LimeWire Vs. Frost Wire
If you're a lifelong LimeWire user, you might be wondering what FrostWire is all about and how it compares with LimeWire. FrostWire was created because many LimeWire enthusiasts feared changes in LimeWire would prevent them from downloading copyrighted files. Both applications are cross-platform, Java-based programs that connect to the Gnutella P2P network. Both have similar interfaces as well.
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LimeWire Versions
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LimeWire comes in two versions---Basic and Pro. The Basic version is available free but lacks a few features, including "turbo-charged downloads." The Basic version artificially limits download speed to help sell the Pro version. FrostWire, in contrast, is simply free; the free version is the only version. FrostWire includes most of LimeWire Pro's features, lacking only the technical support LimeWire offers for an annual fee. As such, FrostWire can be considered a free version of LimeWire Pro without technical support.
Open Source
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FrostWire is "open source." This means anyone can read and edit the code, provided they in turn share the changes they make. Open source programs are typically free, and FrostWire is no exception. Open source programs also have teams of volunteers who provide security and other updates, and again FrostWire is no exception on this count either---the FrostWire project is, as of the time of this writing, an active project with regular updates.
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Chat Room
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One feature FrostWire has that LimeWire, Basic or Pro, lacks completely is a chat room. Discuss your file-sharing searches with other FrostWire users, perhaps even requesting certain files from people who may have time on their hard drive unshared. This is also handy if you run into problems with FrostWire, since someone in the chat room may have already found a solution to your problem.
Ask.com Toolbar
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The Windows version of FrostWire, by default, will install the Ask.com toolbar and set Ask.com as your default search engine. While you can opt out by simply clicking a checkpoint, this can be irritating if you forget to opt out and do not like Ask.com's services. It's also something to consider if you dislike programs that bundle unrelated software on principle.
Security Concerns
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The Gnutella network is known for its high concentration of viruses and malware. Neither LimeWire nor FrostWire is immune to this. Be sure to scan any files you download from either of these programs with a virus scanner before opening them.
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