I would like clarification on the way LimeWiire functions when one is not in constant attendance to it on the computer.

Let me explain what I mean by today's example. Before I went to work, I started up LimeWire on my home computer so that others could have access to the files I am sharing and so that my computer would (hopefully) download some of the several dozen incomplete files I have in my Incomplete Library.

However, when I came home that night, LimeWire failed to download any of my requested files, while over 200 files were uploaded to others.

The status column revealed that most of my requested files were "Awaiting Sources," while others "Need More Sources." I highlighted a block of 8 files that needed more sources, and within five minutes, 7 of those files were "Complete" on my hard drive.

My questions about LimeWire's design are these:

* In the ten hours I was away from my home computer, why didn't LimeWire automatically download those requested files (and others) all by itself?

* Why did LimeWire require my personal attendance to give it a kick in the *** before it would retrieve files that obviously were available on the network?

If the developers tell me that the "automatic" feature is something that only the LimeWire Pro version has but the plain vanilla version does not, then I will consider supporting the product's development (once again) by paying for LimeWire Pro.

But if the developers tell me that a user must be physically present in order to give LimeWire constant kicks in the butt in order to trigger it to go out and retrieve files on the network that have taken on the status of "Awaiting Sources" and "Need More Sources," then I would criticize this as a design flaw that ought to be addressed.

After all, what benefit is there to me for leaving my computer on all day if the program is not going to go out and fetch the files I requested? While I am happy to share what I have with others, I was counting on LimeWire to bring me some goodies, so I am disappointed to discover that I apparently have to baby sit in order to get it to behave as I'd like.

Thanks for any insight and feedback.