LimeWire is a free peer-to-peer file sharing program that runs on multiple operating systems using the Java platform. It uses the Gnutella network and BitTorrent protocol to allow users to search, download, and share music, software and other files. While easy to use, LimeWire and similar P2P networks are often used to commit copyright infringement which led to its legal shutdown in 2010.

2. LimeWire is a free peer-to-peer file sharing (P2P)
client program that runs on Windows, Mac OS X,
Linux, and other operating systems supported by the
Java software platform.LimeWire uses the gnutella
network as well as the BitTorrent protocol. A free
software version and a purchasable "enhanced"
version are available. The software is developed by
Lime Wire LLC, which is a subsidiary of Lime Group.
BitTorrent support is provided by libtorrent.

3. Creator Mark Gorton
Developer(s) Lime Wire LLC
Initial release May 29, 2000; 10 years ago (2000-05-29)
Discontinued 5.5.16 / September 30, 2010; 46 days
ago (2010-09-30)
Preview release 5.6.1 / May 7, 2010; 6 months ago (2010-05-
07)
Written in Java Platform Cross-platform
 Available in 31 languages
 Type Peer-to-peer file sharing
License GNU General Public License
Website LimeWire.com

4. Types of music available

5. Limewire’s target audience.
The target audience for limewire is mainly teenagers.
As the tend to download music. However limewire
can also be used for different purposes, so this also
attract a wider target audience from different age
groups. These purposes include programs such as
“cracked” versions of photoshop and other programs.

6. Advantages/ Features of using the
site.
 Ease of use. Just install, run, and search.
 Ability to search by artist, title, genre, or other meta-information.
 Elegant multiple search tabbed interface.
 "Swarm" downloads from multiple hosts help you get files faster.
 iTunes integration for Mac users.
 Unique "ultrapeer" technology reduces bandwidth requirements for most
users.
 Integrated chat.
 Browse host feature. Even works through firewalls.
 Added Bitzi metadata lookup.
 International versions: Now available in many new languages.
 Connects to the network using GWebCache, a distributed connection system.
 Automatic local network searches for lightning-fast downloads. If you're on
a corporate or university network, download files from other users on the
same network almost instantaneously!
 Support for MAGNET links that allow you to click on web page links that
access Gnutella

7. Disadvantages of using the site.
Copyright Infringement
The biggest drawback to P2P file sharing is the ability to break the law
and commit copyright infringement. For owners of intellectual
property, P2P file sharing sites are a nightmare.
Legitimate P2P companies place a disclaimer on the software to inform
people of copyright laws, reasons why the theft of intellectual
property is wrong and why the website does not endorse or
recommend engaging in illegal copyright infringement.
That being said, the reality of it is many people still commit copyright
infringement by exchanging movies, songs, games and other
copyrighted properties. It is important to understand that P2P
software and technology isn't what's illegal, but exchanging
copyrighted files and property is against the law. The drawback is the
software is the tool that enables this to occur and has become a large
controversial issue.

8. Malware
Unfortunately some P2P software comes with a bundle of
spyware and adware which takes residence in your
computer. Additionally there is always a risk of
downloading viruses or Trojans from other users.
Not everyone who engages in P2P file sharing is honorable
and some may use the interface for the purpose of
spreading nasty bugs to the computers of others. Before
using P2P it is of value to understand safe computer
practices and some of the potential risks that occur when
downloading. A good firewall and virus scanner that is
kept up to date is a must.

9. Advertisements
To use P2P websites users are prompted to download
the necessary software. One consideration is free vs.
paid software. Free versions will not cost any money
to download or install however they often come with
flashing ads and other annoying advertisements. This
may not be appealing to all users and some may
prefer to pay a bit of money to download software
that does not contain advertisements.

10. Trust Strangers
Most websites do not police the content that streams through P2P
and have no central location to store files that have been
checked for being illegal or virus-ridden. The weight falls on
users to decide and for those who aren't versed in copyright law
or risky computing this can be problematic.
P2P is legitimate software and serves a good purpose when used
properly, and as time goes on, the value of this technology
proves itself in both the business and social environment. Many
companies have recognized the value of P2P and have
integrated it into their workplaces.
That being said, unfortunately there is an entire culture that
abuses the technology in order to exploit both the law and
other people. This factor is the primarily cause for the biggest
disadvantages of P2P file sharing.

11. How the site markets itself.
The site is now shut down so there no information.
On May 12, 2010, Judge Kimba M. Wood of the United States District
Court ruled that LimeWire and its creator, Mark Gorton, had
committed copyright infringement, engaged in unfair competition,
and induced others to commit copyright infringement.[
On October
26, 2010, LimeWire was ordered to disable the "searching,
downloading, uploading, file trading and/or file distribution
functionality" after losing a court battle with the RIAA over claims of
copyright infringement. The RIAA also announced intentions to
pursue legal action over the damages caused by the program in
January to compensate the affected record labels. In retaliation, the
RIAA's website was taken offline on October 29 via denial-of-service
attacks executed by members of Operation Payback and Anonymous.
In response to the ruling, a company spokesperson said that the
company is not shutting down, but will be using its "best efforts" to
cease distributing and supporting P2P software