TRIAL REVIEW FREE MEDIA INTERNET DIRECTORY

 

 

 

 

 

 

WinMX began its life as an OpenNAP client capable of connecting to several servers simultaneously, although Frontcode later created a proprietary protocol, termed WinMX Peer Network Protocol (WPNP), which was used starting with WinMX 2 in May 2001. WPNP version 2 was phased out as WinMX 3.0 and its WPNP version 3 protocol came into existence. Frontcode had operated several cache servers to aid WPNP network operation.

Downloads can be very fast for popular songs since the user can run a "multi-point download" that simultaneously downloads the same file in small pieces from several users. Some consider WinMX to be much safer than many other file sharing software, mainly because no spyware and adare comes with WinMX.

The WinMX program houses a few inbuilt features such as bandwidth monitoring, short messaging, and hosting chatrooms. Often, two users negotiate an exchange of their files with the help of the short messaging system or chat. After the transfers have started, one gets the option of selecting an individual bandwidth for the other to make sure both transfers end more or less at the same time. The program itself has a few drawbacks. It eats up huge amounts of memory (and noticeably slows the computer's real time clock) when run for a long time. It also needs some third party add on programs to monitor automated file exchanges and accelerate search results.

Function

When connecting to WinMX, you connect to the WinMX Peer Network (WPN) either as a primary or secondary user. A majority of the functions on the WPN are available to both users, but primary users tend to have better connections and have the ability to host chat rooms. Secondary users use little bandwidth, so their prolonged connection to the network is stable.

Sharing files in WinMX

WinMX, by default, will only share Audio and Video files, although, if properly configured, it can share almost every type of file. It is also considered a very safe network with a limited number of viruses. WinMX also has a file-size restriction. Files over 2GB will not be shared, and must be split into chunks smaller than 2GB in order to be shared. A Primary user can share a maximum of 5000 files on the WPNP network, while a Secondary user can still share a maximum of 3000 files; these limitations do not apply on OpenNap servers (see below).

Searching for files

You can search for almost any file in WinMX. When a user sends out a search, the search is spread throughout the network. If a file is found, the HASH number of the file along with the way to find it is sent through the network to the user who made the search. Searches can also be made with hash numbers instead of words and numbers.

Even before the WinMX network was originally shut down, there were increasing reports of fake files and corrupted data in the networks. The people hosting the files, called flooders, connect as secondary users. If certain trigger words are included by a user when searching for a file, that user gets many results which are not real. The resulting large bandwidth also often crashes the user and the "Primary" to which s/he is connected.

Chatting

WinMX allows a person to host chatrooms with its built-in Chat function. There are some rooms reserved for chat, some for trading files, and some which allow both. There are typically around 1500 to 2000 chatrooms open at any given time. WinMX also allows you to message a user using its Private Message function. You can message any user regardless of whether that user is in the same chat room as you or whether you are downloading from/uploading to that user unless his or her settings are configured not to. It is also possible to host chatrooms in languages other than English, such as Japanese, German, French and Italian.

OpenNap

WinMX started out as a Peer-to-Peer program that connected to OpenNap servers. It can still connect to many OpenNap servers. These servers enable users to connect to a wider userbase and also receive many more search results. Two advantages for running OpenNap is the ability to have a permanent list of friends called a hotlist and the ability to shared a unlimited number of files.

There are also several third party applications that will allow you to host a WinMX chatroom, most notably FXServer, WCS and Ouka.

Translations

WinMX is natively run in the English language, but patches can be installed for the following languages: French, Dutch, German, Spanish, Finnish, Swedish, Japanese, Chinese, Hungarian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Italian and Greek.

Official closing

On September 13, 2005, Frontcode Technologies received a cease and desist letter from the RIAA demanding that they either implement filters to make it impossible for users to download copyrighted material from WinMX, or shut down. On September 21, 2005 the network and the WinMX homepage were officially confirmed as offline.

