FrostWire 5.3.5

FrostWire Editor's Review

FrostWire is an open source P2P file sharing program which runs on Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux (Ubuntu, Debian), and Android. It is similar to, and a branch of, the now non-operational LimeWire, a Gnutella network file-sharing application. FrostWire works with both Gnutella and BitTorrent networks and allows upload and download of files without license cost. 

The most recent release is 5.2.11 which is easy to use. Download and installation are straightforward and trouble-free. 

The search bar supports filtered searches, and shows file sizes, progress and seeds. You can browse and select files from within a torrent. Search engines can be selected, and the files found can be re-filtered and selected for download. FrostWire will create a torrent of your file or files and present it ready to share. Once downloaded, your newly downloaded file can be sent directly to another user (if you know the IP address) or you can Tweet, copy text, copy link or Magnet, send it to iTunes, or you can play it on the integrated media player - which is handy for previewing. 

Pros: Easy to use; What’s New button; simple design. 

Cons: You are responsible for the selection of files; there is no copyrighted material blocker.

Conclusion: FrostWire has some nice features, is popular and does not carry advertising or support DRM (Digital Rights Management). There are no pesky pop-ups, but the onus is on the user to filter and block inappropriate content. 

It is low cost, highly usable, and clean and hopefully it will not be blighted in the same manner as LimeWire.

version reviewed: 5.2.10