Downloading by using any of the below P2P applications is illegal and rips off the artists! Bottom line if you don't pay for the music in some fashion you are breaking the law.
"P2P File Sharing Programs
Including list of known bundled spyware/malware
__________________________________________________ _________
KEY
YY = Recommended and spyware free
Y = Ok, but not recommended
XY = Unknown and not recommended
Z = Dead
X = Not recommended
XX = Pure evil
XXX = Beyond evil
__________________________________________________ _________
Audiogalaxy Satellite | XX
- This is mostly a downloader program for use with the Audio Galaxy website (like Scour Media Agent). Though AudioGalaxy is one of the most popular download sites/programs right now. This is usually my best choice. AudioGalaxy only works for MP3s.
Known spyware issues: webHancer | OnFlow | Trickler | BonziBuddy | more
Napster | Z (Napster2 = drm-protected wma only)
- Napster, what can I say: the first, the most popular, and dead. Currently the Napster service has been shut down by US Courts. Though don't count this program out yet. Use the Napster clients with combination with Napster to reach the OpenNap networks and other open variants of the Napster protocol
Napigator | Z
- Napigator is not a sharing client by its self. It allows you to connect to OpenNap servers. Though their numbers have dropped and many have been threatened by the RIAA, OpenNap still remains a good choice if you are looking for a specific place that shares just once kind of music.
WinMX | YY *moderator's pick*
- WinMX used to be strictly a Napster clone. In versions 2.5 and beyond it has evolved to still serve Napster and OpenNap networks, though it has added their own serverless peer-to-peer network system. WPNP works along the lines of KaZaa, but are not the same protocol. WinMX/WPNP is still a good choice, definitely worth trying.
E-Donkey 2000 | XX
- EDonkey is not the most popular program in the bunch, but still a viable option. Like most other networks it is capable of sharing all file types. Built on top of Multisource File Transfer Protocol, EDonkey has no central server, but is a server/client based application where the server program is free to download and for anyone to run. Servers do not share search requests, but do grab other server addresses so clients can switch between them.
Known Spyware: TopText | New.Net | nCase | Gain | OfferCompanion | more
We recommend you use the spyware-free eMule instead | YY *moderator's pick*
iMesh | XXX
- iMesh is one of the older file sharing programs. It was alive during Napster ay day but never got the press. It pretty much runs exactly like Napster. It is gaining popularity and has a decent user base, but it does not match the popularity of other clients like AudioGalaxy and KaZaa.
Known spyware issues: Transponder | FlashTrack | Hotbar | eZula | NewDotNet | TopText | Cydoor | CommonNameToolbar | FavoriteMan | BonziBuddy | SAHAgent | Trickler | Gain | MyWay | and more
Hot Line | Z
- Hotline has been around for a while. This is a server client based application where the client is free but the server is going to cost you. This is not known to be on of the best MP3 file sharing platforms, but is very powerful. Only the host of the server shares and servers can be hard to find sometimes. Its perks are that it is more about groups with features like chat. Also, Hotline supports both PC & MAC.
Swaptor | Z
- Swaptor is not one of the most popular clients around and I honestly have never used it. I?ll try to get back to Swaptor or let someone else describe it.
Mojo Nation | Z
- Mojo Nation uses a transfer method of breaking up a download through multiple people, kind of like how Download Accelerator breaks up downloads to different servers. Also, Mojo uses a market place type of system to prevent leeching. For a better description check out their web page.
SongSpy | XX
- Not too popular. I've yet to hear a good review for it yet. I would stay away from it.
Known spyware issues: Onflow | nCase 180 Solutions
Newer versions = pure evil!
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FastTrack P2P Stack Based
- FastTrack is one of the most popular file sharing protocols out there. It is up neck and neck with Audio Galaxy. FastTrack is based on a distributed peer-to-peer system; basically unlike Napster this is serverless, like Gnutella. Unlike Gnutella though it uses a tiered system and is lot less bandwidth intensive. More information about the protocol can be found here.
KaZaA Media Desktop | XXX
- KaZaa is limited to MP3s of 128kbps and below, but this can be "fixed" with some registry hacking. Recently newer versions of KaZaa (1.3.1) have started installing spyware. It installs Cydoor without permission and also asks you to install OnWorld and TopText (a smart tag like program).
Known spyware: TopText | Cydoor | OnWorld | SaveNow | ClickTillUWin | AltNet | eZula | B3D Projector/BDE Viewer | and more
If you still insist on installing KaZaa, please read this first . . .
it might put you off even more. . .
http://www.spywareinfo.com/articles/kazaa/
Here's a useful tool designed specifically to get rid of every KaZaa file and registry entry, including all the bundled adware/spyware/scumware.
KazaaBeGone | (Direct Download).
Note, if using KazaaBeGone, you will also need to use LSPFix to fix your internet connection afterwards.
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If you still insist on using Kazaa, then although we don't recommend it (because you will still be supporting the evil Kazaa Network), go for one of Kazaa Lite or K-Lite Resurrection instead. The Lite versions (apparently) contain no spyware/adware! | Y
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Morpheus | XXX
- Not just the same protocol as KaZaa, but the same client (almost). Besides for a few cosmetic changes this is the exact same thing as KaZaa client. Its upsides are that there is no bit rate limit and it installs no spyware... (famous last words)
Important update:
Known spyware/adware issues with latest Morpheus 2x version!
