You want to find a particular song, video or document on a peer-to-peer network, but you don't want a client that drags along toolbars, adware or spyware. GnutellaWire from MyNetSharing is a Gnutella-based file-sharing client that is built around exactly that concern.
Quick facts
- Developer: MyNetSharing
- Platform: Windows
- Network: Gnutella, with BitTorrent support
- Bundled software: the vendor states no spyware or adware is bundled
- Requirements: an Internet connection
Key features
Search by keyword or by category
Type a title or keyword into the Search Box and you can search the whole network or narrow results to Audio, Videos, Images, Documents or Programs. Results also show how many people are sharing each file. There are multiple search tabs, advanced filtering options and advanced search parameters for refining a hunt.
Control over speed and simultaneous downloads
You set the download speed and the maximum number of files downloading at once, and you can limit your download bandwidth so the client doesn't swamp your connection.
Preview a file before it finishes
An integrated Windows Media Player lets you preview a video while it downloads, so you can decide whether it's worth keeping. Automatic removal clears finished or bad downloads, and system tray notifications tell you when a file is done.
Safer, better-connected transfers
The client supports TLS for safer connections, Mojito DHT, UPnP, proxy support and firewall-to-firewall transfers. It also includes BitTorrent support, iTunes support and a file management system that gives you control over what you share.
Who it's for
It suits you if you want a plain Gnutella client with BitTorrent built in and sensible bandwidth controls. It is also a fit if you prefer a simple interface over a heavily customizable one. Since it runs only on Windows, Mac and Linux users will need to look elsewhere.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No bundled spyware or adware, according to the vendor
- Preview of videos while they download
- Bandwidth and simultaneous-download limits
- Gnutella and BitTorrent in one client
Cons
- Windows only
- Search results depend on how many people are sharing on the Gnutella network
- Because it is a file-sharing client, you are responsible for what you download and share
FAQs
Does GnutellaWire come with adware?
The vendor says it has no spyware or adware bundled.
Can it download torrents?
Yes. BitTorrent support is built in alongside Gnutella searching.
Can I limit how much bandwidth it uses?
Yes. You can set the download speed, the number of simultaneous downloads and a bandwidth limit.
Can I watch a video before it finishes downloading?
Yes. The built-in Windows Media Player previews files that are still downloading.
System requirements
- Windows PC
- Internet connection