FrostWire: Is A Java Based Application Relevant?

FrostWire is an open source p2p (peer to peer) client that uses the LimeWire source code for its application. Because of the similar underlying infrastructure, the two programs are very similar in look and functionality. However, there are some key difference between the two programs, mainly the existence of adware on LimeWire and the addition of a few extra features to FrostWire. While FrostWire has widely been accepted as the better of the two applications, the fact that it (like LimeWire) is a java based app, makes the program more obsolete with each passing year.

Free Version Of LimeWire

FrostWire came out as an alternative to the free version of the LimeWire application. Similar in design and scope, but free of all the intrusive adware, it was a welcome alternative that also included some additional new features.

Since FrostWire was actually based on the code for the paid version of LimeWire, users didn’t have to worry about simultaneous download restrictions. Connections monitor a users incoming and outgoing connections, but also provide information on bandwidth, the version being used, the vendor and more. There’s also a community chat facility and, not surprisingly, the interface for FrostWire was changed from lime green to that of frost blue.

Slightly Better Interface, Faster Download Speeds

While FrostWire boasts a slightly better interface and typically faster download speeds than LimeWire, both are increasingly viewed as relics of the early days of file sharing. Most of the newer filer sharing communities are based on a leaves and super nodes architecture, which takes advantage of the latest cutting edge technology. With robust programs like Ares Vista, which feature fast download times and a commitment to software that stays relevant through frequent updates, FrostWire has found its users defecting and unbiased reviews on the web becoming more negative (and vocal).

Limited Community

One of the most frequent complaints about FrostWire is its limited community of users, which equates to a very limited number of shared file choices. The program also seems to have a problem with filtering out songs/artists that are not available for download. Many have complained that the media player in Frostwire does not allow them to work with MP3’s.

Java = Slow Application?

Another common complaint is that the application is very slow compared to some of the more robust file sharing networks like Ares Vista. There have also been heated discussions about the Ask toolbar, which comes bundled with the application. There is a box you can uncheck during installation to leave off the toolbar, but many users claim it was still installed against their wishes. Finally, there have been an increasing number of problems with the stability of the network and the frequent system crashes that users have experienced. The main consensus is that the underlying java source code is not designed to handle the current needs of the file sharing community.

In Summary…

For the most part, LimeWire and FrostWire are pretty indistinguishable, though the lack of ads is a big plus for Frostwire. Both applications, however, suffer from the underlying java infrastructure, which is limited in its capability and just not designed for today’s file sharing needs.

More Ares Posts

• Music Download: Secret To Finding Fastest, Most Secure Application
• LimeWire: Are They Moving In The Wrong Direction?
• BitComet: Is It Worth The Hassle?
• Ares Lite: A Decent Solution For Simple Filesharing
• Ares Galaxy: The Fall From Grace

Posted on 19 February 2010 by Lee in Filesharing, News