Bearshare

BearShare is a free, file sharing application used to download/upload video and audio content, as well as play the content via its in-built media player.

Originally developed by Free Peers, Inc. BearShare was launched in 2000 and used the Gnutella-based peer-to-peer network. Due to a lawsuit against Free Peers, Inc. in 2005, BearShare and its assets were moved to MusicLab, LLC and with the 2006 version 6 release BearShare no longer used the Gnutella protocol but another legal P2P network.

BearShare v6 included updates which changed the way previous version of the application worked. They verified files that were uploaded so as not to infringe copyright laws; no files above 50mb in size or longer than 15 minutes in length could be uploaded, only video and audio content could be uploaded and no exes or RAR files to eliminate any transfers of full length movies. The network is monitored and only free content is available, with options to pay to download music.

BearShare has also become a social networking forum where you can make new friends and share content from music libraries. BearShare promotes access to 20 million videos and songs; radio and video streaming and even works on iPods and other mp3 devices.

Versions prior to BearShare v6 will no longer work properly due to the change of P2P networks. BearShare v6 to v10 are compatible with Windows XP or later.

Pros: Safe downloads, attractive UI, social networking.

Cons: Third party add-ons with installation.