Limewire



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= = =//Limewire://=

What is it?
= = [|LimeWire] is a free, open source Gnutella peer-to-peer network client released under the GNU General Public License. The program allows users to share files using the Gnutella peer-to-peer protocol. Users can download music files, program files, videos, whatever they are interested in. Limewire runs on any computer and is not like WinMX or BitTorrent, it is not its own P2P network.

This program, much like Kazaa and other programs like Napster, is booming because of its fast download transfers. There are various versions of limewire, the basic version is available for free download online and is most likely what most people use. There are other versions like LimewirePro available too but must be paid for. These other versions are suppose to offer faster downloads and are available also online for purchase. LimeWire was the first file sharing program to support firewall-to-firewall file transfers, a feature introduced in version 4.2, which was released in November 2004.



http://shiftdelete.net/site/images/stories/2006/02/limewire.jpg

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**Benefits//://**
Lime Wire has a proven history of providing innovative P2P network support to its users. The following key features are what contribute to the programs success and popularity.

Copyright issues
One of the problems with downloading music off this software or any software for that matter is that if you don't pay for these privileges, it's considered steeling or as it's known in the media industry "pirating". Many people have been sued in the United States for copyright infringements. However if your a Canadian citizen for the time being downloading music off the internet for your personal use is not yet a crime. However if you share your music with other people on this software it could lead legal issues. Lime Wire is constructed with Java technology. Java is a software environment that allows the same application to run on different operating systems including Windows, Linux and Mac. Being built with Java technlogy, Lime Wire clients run on each of these operating system types. Most other P2P clients, in contrast, run only on Windows. Lime Wire and Java may run slowly on very old computers with small amounts of memory (RAM). In addition, starting up and making the initial nework connections in a Lime Wire client generally takes longer than with other P2P clients. These performance limitations are inherent in the Java environment but considered a relatively minor issue to Lime Wire users. To achieve the best Gnutella network connections, Lime Wire clients should be left connected and running for an extended time period.
 * ===**Java support**===

Lime Wire was the first P2P client to provide **ultrapeer** support on the Gnutella network. Ultrapeers are Lime Wire or other Gnutella clients running on computers with the best performance and network bandwidth. Ultrapeers allow Gnutella to support a greater number of users, by shifting the network load toward clients better able to accommodate it. When Lime Wire users search for files and initiate downloads, the Gnutella [|network protocol] logic ensures those clients are more likely to connect to ultrapeers than to ordinary peers. For example, Lime Wire users with a new high-end PC running Windows XP and a high-speed cable modem Internet connection are good candidates to become ultrapeers, while users with old PCs running Windows 98 over dial up connections would not become ultrapeers. Lime Wire automatically designates ultrapeers, although individual users can opt-out of this mode through the client.
 * ===**Ultrapeers**===

[|Network firewalls] can block P2P applications from connecting to each other. Users can configure their firewalls to avoid this problem, but that requires some technical know-how. P2P clients like Lime Wire try to simplify the process of connecting through firewalls whenever possible. If two peers want to share a file, and one is blocked by a firewall, some P2P network protocols detect this situation and can work around it by moving the responsibility of making connections to the peer not firewalled. However, if both peers sit behind firewalls, connections become much more complex to complete. Lime Wire was the first client to provide solutions for this scenario. Lime Wire works with some but not all types of firewalls.
 * ===**Firewall-to-firewall transfers**===

**Similar Programs:**
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 * [|Kazaa]
 * [|Napster]
 * [|Shareaza]

=The design of Limewire.......= = = =Norman's Principles=
 * //Feedback:// the response and results of each search that a user types in the search box while using limewire whether it be by Artist like 'Usher,' Album Title "Step Up" or Movie like "Save the Last Dance" shows users a sense of feedback that their searchs are being done and their needs are being met which reinforces continued usage of the program. If a song cannot be found you are prompted with a message "search cannot be found"
 * //Consistency:// the buttons and design of the program is what many common internet users are familiar with. The search box and the categories with drop-down menus are simple and easy to use and figure out. Also the buttons- play, stop, pause-- hold symbolilc representations that are consistently displayed on most technologies for the same actions which enhances users comfort and interactions with the program.
 * //Affordances:// the categories of searches gives clues to how to narrow down one's search in order to obtain the results closest to fulfilling the needs being requested

=User Experience Goals:=

As the functions of limewire foster and allow a working environment for file transfers and downloads, users experience many important things which are embedded within the design of the system. Limewire as a service is //helpful// because it allows users to search through various files and titles- from music to movies, to find the documents and/or pieces they are looking for for various puposes from business to pleasure. User experiences with the system are //enjoyable, fun// and //entertaining// as increasing amounts of material are easily obtained to satisfy the needs they feel most compelled to search for. The ability of the program to sift through all the files that exist and find the exact match to the searched words/ titles is //rewarding// and //satisfying// for all users because they feel as though their tasks are completed. Before they reached the site, they had intentions of findings something and as their success rates increase with speed and ease, their motivation to search for more and more songs also grows. This in itself is what makes the website 'sticky' and able to grow as it holds the attention of its users.