Limewire Free Download for Mac

About Limewire

Limewire is a peer to peer (P2P) file sharing network that allows users to swap files with each other over the internet. The program can be used to share all kinds of files, including documents and media files like games, videos and photos, but it is most commonly used by people to share music files. A P2P network is only as good as its members. The best P2P file sharing networks are the ones that have the most members sharing files at any given time, and that is why Limewire is considered to be one of the best file sharing networks in the world; Limewire simply has the most registered users of any music sharing network online.

Like most P2P networks, Limewire was created as a software program for use on Windows operating systems exclusively. However, Limewire is an open source code software system. That means that anyone and everyone can view the Limewire code and take all of it, or part of it, to create their own programs. Although some Limewire users have taken this code to create their own P2P software sharing systems, notably Lionwire, many users have taken the code and used it in the spirit it was given – to try and improve upon Limewire’s system so that the software continually evolves as technology evolves. It was through one of these software improvements that someone created a Limewire free download for Macs.

Limewire Free Downloads for Macs – Reviews

Reviews for the Limewire free download for Macs – the most current version of which is Limewire 4.10.5 – are mixed. The mixed reviews tend to be the nature of the beast with Limewire, however. Because so many people are involved in the creation and expansion of the software, everyone has an opinion, sometimes leading to a “too many cooks in the kitchen” phenomenon. Most experts and many users believe that Limewire is the best P2P file sharing option Mac users have.

Mac users may even have an advantage over Windows based Limewire users. A constant problem with P2P networks is the transition of virus infected files, and because there are almost zero viruses written for Macs, P2P file sharing is considered to be safer for Mac users than anyone else.

But is it Legal?

P2P networks are ALWAYS on the receiving end of major record label ire, and Limewire is no different. The difference is in Limewire’s response to million dollar lawsuits from the major labels. All past P2P networks have eventually caved under record label demands to cease and desist swapping copyright controlled music over their networks and have either become paid services or have shut their doors entirely. Limewire, on the other hand, has in essence said to the record labels, “bring it.” Limewire maintains that they merely provide the software and cannot be held responsible for how people use it. Further, they are a part of a growing community who believes that sharing music online should be free and legal. The Limewire court case continues to weave its way through the court system, and the final decision of this case will likely have far reaching implications for P2P networks, record labels, and music fans alike.

What does all of that mean for the legal status of P2P networks like Limewire? P2P networks are in a gray area of the law. It is definitely illegal to sell copyright controlled music for profit. Swapping music on a site like Limewire? You’ll have to wait and see how the court case plays out. (By the way, have you heard of people being forced to pay record labels for downloading music? Everyone who has paid has settled with the labels out of court. The people who have taken their cases to court have beat the rap every time).