eMule & eMule Plus

Release:  May 2002

History:  Hendrik Breitkreuz developed eMule as an alternative to eDonkey2000.  As on January 2010, it is the most downloaded file on SourceForge with over 517 million downloads.

Function & Technologies: Unlike eDonkey2000, eMule’s newest version does not rely on central servers.  eMule is cross compatible with peers sharing on the eDonkey2000 network.  eMule is known for its ability to quickly recover corrupted downloads as well as its “credit system” that rewards frequent uploaders.  Being an open source program, people have developed variants, including eMule Plus.  eMule Plus includes an improved GUI as well as a “fake check” for files.  It also includes the Lancast feature where users can exchange files over a local area netwok (LAN) at blazing speeds.

Types of Files Exchanged:  A wide array of files, ranging from music to applications to eBooks and movies, are exchanged on the eMule network

Availability: Download eMule on the Sourceforge network: http://sourceforge.net/projects/emule/