FrostWire
Developer(s) | The FrostWire Project |
---|---|
Initial release | September 2004 |
Stable release | 5.0.8
/ July 18, 2011 |
Preview release | None [±] |
Repository | |
Written in | Java |
Platform | Cross-platform |
Available in | Multi-Language |
Type | Peer-to-peer file sharing |
License | GNU General Public License |
Website | FrostWire.com |
FrostWire is a free, open source BitTorrent client, first released in September, 2004, as a fork of LimeWire. It was initially very similar to LimeWire in appearance and functionality but developers added more features, such as BitTorrent support. In version 5, Gnutella support was dropped entirely, and now FrostWire only uses the BitTorrent network.[1] Development of the program has been active since the program was first released in September 2004.
History
The project was started in September 2004 after LimeWire's distributor considered adding "blocking" code in response to RIAA pressure.[2] The RIAA threatened legal action against several peer-to-peer developers including LimeWire[2] as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in MGM Studios, Inc. v. Grokster, Ltd..[3]
The second beta release of FrostWire was available in the last quarter of 2005.[4][5]
Since version 4.20.x, FrostWire can handle torrent files and featured a new junk filter. Also, in version 4.21.x they added support for most android devices.
Since version 5.0, Frostwire relaunched itself as a BitTorrent application.
Popularity after LimeWire shutdown
Since LimeWire was closed down on 26 October 2010, LimeWire was put under a court injunction to stop them from distributing the software and developing it, so FrostWire 4 had become increasingly popular[citation needed] as it was almost identical to LimeWire and had similar features. After version 5 Frostwire can only download torrents, and those seeking a Gnutella client will either have to continue using version 4, or switch to another client altogether.
Flooding
After the success of the court case with closing down Limewire, the recording industry has been accused of trying[citation needed]to make FrostWire unworkable by introducing multiple copies of junk files when searches are performed. For example, if one searches for Elvis Presley, numerous files called simply 'Elvis Presley' or 'Elvis Presley (High Quality)' etc. will be listed in the results. Generally, these are either recordings of white noise or a fake advertisement, i.e. a file claiming to contain a copy of a legal settlement with Limewire. Often, they are a recording saying things such as 'Warning, This MP3 download is illegal.' However, these files can be blocked by using the built-in filter.
See also
References
- ^ http://www.frostwire.com
- ^ a b Thomas Mennecke (September 30, 2005). "FrostWire Prepares for Gnutella's Future". Slyck.com. Retrieved November 24, 2009.
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(help) - ^ Mark Hefflinger (September 22, 2005). "File-Sharing Firms May Be Heeding Cease-and-Desist Letters". Digital Media Wire, Inc. Retrieved October 15, 2009.
- ^ Thomas Mennecke (October 12, 2005). "FrostWire Beta Released". Slyck.com. Retrieved October 15, 2009.
- ^ John Newton (October 14, 2005). "FrostWire Beta Online". MP3 Newswire. Retrieved November 24, 2009.
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External links
- Official website
- FrostWire Blog
- FrostWire project on SourceForge
- FrostWire Source Code on Bitbucket
- FrostWire forums (at GnutellaForums.com)
- FrostClick, a site promoting legal downloads with FrostWire