subject: Bearshare: A Safe Limewire Alternative For Users [print this page] Bearshare: A Safe Limewire Alternative For Users
Despite recent successful prosecution of the owners and programers of various file sharing clients, the demand for safe and legal software to enable users to share files with each other continues. In response to this demand, recent versions of file sharing software provides a much more secure and guaranteed legal service to users.
Music Companies Mount Legal Challenges
File sharing client Limewire, was recently forced to shut down their website and operations, following a successful legal challenge by major record companies. These companies have pursued and been successful in prosecuting similar peer to peer file sharing programs like Napstar, who for many years were the most popular file sharing client on the internet. Limewire and Napstar were successfully prosecuted for causing loss of revenue and income to record companies, following the successful transfer and download of music files that arguably cost the music industry millions of dollars in lost retail sales.
Limewire Shutdown
Limewire, like Napstar, had had an ever increasing growth in downloads and file sharing. When LimeWire closed down their website, their user database sought alterative clients. Popular LimeWire alternatives included BearShare, a client that had recently changed its software to reflect the demand for a safer and legal option for file sharing between peers.
File Sharing Created Potential for Downloading of Malicious Files
In the past, file sharing between peers connected to the internet, relied on modification of a users firewall to enable file transfer. This immediately compromised the safety of the end user who were never certain that a downloaded filed did not contain a virus. Many of the software options available relied on adware to pay for the service, and this produced potential malicious file damage through adware and spyware that were part of the advertising bundle.
New Software Options
Recent software improvements by Bear Share and other clients have removed much of the potential for spreading of viruses and users no longer have to rely on advertising to support software development. Some, like BearShare are now deemed safe to use by popular Anti Virus Software. The new software protocols also provide for a legal alternative to the older software, satisfying the ongoing and every growing need for file sharing technologies for reasons other than just music or video file transfers.
BearShare as a LimeWire Alternative
BearShare is marketing itself as a limeWire alternative, promising users the ability to import music library import and file share. BearShare promises a legal and supported service, with access to a database of over 20 million songs, which are IPod and MP3 compatible. Online forums ensure that questions are answered and the program uses no adware, keeping the application advertising free. Antivirus software checks the site daily for any sign of malware or virus activity.
