14 DAY TRIAL // LimeWire, the free, peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing client, has just been updated to a new version. While still in beta, the software adds a new user interface that uses “ultrapeer” technology, as well as support for Jabber (XMPP) protocol, among others.
“Welcome to the Limewire 5 Beta. That's right, Beta,” the folks at Gnutella network say. “There's still a few bugs, but the paint & features should be complete. (Of course we might have missed something... but that's why this is a Beta!) Take LimeWire 5 for a spin and tell us what you think,” the development team adds. “LimeWire 5 is coming soon!” A bunch of known issues are mentioned upon installing the program. Those include:
- The framework for using LimeWire in different languages is in place (Tools > Options, Misc), however full translations aren't completed. - When loading “My Library” with a lot of files (over 1000), LimeWire takes several seconds to process and may freeze. - Adding a new folder for LimeWire to watch unshared files with friends who are currently on LimeWire Friends. - When you sign out of Friends, LimeWire doesn't automatically refresh the number of shared files. - LimeWire is always the media player for audio files when launched through LimeWire. - The setting to automatically launch LimeWire upon system startup doesn't work.
LimeWire uses the Java platform to locate files as well as share files. It is one of the only P2P file sharing solutions of its kind for the Mac. Touted as the fastest, easiest, most advanced file sharing program of its kind, LimeWire is compatible with all major platforms and running over the Gnutella network. LimeWire integrates with iTunes on both Mac and Windows platforms, and uses a browse-host feature, which works even through firewalls.
LimeWire's open source code is freely available to the public, and developed in part by a devoted programmer community. It is available in multiple languages, in both free and paid versions. The Basic version is free, while LimeWire Pro can be acquired for $21.95. LimeWire Pro is an enhanced version with personalized technical support. The software requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later, 256 MB RAM, a live connection to the Internet, and Java 1.5 or later. Besides the latest (Beta) version, Mac users can also download a stable version of LimeWire using the link below.