Here's why more and more users bother using BearShare:

1. Spyware

The current version of BearShare (2.2.4) installs additional software on your computer which runs independently from BearShare:

1.1 OnFlow

A browser plug-in which transmits information to OnFlow.com. Can be removed with "Ad-Aware" from LavaSoft.de

1.2 SaveNow

A browser plug-in which pops up ads. Some users have reported that they could uninstall it with the "Software" program group in Windows.

1.3 New.net

Replaces your TCP/IP-Stack so that unofficial TLD domain names like .shop are accessible to your browser. Some users could not uninstall New.net, after trying so they had to reinstall Windows 9x. New.net seems to alter your TCP/IP stack and the registry very deeply.

1.4 BearShare internet browser

Starts with a sponsored web page as start site. It is unclear what information is transmitted.



2. Strage behaviour on Gnutella Net

When running BearShare, it behaves strangely on the Gnutella network:

2.1 Encrypted 175 byte packets

BearShare sends out 175 bytes long encryted data along with faked "Search" messages. Since BearShare hides these packets from the user in the network monitor, these packets can only be identified with other servents like Gnucleus. They show up as weird search phrases. They contain 7*175 bits = 1225 bits of information (since the highest bit is always set to 1). The author of BearShare claims that these packets contain information of the program version and information about CPU and memory capabilities of your system. He has so far failed to explain why he encrypts this information and why 1225 bits are needed. This is a major concern!!!

2.2 connections to older versions dropped

Newer versions of BearShare drop connection to older versions, which poses a threat to the Gnutella network topology. The program author claims this was neccesary because of program bugs in older versions.


3. Forum posts are censored in the BearShare.Net community


4. There are BearShare alternatives for Gnutella!

4.1 Gnucleus

Very nice, most users like it, but is instable on *my* system. Yes, it is OPEN SOURCE!

4.2 Phex

Written in Java, this is my favorite. It has extremely cool features like searching for download alternatives in the background. Its look and feel is much like Windows 9x. You must have installed Java on your system, then you can run PHEX.JAR with a double click in Windows 98. Yes, it is OPEN SOURCE!

4.3 Limewire

Popular Java client, I do not like the non-standard user interface, but it seems to run very stable. Its developers are scientifically skilled and pay much attention to the Gnutella network.