Filesharing: Introduction
As most of you know, there are many benefits, as well as dangers, associated with P2P filesharing programs. If you have ever used Limewire, you’re probably familiar with both positive and negative aspects of this venue. As for those of us who aren’t so “into the scoop” or maybe used to be a part of the community in the past, here are some factors to consider when choosing a filesharing application best suited for your needs.
- P2P (peer-to-peer) software allows users to connect to each other through a single, or multiple network gateway.
- Users can utilize the P2P networks to share digital files amongst one another, such as music, movies, software and games.
Although Limewire, Kazaa and Morpheus used to be the three kings of the filesharing apps, things have changed overtime due to both legal and developmental constraints, two of those three networks as we knew them, burned out years ago. Enough with those failures, if you will.
I am delighted to introduce unto you a hidden jewel, an underdog of the P2P world, called Ares. Categorized as an open source P2P program, it was originally developed in 2002. The decentralized network boasts millions of users spanning the globe. So what exactly is it about this software that makes it stand tall above the competition?
- Open Source Project
- Millions of active users and counting, to ensure optimal transfer speeds.
- Highly customizable interface packed with features for tweaking
- Excellent network content, built-in security features, etc.
That was to name a few useful points and why I definitely recommend it. You can download the latest version of Ares by clicking on the banner to the right.
Posted in Ares
March 30th, 2009 at 9:14 am
I download Ares and totally love it. I can get any type of file that I want, but I do have a question. How do I play video files in the Ares software?
March 30th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
Good question! Ares features a built-in media player that supports a wide array of popular media formats. You can even “preview” most video files once they have been partially downloaded.
In order to to play any file within the software, simply navigate to your “Library” tab and locate the file you want to play. Next, “right-click” that file and select “play”… Finally, you will be automatically taken to the built-in media player screen section and your video will begin playing.
April 1st, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Ok, so I just got the Ares software, but for some reason I think I’m just too stupid to figure it out. How do I download music files? Also, is possible to get games or software with Ares?
April 2nd, 2009 at 8:20 am
Hi Bryan,
Downloading music, software and games with Ares is actually quite easy. You can start by launching Ares from your “Start Menu”; look for the ‘Ares’ folder. Next, launch the software and wait for it establish a Network connection. Once connected, or, simply navigate to the “Search tab” and then enter your search query in the text box, and press search. Within seconds, your search results will appear on-screen. In order to download any selected file, you need to ‘double-click’ on it. When the transfer is complete, navigate to the ‘Library’ tab to access it, and you’re done!
April 2nd, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Ok, so it looks like this is a great place to get support for the Ares software. I need some help! My kids use Ares a lot for downloading music and videos, but I want to make sure they don’t download a virus. I read somewhere that if I look for the file extension “exe”, and that extension is on a music or video file, that it’s probably a virus. Is that true?
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:09 am
You are absolutely right! Audio/Video files never come in the form of an exe (executable) format, and any type of media files labeled as such will likely pose a threat and open your computer up to risks if downloaded and executed…
In general, most music is encoded in the ever-so popular (and rightly so) mp3 format, but the larger uncompressed wav and FLAC formats are also available. Most movies are usually encoded in Xvid (avi), but are also available in mp4, mpg, wmv, and rm formats. In conclusion, you need to be aware of, and understand what you’re downloading, and if you educate your kids on the same, you will be flying high with Ares for a long time.
April 6th, 2009 at 8:06 am
Hi. I’ve recently installed Ares on my PC. It works well, BUT, why does it perform a ‘library’ scan every time I open it? It takes 6hrs on my PC because of nearly 5,000 entries it scans. Is this a fault? Should it not store them on a first scan? Hope you can help. This is the best P2P system I’ve used. Cheers. Chris
April 20th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
I downloaded Ares but I’m new to file sharing. I used Napster a long time ago, but I’m not too familiar with the way things work nowadays. Is this like Napster? Am I gonna get sued for using it?
October 2nd, 2009 at 5:24 pm
I got my Ares Download today and totally love it. I hope everyone else loves it as much as I do. I’ve also been reading a lot on this blog and it’s got some great information about Ares. Great blog!