Article in work... 22 file sharing apps are about to be tested...

A lot of people use file sharing apps, and while we don't support illegal use of them, I decided to write a test review of file sharing apps for those users who use them for legal purposes ;)

Direct Connect (1.0 preview build 9.1, contains adware, free)
Direct Connect hasn't been updated in a long while, but is still up and being used. Contrary to classical file sharing apps, Direct Connect allows you to connect to a special channel where a limited amount of users with the same interests meet - from those you can download and with those you can chat. Some of those channels are closed except to registered users, and many channels are controlled by moderators verifying that you comply with the channels rules. Direct Connect displays ads, and seems to be complicated for beginners.

Shareaza (1.8.10.2, spyware-clean, freeware)
Shareaza supports four networks: Gnutella 1, Gnutella 2, eDonkey and BitTorrent. With eDonkey and BitTorrent, it automatically shares incomplete downloads, for Gnutella, this function can be disabled. It has a very comfortable user interface and is resource-friendly. It also allows advanced users to tweak a lot of options. In the list of classical file sharing apps, this is the one that would get my recommendation.

WinMX (3.3.1, spyware-clean, freeware)
WinMX supports the WinMX peer network and the OpenNap networks. Even though the WinMX website has some ugly popups, WinMX is completely free of spyware or adware. It's only downside is the user interface, which isn't really something for users new to file sharing imho. It has gotten the recommendation of SpywareInfo.com though.

Patrick Kolla on December 29th f, 2003