Hi. I just joined, downloaded files, and had a good first run. I have organizational questions, about where to keep the downloaded files, and how to make it the default save or shared folder.

First, the specs: I have an iBook 12", run OSX.3, and downloaded LimeWire's latest software, version 4.2.5. It worked great. It put the downloaded files in the default folder, the LimeWire application's Shared Folder. It also transferred everything over to iTunes. But it didn't transfer everything to my computer's "user/(user name)/music" folder. That's where I'm used to things like music and photos and videos and documents ending up, as a base of files used by various applications. So I'm a bit mystified. I tried resetting the default folder in LimeWire's Preferences. I entered "user/(user name)/music". I'm not sure it took the first time, and I tried it a second time. But I'm still not getting the files downloaded on LimeWire into my computer's user folders. So...

1. How do I set the default folder to be my computer's user/music folder?

2. Should I manually move them from LimeWire to my computer's user/music folder instead?

3. Is it a bad idea to make my computer's user/music folder a Shared Folder for everyone on the Gnutella network to use? Do I run risks? Should I instead leave the Shared Folder in the LimeWire application, and move/duplicate files elsewhere as needed?

4. What about moving and storing the downloaded files to an external hard drive? I don't have enough storage room on my little iBook, so I tend to transfer all media files to an 80GB external hard drive, then dump them off my computer. Will this make the downloaded files unavailable for uploads to other members of the network? How would you suggest I configure my setup to be a good sharer, no freeloader? Is the only way to keep the external hard drive always attached and on?

After looking around and trying a few file sharing apps, I like Limewire and Gnutella best. I'm looking forward to joining fully. I just want to get my setup set up right from the first. Hope someone can help. I searched the forum, but didn't find answers for my questions. I'm sure many before me have had the same questions and concerns. If you want to direct me to a relevant thread, that could help.

Thanks,

Abby