LimeWire

Release:  May 2000

History:  Limewire, LLC launched in June 2000 by CEO Mark Gorton.  The goal of the program was to allow for easier access to the Gnutella network.  Recently, the company has launched LimeWire PRO, an enhanced version.  They claim that the PRO version has up to 66% better search results.  Prior to version 5.0, LimeWire users often accidentally gave others access to private computer files.  They have since prevented this problem.  Prior to 2004, versions included spyware called LimeShop.  The spyware monitored online retail activity.

Function & Technologies: Limewire is a peer-to-peer client written in Java.  It operates on the Gnutella network.  Newer versions include BitTorrent support through a technology called libtorrent.  Libtorrent is an open source version of the BitTorrent protocol.

Types of Files Exchanged:  Primarily music, however there is a wide array of file types exchanged on the Gnutella network.

Availability: Download LimeWire on Limewire.com