LimeWire is a free peer-to-peer file sharing (P2P) client for the Java platform, which uses the Gnutella network to locate files as well as share files. It also encourages the user to pay a fee, which will then give the user access to LimeWire PRO. Recently LimeWire opened its own store.

Written in the Java programming language, LimeWire is able to run on any computer with Java Virtual Machine installed. Installers are provided for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. Support for Mac OS 9 and other previous versions was dropped with the release of LimeWire 4.0.10. From version 4.8 onwards, LimeWire works as a UPnP Internet Gateway Device controller in that it can automatically set up packet-forwarding rules with UPnP-capable routers.

LimeWire offers the sharing of its library through the Digital Audio Access Protocol. As such, when LimeWire is running and configured to allow it, any files shared will be detectable on the local network by DAAP-enabled devices (e.g., iTunes).

More Information

• Developed by Lime Wire LLC
• Initial release 2000
• Stable release 4.18.8 (19 September 2008; 57 days ago) [+/−]
• Preview release 5.00.0 Alpha (06 August 2008; 101 days ago) [+/−]
• Written in Java
• Platform Cross-platform
• Available in 31 languages
• Type File sharing
• License GNU General Public License
• Website LimeWire.com, LimeWire.org