Which Is Better: LimeWire Vs. FrostWire
LimeWire and FrostWire are both peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing applications that allow users to download a wide variety of digital files through a shared network of all other users. Through these programs, many file types can be downloaded inlcuding software, audio/video files and documents.
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History
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LimeWire was initially released to the public in May 2000, as an open-source file sharing solution. This software makes use of the Gnutella network, which provides a fully distributed alternative to older semi-centralized networks (such as FastTrack and the original Napster network). LimeWire and the Gnutella network exploded in popularity following the demise of Napster, which was mired in legal troubles at the time. The LimeWire software has since evolved through many different versions, each adding improved performance, security and more features.
FrostWire began development in September 2004 by several members of the LimeWire open source community. It was started after the distributor of LimeWire considered the addition of "blocking" code (which could block users from sharing licensed files) in the LimeWire software due to increasing pressure from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The first release of FrostWire became available in October 2005, and the software has since seen many updates, following in the footsteps of LimeWire.
System Compatibility
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Due to the fact that the source code for LimeWire and FrostWire is written in the Java programming language, both programs work with nearly any operating system including Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Solaris and OS/2. Any system with Java Virtual Machine installed should theoretically be able to run LimeWire, given that the system's hardware meets minimum system requirements.
Most versions of LimeWire and FrostWire generally share the same requirements. This includes a minimum of 128 MB RAM (256 MB or more recommended), Java 1.5 or later, and an active Internet connection.
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Features
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LimeWire provides users with a simple user interface offering a search screen, download/upload screen, a media player, and customizable options (such as download location and shared folders). Version 4.14 introduced the ability to download Torrent files, using the alternate BitTorrent protocol that has grown in popularity. Version 5 brought a fully redesigned user interface and the Friends feature, which allows users to share files with contacts. When performing a search, users can find specific files by using the category filter, advanced filters and the advanced search option.
For the most part, FrostWire has kept on par with LimeWire in terms of features. Exclusive to FrostWire, however, is the Chatroom feature. Although LimeWire lacks a chatroom, LimeWire 5 did introduce an instant messenger feature.
File Availability
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Since FrostWire and LimeWire both make use of the Gnutella network, users can find the same files for download in either application. The files being shared by other users are made available through the Gnutella network and not the individual Gnutella file sharing client being used.
Considerations
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While LimeWire is available in both free and paid versions, FrostWire is available only as a free download. LimeWire Pro, the paid version, provides a few extra features (turbo-charged downloads and connection to more sources) and free tech support.
The free FrostWire download even provides some of the paid upgrades only available with the Pro version of LimeWire.
Use caution when downloading with either application, as there are a variety of illegal, copyrighted files being shared as well as a large amount of malware.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Wonderlane
