Hello.

I learned of LimeWire from my teenage son, who heard about it from a friend.
I downloaded and installed it, and it worked fine. I downloaded a few songs, just to try it. I haven't tried to burn a cd yet, but I will.

I have a few basic questions and, yes, I did try the FAQ and User Guide, but could not find these topics.

1. While I understand the concept of file sharing, I'm leery of allowing strangers into my computer. I don't pick up hitchhikers and I don't allow strangers into my home. Isn't this the same thing? Can people only take things that I permit? Or can they look at everything? Do I have to permit at all? I'm a writer and have things on my computer that are not for public consumption yet. Can people take things I'm working on?

2. I've read about the copyright controversy. Has that all been sorted out?
It is legal to download music, send it to an mp3, or burn a cd, as long as it's only for personal use and I'm not selling it, right - like videotapiing a movie on TV? As a writer, I'm sensitive to those issues.

If I decide to continue with LimeWire, I'm sure I'll have more questions in the future but, for now, I'd appreciate help with these.

Thank you.