Slightly Better Interface, Faster Download Speeds

While FrostWire boasts a slightly better interface and typically faster download speeds than LimeWire, both are increasingly viewed as relics of the early days of file sharing. Most of the newer filer sharing communities are based on a leaves and super nodes architecture, which takes advantage of the latest cutting edge technology. With robust programs like Ares Vista, which feature fast download times and a commitment to software that stays relevant through frequent updates, FrostWire has found its users defecting and unbiased reviews on the web becoming more negative (and vocal).

FrostWire is an open source p2p (peer to peer) client that uses the LimeWire source code for its application. Because of the similar underlying infrastructure, the two programs are very similar in look and functionality. However, there are some key difference between the two programs, mainly the existence of adware on LimeWire and the addition of a few extra features to FrostWire. While FrostWire has widely been accepted as the better of the two applications, the fact that it (like LimeWire) is a java based app, makes the program more obsolete with each passing year.

Free Version Of LimeWire

FrostWire came out as an alternative to the free version of the LimeWire application. Similar in design and scope, but free of all the intrusive adware, it was a welcome alternative that also included some additional new features.

Since FrostWire was actually based on the code for the paid version of LimeWire, users didn’t have to worry about simultaneous download restrictions. Connections monitor a users incoming and outgoing connections, but also provide information on bandwidth, the version being used, the vendor and more. There’s also a community chat facility and, not surprisingly, the interface for FrostWire was changed from lime green to that of frost blue.

Limited Community

One of the most frequent complaints about FrostWire is its limited community of users, which equates to a very limited number of shared file choices. The program also seems to have a problem with filtering out songs/artists that are not available for download. Many have complained that the media player in Frostwire does not allow them to work with MP3’s.

Java = Slow Application?

Another common complaint is that the application is very slow compared to some of the more robust file sharing networks like Ares Vista. There have also been heated discussions about the Ask toolbar, which comes bundled with the application. There is a box you can uncheck during installation to leave off the toolbar, but many users claim it was still installed against their wishes. Finally, there have been an increasing number of problems with the stability of the network and the frequent system crashes that users have experienced. The main consensus is that the underlying java source code is not designed to handle the current needs of the file sharing community.

In Summary…

For the most part, LimeWire and FrostWire are pretty indistinguishable, though the lack of ads is a big plus for Frostwire. Both applications, however, suffer from the underlying java infrastructure, which is limited in its capability and just not designed for today’s file sharing needs.

Ability to stay current with the latest technology and trends:

Given the rapid pace of advances in technology, and the huge massive amount of content that flows through file sharing networks, it helps to use a program that is built for the workload. Some programs, like Ares Lite, for example, were built for much smaller file sharing needs and struggle to stay relevant in this new, expanded environment.

To find the fastest, most reliable application, look for ones that stay up to date, and are fully supported by their developers. For instance, programs like Ares Vista take into account the latest Windows security issues, and the developers remain committed to providing the best user experience available.

When looking for a music download, the program you choose will make the difference between a smooth and easy process, and one riddled with problems. By keeping these points in mind, you can enjoy all the file sharing community has to offer, without the annoying, and often time consuming, experiences many users have had to endure.

Here are a couple things to keep in mind when looking for a place to get a music download:

If you’re interested in a music download, you’re in luck. The file sharing world has come a long way since its early days. The level of speed, security and massive amount of song choices all make it a great time to get involved in the community.

There has been a surge of applications developed to satisfy the huge demand of current and new users coming into the system. While this has been great for promoting quality within the industry, it’s sometimes hard to distinguish the real players from the charlatans and the ‘has beens’ that are becoming obsolete.

Underlying infrastructure of the network

What an application is built on makes a big difference in how the program will run, how many resources it uses on your system, and how fast it will load and download files. For instance, many of the earlier file sharing programs, like LimeWire and FrostWire, were designed as java based apps, which make them much larger in size and more taxing on your pc.

In comparison, the Ares network, one of the most popular file sharing networks in existence today, is written in Delphi and uses a supernode/leaf network to distribute files. This makes it much smaller, faster and typically much more stable.

Spyware/Malware

Many of the free peer-to-peer file sharing networks will bundle their application with intrusive adware and malware. Users are subjected to annoying pop ups, unwanted monitoring of their pc activity, and advertisements at every turn. Two of the most discussed applications that take this route are Ares Destiny and BitComet.

With the abundance of file sharing applications that are free of malware or spyware, like Ares Lite and Ares Vista for example, it makes sense to go with a less invasive alternative.