User-controlled Resumption

Users were able to download a working software patch for WinMX from two websites. These patches work by modifying the DNS lookup WinMX uses to find peer caches. When WinMX tries to find the FrontCode peer caches (central servers essential for the operation of WinMX), it is instead directed to look up one of the new peer caches set up by the WinMX community. The patches themselves are free, but there are many unethical websites who charge users before they can gain access to the patches. The websites originating the patches, however, do NOT charge for any download. There is no officially sanctioned patch to download and each will include their own set of instructions for installation and use. Two common patches are the one setup by WinMXGroup (officially ceased operations as of June 29, 2007; taken over by WinMX World) and one by MXPie.

Third Party Programs

In addition to the program and patches, developers and WinMX users have created third party programs to either enhance the chat room function or to control uploading by others peers.

Chat

Most of the software that was made by the third party developers were for use in the WinMX chat rooms. They include bots, clients to host rooms and plugins. The bots, such as Lettuce, MxControl and Metis, were used in the chat rooms to either make it more lively, introduce games or to moderate users. Another one, called Shareguard, maintains lists of the files a user in a chatroom has.

Chat Clients are used primarily to host rooms. They are used so that room admins can host rooms more effectively. Popular chat clients include Nushi chat client, Rabbit chat client, and Ouka chat client. A big advantage of Chat Clients is that a chat room can be accessed without having to run a full copy of WinMX. Some also contain useful shortcuts or menus to make administrating a channel easier. For normal users, the clients can be used to view rooms independently of the server. Web listings of the chat room are also available and can be accessed using software.

There are numerous plugins that can be used; common plugins allow users to announce in the channel what song they are listening to currently.

Upload Managers

The two most popular upload managers for WinMX are Mx Monitor and LeecHammer. Each program has the ability to control the upload rate of peers and can block certain kinds of peers from uploading, including those who do not share any files

 

 

I'm new to downloading music. Will this be difficult?
We've made the process as easy we can. We'll guide you through the short process, to help you get started as fast as you want. If you find that the guide isn't completely clear, you can just send us an email with your question, and our support staff will show you the next step.

What music or artists do you have?
The network has almost everything you could want - over six million files! If it's interested someone, somewhere, chances are, it's on the network.

I thought the software was free. Why am I being asked to pay?
The software is completely free of charge. What you pay goes towards supporting our technical team and paying for the creation of more user guides. If you're unsatisfied, you can always cancel your membership and keep the software.

Do you have anything for Mac?
Because Mac computers are used somewhat less, there's a smaller variety of programs. However, we've located some of the best programs available for your use!

I use AOL, will this service work for me?
Our software is completely AOL-friendly!

If I have a question, is there a someone that can help me?
Our technical staff is always available to answer your questions. We guarantee an answer within seventy-two hours at the very most!

Do I need media player to play the tracks?
We provide free copies of several leading media players. For music, we recommend the use of Windows Media Player (version 7 of higher).

Do I need a high speed connection, DSL or cable connection?
No. Faster connections will give you faster downloads, but a standard dial-up connection will work fine.

How long does it normally take to download a song?
It really depends on the speed of your connection. With a regular 56.6 Kbps modem, a song lasting three minutes will take about seven minutes to download. Longer songs (which mean larger files) will take more time to download.

How long will I have to wait to gain access to your website?
We provide instant access! After joining, your email address will be added to our database, and an email giving you your account details will be sent within seconds.

Is my registration secure and confidential?
Your privacy is very important to us. We'll never share your information with other organizations or individuals.

Tell me more about your 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
If you're ever unsatisfied with your membership, you can simply cancel with no further obligations.


What if I cannot find what I'm looking for?
If you can't find your files, you should try again in an hour or two. Users are connecting and disconnecting constantly, and it's likely that a user with what you want will connect sooner or later. Just keep trying!

When I download, it's often slow.
The speed of your downloads will vary depending on your connection and that of your source. The limit is often one or the other.