Installs: WurldMedia | XMLAuthor (Mirage IE plugin) | IPInsight | Sentry | Gain\Trickler | more
Useful Resources: google | parasiteware | ABW Forum | DoxDesk | RobotArmy
Grokster | XXX
- Another FastTrack based client, and the least used as the three (but they all share the same files base). Grokster does support downloading from multiple sources and auto-resume features.
Update 2003 : v1.6+
Known Spyware issues: ClipGenie | DownloadWare | FavoriteMan | Webhancer | MyWay | RedV | SideStep | Trickler | Look2Me | VX2 | TOPicks | iGetNet (Winstart001.EXE) | ShopAtHome | Purity Scan | ZZ | Cydoor | Gain\Gator | OfferCompanion | ClickTillUWin (W32.DLDer.Trojan) | Explorer.Exe.Trojan | and more | and even more
Have to double post but not spam...
Drtyrock 06-10-2005 04:01 AM
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Gnutella Based
- Ahhh, Gnutella. Created by Justin Frankel and Tom Pepper of Nullsoft this project was quickly killed by AOL. Since then the protocol that Gnutella used was reverse engineered by client developers. Since then there have been many different groups developing Gnutella based clients and the original clients developed by Nullsoft became obsolete. Though Gnutella is a under-developed protocol and is very bandwidth intensive, these Gnutella clients are not recommended to modem users.
Gnucleus | Y
- Gnucleus is my favorite client of the bunch. Though it may be harder to use for the novice user it is one of the most powerful. Gnucleus is a open source client released under the GPL. It also features a mini-IRC chat client. It uses its IRC ability to get its original IP address to connect. Since Gnutella is a serverless system a client first need to know where to connect. Most other clients use a host cache that holds a list of active hosts. Gnucleus uses IRC where clients advertise themselves in a special chat room and clients connect to those IPs. It also features an evolve feature which allows it to auto-update its self.
*Possible Spyware issues with latest 1.8x version - awaiting confirmation
BearShare | XXX
- No doubt that BearShare is one of the most popular, stable, and easy to use Gnutella clients out there, but I have my reservations. BearShare has been knows to install some Adware/Spyware. In the latest version you should have the choice to not install the other programs but I am not sure how long that option will last. Any programs that it installs can be removed through the Windows Control Panel or a program like Ad-Aware
Known spyware issues: OnFlow | ClickTillUWin (W32.DLDer.Trojan) | Explorer.Exe.Trojan | Weathercast/ Weatherbug Trickler | WhenUSave | more info
LimeWire | XX
- LimeWire is a really nice client and really easy to use. Also, LimeWire is written in Java so it is cross platform making it one of the very few GUI clients to work with Linux. Though its downsides are that it is Java the program is kind of slow and comes with a hefty download.
Known Spyware: eZula | TopText | Cydoor | eBates | OfferCompanion | ClickTillUWin (Win32.DLDer.Trojan) | more info
Gnotella | Z
- Gnotella is a real nice client. It comes standard with features found on most other clients. It has the perk of being skinable and has a decent sized skin collection. Though this client is written in Visual Basic making it slower then other clients and more bulky.
Phex | Z
- Phex is the newest entry into the Gnutella arena. Phex is another Java client based on the original FURI source code. Development on FURI has since stopped, so another author decider to pick up the project and turn it into Phex. IT is not as pretty or powerful as other clients, but it is cross-platform and pretty small. Phex is open source and released under the GPL.
MyNapster | XY
- The final stop on our train of file sharing fun, MyNapster. Originally a Napster based program MyNapster has recently migrated to using a modified version of Gnucleus, complete with ads. I see no reason to use this client.
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New players on the scene...
XoloX | XX
- Update 2002: v1.4x
Known Spyware: Weatherbug | WhenU/SaveNow | MyWay | McAgent/McUpdateExe
Piolet (Blubster reborn) | XX
mp3 sharing only
v1.03 and earlier reported as spyware free (no confirmation)
v1.04 and newer: Reported spyware/adware: Cydoor, MySearchBar & more (watch this space) [source]
Update: Blubster/Piolet 2.x = full to the brim with spyware. Do NOT install!
Shareaza | YY
Open source and spyware-free.
Supports Gnutella, eDonkey and BitTorrent networks/protocols.
Reports so far are very good.
GLT Poliane | YZ
New AudioGalaxy clone. Reportedly spyware free.
Ares-Lite | Y
Reports seem ok so far...?
Note: Ares (Full version, not Lite) is riddled with spyware/malware. | XX
Freewire | XX
Limewire clone with heaps of spyware/adware | source | 2
OneMX | XX
WinMX clone with heaps of spyware/adware | source | 2
Mute | Y
No known info at this time. Open-source (GNU GPL). Reportedly clean (source)
EarthStation5 | Y
No known info at this time. Reportedly clean (source)
Warez P2P | XX
Looks pretty bad! Not recommended!
eXeem | XX
Installs evil Cydoor adware (no option to disable/opt out) and IE Toolbar (optional, but installed by default).
Try ExLite instead | Y
eXeem Lite is apparently a hacked spyware free version of eXeem.
Soulseek | YY *moderator's pick*
- ad-free, spyware-free, plain free. Highly recommended!
Summary
The only recommended spyware-free p2p apps are:
Soulseek | eMule | Shareaza | WinMX | K-Lite | DC++ | Ares-Lite
Not on this list?
A rather comprehensive full reference list of all known p2p apps and add-ons which come bundled with spyware can be found here:
http://kppfree.altervista.org/spylist.htm[/quote]
Some info for ya"