I am using a 256-DsL hookup, and ever since I have downloaded Limewire the speed of the computer is very slow and irregular. This problem needs to be fixed asap.

Of course it is, - LimeWire is using your connection to download/upload files from gnutella and to forward messages. - But you can always quit LimeWire to use your connection for something else.

i got the same problem (see my thread "internet performance irregular since installing limewire").

it is not that limewire is using all my bandwidth - limewire also only downloads at 1-2 kbps. after it is running for approximately 20 minutes, all bandwidth just disappears, going from 25kbps down to 1-6 kbps.

you can test your general speed at speedsuite.net, the test is not being influenced by any other programs currently using the connection.

this appears to be bug in limewire.... some feedback from the developers would be appreciated?

Downloads don't matter, you are probably uploading at a higher rate than you download.

I just uninstalled Limewire and switched to Shareaza - no problems with that program, bandwidth is not effected at all... hint for anyone with the same problem.