When I open the software, it does not want to connect to the server.
This is due to firewall software on your computer blocking the network traffic. The program cannot connect if your firewall is blocking access.
If you have Windows XP, disable the XP firewall in the systems settings in the control panel. To do so, simply follow these directions:
1. Click on the START button (lower left corner of Desktop). Go: Start, Settings, Control Panel.
2. Double-click Networking and Internet Connections, and then click Network Connections.
3. Right-click the connection on which you would like to disable the Firewall, and then click Properties.
4. On the Advanced tab, click the box to clear the option to Protect my computer or network.
You don't have to completely disable the built-in Windows XP firewall.

Sharing is not illegal as long as you obey all relevant copyright laws. Using P2P programs to download and distribute copyrighted music, movies and games without permission is illegal. Purchasing a membership does not give you license to download and distribute copyrighted material.

We do not condone piracy or breaking copyright laws. The MP3 sharing tools available through our members area are powerful search tools & we recommend that you use your discretion when downloading music and movie files.

Copyright Infringement Liability - P2P technology makes it possible to share all kinds of information. Some information is protected by copyright, which means that you generally need the copyright owner's permission before you make it available to other P2P users. Popular music, movies, games, and software are often protected by copyright.

Copyright infringement can result in significant monetary damages, fines and even criminal penalties. Some copyright owners have filed civil lawsuits against individuals that they believe unlawfully distributed large numbers of copyrighted songs.

Original works of authorship, including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain intellectual compositions are protected by copyright law. If a person publicly performs, reproduces, distributes copies, or displays works without consent of the copyright owner could be in violation of the law. Go to http://www.loc.gov/copyright/ and learn more about U.S. copyright law. Purchasing a membership  does not give you license to download or upload copyright material. We implores you to respect copyright laws and share responsibly.

Click here for important information from the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) about the risk and use of P2P software.

Using file-sharing (P2P) software for the uploading or downloading of copyrighted works without the permission or authorization of the copyright holders may be illegal and could subject you (or the ISP subscriber) to civil and/or criminal liability and penalties. For more information about U.S. copyright law, please visit http://lcweb.loc.gov/copyright/ and http://www.copyright.gov/title17.

Some content found on file-sharing (P2P) networks may be reproduced, uploaded and downloaded.  There are a significant number of copyright holders who have authorized the sharing of their content for non-commercial purposes, such as some content with Creative Commons format licenses§, and there is also content available in the public domain and not protected by copyright. Most commercially released popular songs, films, and software is NOT authorized for free redistribution but requires separate purchase or licensing.  

Copyright Infringement
Some files contained on these networks are copyrighted works, like popular games, movies, music, and software. P2P software makes it possible to upload and download copyrighted material from the Internet without proper authorization, but that can violate copyright laws and subject you to criminal and civil penalties. Please consult the user guide provided with the application.

Data Security
P2P software allows any user to access the files you place or move into your shared folder. If you’re not careful, files containing your personal and confidential information could inadvertently be uploaded for distribution on the Internet. This could cause a number of problems, including identity theft. We strongly suggest purchasing one of the major spyware applications available or visit our bonus software section for a free version.

Pornography
Files downloaded from the Internet using P2P software could contain pornographic material. These files may be mislabeled with seemingly innocent names. This can result in users, including children, being inadvertently exposed to pornography. Redistributing files containing child pornography or obscene content can be a crime.

Spyware
Files downloaded from the Internet using P2P software may contain spyware that can track your online activity, control your computer, or harm its operation. These files typically are disguised and can go undetected. We strongly suggest purchasing one of the major spyware applications available or visit our bonus software section for a free version.

Viruses
Files downloaded from the Internet using P2P software may carry computer viruses, worms, or Trojans that can damage your computer or cause other problems. These files typically are mislabeled to disguise their true purpose. We strongly suggest purchasing one of the major anti-virus applications such as Norton and Mcafee