts:
· Open-source
· Firewall-to-firewall transfers
· Built-in community chat
· Connects to more sources
· Creative commons license support
· Broadband network connection
· Junk result filters
· Turbo-Charged download speeds
· iTunes integration
· Gnutella support
· BitTorrent support
· Proxy Support
If P2P file sharing is one of your interests, then you’ll find that this program, with its highly intuitive interface, should meet all of your needs.
With over 26 Million downloads on CNET alone (200,000 in the past week), calling this application “very popular” is a bit of an understatement.
System requirements: Windows Me/2000/XP/Vista/7
Additional requirements: Java Runtime Environment 1.6
Download at: Download.com
If P2P file sharing is one of your interests then you should consider the trade-offs and the very real risks involved in Peer to Peer file sharing.
Privacy: When you are connected to file-sharing programs, you may unintentionally allow others to copy confidential files you did not intend to share. So be sure to setup the file-sharing software very carefully.
If you don’t check the proper settings when you install the software, you could allow access not just to the files you intend to share, but also to other information on your hard drive, such as your tax returns, email messages, medical records, photos, and other personal and financial documents.
It’s extremely important to be aware of the files that you place in, or download to, your shared folder. Don’t put information in your shared folder that you don’t want to share with others. Your shared folder is the folder that is shared automatically with others on peer to peer file sharing networks.
Copyright Issues: You may knowingly, or otherwise, download material that is protected by copyright laws and find yourself caught up in legal issues. Copyright infringement can result in significant monetary damages, fines, and even criminal penalties.
Some statistics suggest as many as 70% of young people between the ages of 9 – 14, regularly download copyrighted digital music. If you are a parent, you bear the ultimate responsibility for this illegal activity.
Adult Content: Again, if you are a parent you may not be aware that their children have downloaded file-sharing software on the family computer, and that they may have exchanged games, videos, music, pornography, or other material that may be unsuitable for them. It’s not unusual for other peoples’ files to be mislabeled and you or your children can unintentionally download these files.
Spyware: There’s a good chance that the file-sharing program you’re using has installed other software known as spyware to your computer’s operating system. Spyware monitors a user’s browsing habits and then sends that data to third parties. Frequently the user gets ads based on the information that the spyware has collected and forwarded to these third parties.
I can assure you that spyware can be difficult to detect and remove. Before you use any file-sharing program, you should buy, or download free software, that can help prevent the downloading or installation of spyware, or help to detect it on your hard drive if it has been installed.
Viruses: Use and update your anti-virus software regularly. Files you download could be mislabeled, hiding a virus or other unwanted content. Use anti-virus software to protect your computer from viruses you might pick up from other users through the file-sharing program.
Generally, your virus filter should prevent your computer from receiving possibly destructive files. While downloading, you should avoid files with extensions such as .exe, .scr, .lnk, .bat, .vbs, .dll, .bin, and .cmd.
Default Closing Behavior: It is critical that you close your connection after you have finished using the software. In some instances, closing the file-sharing program window does not actually close your connection to the network. That allows file-sharing to continue and will increase your security risk. Be sure to turn off this feature in the programs “preferences” setting.
What’s more, some file-sharing programs automatically run every time you turn on your computer. As a preventive measure, you should adjust the file-sharing program’s controls to prevent the file-sharing program from automatically starting.
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Bill Mullins' Weblog - Tech Thoughts 
Hey Bill,
Off topic a bit, not long ago, I ran Shareaza after configuring Malwarebytes to guard my system in realtime, it kept blocking a malicious IP that Shareaza was trying to connect to, needless to say, Shareaza doesn’t get used by me anymore lol.
Cheers
Hey Mal,
Two things:
I seem to remember, that just a couple of years ago, the Shareaza site was hijacked which led to a malicious version of Shareaza being downloaded by tons of users. And second, you’re experience with Malwarebytes shows the value in real time protection.
Thanks for relating your experience. There’s a good lesson here.
Bill
I want to echo the security points you made. When I first dove into P2P, it didn’t take long to become infected.
To combat this, it pays to lurk and completely understand the files you are sharing, who you are sharing with, and the sites you are dealing with. I make it a habit to scan all of my shared files with Avira and Malwarebytes before I open them. I only share files from certain sites that others have commented on so the chances of getting a virus are slim to none.
Pay close attention to your P2P sharing settings so you aren’t simply opening up your computer to share things you don’t want to!
Many think P2p file sharing is all about piracy. While piracy is certainly attainable, there are also many non pirated files that are available for sharing as well. I deal with a lot of open source software testing and torrents are a fast and easy way to get your files.
Bill, your article is (as usual) on point and summarizes the P2P sharing environment well. It is also well timed as there will be thousands of new P2P enlistments in the new year.
Hey G,
You said it, especially only download from connections that others have commented on. You’re totally right when you say many people think that P2P is used to only download pirated material when in fact, statistics indicate the main purpose of P2P is legal file transfers. Thanks for raising that important point.
BTW, I’ve been by your place a few times in the last few days hoping to read what’s happening with the AG thingy. Congrats on your great year – thrilled for ya!
Happy New Year dude.
Bill
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bajar el limewire sin virus rapido y sin ninguna interbension e incluso sin tener qe acceder auna contraseña
good, thanks for sharing
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