How to Speed up LimeWire

LimeWire is a popular peer-to-peer file-sharing software. It allows computer users to connect via the Internet and directly share electronic files such as songs and movies. One of the factors that will affect your ability to get music through LimeWire is the speed of your downloads. Because you'll be downloading songs directly from another user's computer, having a fast connection speed will allow you to get more songs while users are connected to the LimeWire network.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Download Files Faster From LimeWire

1. Download updates for your LimeWire software as they become available. As with other computer programs, LimeWire will periodically be improved by the software designers to optimize effectiveness. Check with the official LimeWire site regularly to see whether any free software updates have been added to help speed up downloads.

2. Quit other downloads while using LimeWire. Downloading information from other Internet sources will force LimeWire to share your bandwidth. To maximize the speed at which LimeWire can retrieve files, make sure it's the only download program running.

3. Stop any file uploads while running LimeWire. Uploading files from your computer to the Internet can slow your connection speed even more than downloads. For instance, you can improve your LimeWire speeds by disconnecting from Bit Torrent sites that allow you to "seed" files for other users to download.

4. Configure your LimeWire software so that you're not sharing your file library with others. Just as you're able to download files from other LimeWire users' computers, they'll be able to access files in your library. To enhance your download speeds, consider restricting your file-sharing settings by clicking on the LimeWire drop-down menu, then clicking "Preferences" and "Sharing."

5. Tweak your wireless connection systems to improve speed. Use encryption and password protection to secure your wireless network. Wireless freeloaders using your network can slow your connection speeds and put a drag on your LimeWire music downloads.

6. Upgrade your Internet connection. Dial-up connections can be painfully slow for downloading files from LimeWire. DSL and cable modem connections can greatly improve your speed, allowing you to download more music in a fraction of the time.

7. Consult LimeWire's official site for other ideas on how to speed up connections (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Though LimeWire is available to download and use for free, an enhanced version of the program can be purchased through the official site (see Resources below). While you'll be able to perform all LimeWire's basic downloading and playback functions with the free software, purchasing LimeWire Pro might help to speed up your music downloads.

Who Can Help:

• eFax is the world’s #1 Internet fax service.  Send and receive faxes by email and kiss your fax machine goodbye. 30-Day Free Trial

Resources

• LimeWire official site for LimeWire Pro
• LimeWire technical support

[beantobe]

on 4/15/2009 Limewire is great, as long as you are careful not to download viruses. I have also found this a slightly more reliable site to be a great source of fast, virus free music downloads: http://tinyurl.com/virus-free-music