What is LimeWire and Why is it Free?

LimeWire is a file sharing software application that allows the sharing of mult-platform computer files such as music, text, pictures, video, and games. The software also boasted to be the world's fastest file-sharing application and offers file previews during downloads as well as an easy to use interface for all level of users.

Easy to use, turbo-charged downloads with cross-platform capabilities-can a free software system really hold up to its promises? End users around the Internet seem to be shouting "Yes!"

Or perhaps screaming, because LimeWire offers iTunes integration too.

In fact, the software currently has a end-user and editor rating of four stars at Download.com, with comments from over five-thousand-three-hundred users.

Now the catch...

Come on, you knew there was one...

LimeWire Basic is freeware (meaning it is free to download and use,) not the full version, LimeWire PRO. (Although the PRO version isn't wildly expensive, priced around $20) Also, LimeWire Basic is offered for free in hopes that the end-user will fall wildly in love with the software and want to take advantage of advanced features, which one can do by purchasing the LimeWare PRO version.

Does that matter? Well, that depends upon your needs.

The LimeWire Basic version does not include the much touted "turbo-charged downloads" but rather it offers faster download capabilities than you might currently have with other software. It's also lacking in enhanced search capabilities, technical support, and free updates.

On the upside, LimeWire Basic offers some of the big promises as its bigger sibling, Limewire PRO, such as a guarantee of no adware or spyware and a spam blocker.

A table offering a complete side by side comparison between LimeWare Basic and LimeWare PRO can be found on the official LimeWire website at http://www.limewire.com The free download of LimeWare Basic can also be found on the same website.

If you are looking for a file sharing program faster than what you are currently using with a simple end-user interface and don't mind a few ads for upgrades to the bigger version, LimeWire Basic might be for you.

An extra few words of caution:

If you decide to use LimeWire, as with any file sharing program, be sure to stay up to speed with copyright infringement laws and avoid entering into any "illegal" file sharing. Visit the U.S. Copyright website http://www.copyright.gov/ for more information, or visit the ALA website http://www.ala.org/ala/washoff/woissues/copyrightb/intlcopyright/Default2660.cfm to stay abreast of International copyright laws.

In addition, take precautions when using file sharing programs to avoid identity theft or loss of important computer documentation. Take care not to enable file sharing of important information or images on your computer and be sure to use virus protection and firewall software in conjunction with your file sharing software. HTCC offers a good list of precautions to take at http://cybercoyote.org/security/p2p.shtml