subject: Which Version of the Ares Download Should I Use? [print this page] Which Version of the Ares Download Should I Use?
Joining the Ares download network is easy and fun, but doing a bit of research before you download any program is always a good idea. Here's the scoop on the Ares download, complete with suggestions for making it a safe and easy experience.
Why There Are So Many Different Versions of the Ares Download to Choose From
Ares was developed as a spin-off from the Gnutella network in 2002. While it was originally designed with the simple transfer of music files in mind, it has evolved into a much more robust downloading program as the years have progressed. Because Ares has always been an open-source project, developing different versions to meet different downloading needs was very easy.
The diversity of different Ares versions which are available is both one of the greatest strengths and greatest weaknesses of the program. The strength of having so many versions is that there is an Ares program to suit every operating system and downloading style. The weakness of it being an open-source project, however, is that it is easy for unscrupulous individuals to hide malware in the program. However, the weakness is easily overcome with just a little prep and planning prior to selecting the version of Ares you want to download.
Picking the Right Ares Download Version for Your Computer and Downloading Style
The first factor that you should take into account is the capabilities of your operating system and your particular downloading style. For instance, if you are the sort of person who will be using your Ares download to acquire a lot of big files such as games and movies, you'll want to make sure that the version of Ares you get supports BitTorrent protocol. That way you can take advantage of the fastest downloading speeds.
Similarly, there are versions of Ares which are better suited for people who like to chat with other downloaders as well as versions designed to be light on resource use. Choosing the version best suited to your downloading style from the get-go will make your experience using Ares much more pleasurable.
The only real consideration relating to version compatibility with operating systems applies to Windows Vista users. Windows Vista has a number of enhanced security functions which wreak havoc with P2P programs like Ares. Ares Vista was designed to be compatible with the enhanced security of Windows Vista, and is the only version recommended for users of this operating system.
Acquiring Your Ares Download from a Reputable Site
After you've settled on the version of Ares which is best suited to your needs, your final decision is picking one of the many sites from which to get your Ares download. It is this step where you need to be most cautious about your choice so that you don't end up with a version of Ares which has malware.
Fortunately, picking a safe site is relatively easy.
First and foremost, the site should say upfront on their homepage that their versions are malware-free. Next, look for customer support services included in the download. Even malware-free software occasionally needs technical support, and it's a good idea to ensure that the site from which you get your Ares download has help available if you need it. Finally, do some research on the reputation of the site, to make sure other users haven't had any problems.
Following these steps will ensure that your experience downloading Ares is everything it's meant to be: quick, easy and fun!
