FrostWire facts for kids
 |
|
FrostWire 6 on Mac OS X Snow Leopard
|
|
| Initial release | September 2004 |
|---|---|
| Stable release(s) [±] | |
| 6.9.8 (build 312) (April 26, 2022) | |
| Preview release(s) [±] | |
| None | |
| Written in | Java |
| Operating system | Windows, macOS, Linux and Android |
| Size | 23.0 MB |
| Type | Peer-to-peer file sharing |
| License | GPL-3.0-or-later |
FrostWire is a computer program that helps you share and download files. It's a type of BitTorrent client, which means it uses a special way to download files from many computers at once. FrostWire was first released in September 2004. It started as a new version, or fork, of another program called LimeWire.
At first, FrostWire looked and worked a lot like LimeWire. But over time, its creators added new features. One big change was adding support for the BitTorrent way of sharing files. Later, in version 5, FrostWire stopped using the old Gnutella network entirely. From then on, it became a program just for BitTorrent file sharing.
Contents
How FrostWire Started
FrostWire is an open-source project. This means its code is free for anyone to see, use, and improve. It's like a community project where many people can help make it better. The program is available under a special license called GPL-3.0-or-later. This license lets you use and share the software for free.
In late 2005, some people who worked on LimeWire's open-source code decided to start FrostWire. They wanted to protect the way LimeWire's code was developed. Over the years, FrostWire changed how it handled BitTorrent files. It also completely stopped using the Gnutella network by August 2014. Now, it's a program that focuses only on BitTorrent.
Early Days: Gnutella Client
The FrostWire project began in September 2004. This happened because the company behind LimeWire was thinking about adding special code to block some features. This was due to concerns from groups like the RIAA. These groups were worried about how peer-to-peer programs were used.
The second test version of FrostWire came out in late 2005.
Around version 4.20.x, FrostWire learned how to handle torrent files. It also got a new feature to help filter out unwanted files. Later, in version 4.21.x, FrostWire became available for most Android phones and tablets.
Focus on BitTorrent
Since version 5.0, released in 2011, FrostWire changed its main purpose. It became a program specifically for BitTorrent. This meant that if you wanted to use the Gnutella network, you had to use an older version of FrostWire (like version 4) or switch to a different program.
See Files Before Downloading
Starting with version 6.0, FrostWire added a cool feature. You can now preview files before you download them completely. This helps you check if it's the right file.
Important Safety Information
Around 2008, some users noticed that the Windows versions of FrostWire sometimes offered to install an extra toolbar. This toolbar was from a company called Ask.com. By September 2015, FrostWire officially stopped offering this toolbar. They even provided instructions on how to remove it if you had it.
Around 2019, some people found that FrostWire might install other unwanted programs. These are sometimes called adware or malware. Adware can show you lots of ads, and malware can change your browser settings, like making a different website your homepage. It's always important to be careful when downloading software and to use trusted sources.
FrostWire for Android Devices
FrostWire also has a special version for Android phones and tablets. It's called FrostWire/FrostWire Plus for Android. This app is a BitTorrent client made just for Android. It also lets you download videos and music from popular sites like YouTube and SoundCloud. The app helps you download music, movies, and other content using the BitTorrent network. It even has its own music library and player built-in.
What FrostWire Can Do
FrostWire has many useful features:
- Easy Search: You can search for files right inside the app. It looks for content on sites like YouTube, SoundCloud, and Archive.org. The results are shown in different tabs, like Audio or Video. You can also filter the results to find exactly what you're looking for.
- Magnet Links: It supports magnet links, which are a simple way to start BitTorrent downloads.
- Internet Protocol Support: It works with both old and new internet addresses (IPv6).
- VPN Protection: There's an optional feature to protect your downloads if your VPN connection drops.
- Create and Share: You can create your own torrent files and share them with others.
- Preview Files: You can preview videos and songs from cloud sources like YouTube before downloading. For BitTorrent files, you can start watching or listening as soon as enough of the file has downloaded.
- Media Library: It has a built-in library to organize your media files and create playlists.
- Music and Video Players: It includes players for both audio and video files (video player is for desktop only).
- Lyrics Display: If your MP3 music files have lyrics, FrostWire can show them (desktop only).
- Many Languages: The program is available in over 20 different languages.
- Works on Many Devices: You can use FrostWire on Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.
- Jlibtorrent: FrostWire developers created a special tool called Jlibtorrent. It helps the program use the powerful libtorrent library.
- Media Browser: On Android, it has a media browser to help you find your files.
See also
In Spanish: FrostWire para niños
