Dear LW People

As a new user I am somewhat mystified by some of the technical terms used in this forum. For example, what are magnets? And how are they used in relation to LW and other P2P software (I'm no stranger to computer terminolgy, just new-ish ones).

What is a URI? I'm guessing at this point that it is either a shortened or lengthened form of URL.

I am sure that there are more that will catch my eye over the coming months but for now "Magnets & URI" have me baffled.

By the way, I notice that LW 4.0.6 is out, do I have to download the entire LW application again, as it took ages to get right (I had that missing "Option" buttons problem) or can I just click a "Search for Updates" facility?


(Almost but not quite a novice) UK Bob

Basically, magnets are like URL's, but they trigger a gnutella download rather than loading a web page. Right click a file in your library and it will bring up the option to create a magnet link which you can email to friends, who can then download the file.
Here are some links for more info and samples.
http://www.limewire.com/english/content/glossary.shtml This glossary is old, but does help with some of the vocab.('magnet' and 'URI' aren't currently listed)
http://gnufu.net/ is very handy (thanks to arne for creating and maintaining it)
http://magnet-uri.sourceforge.net/ is much more technical.

http://www.magnetmix.com/index.shtml lists some magnets and can also be turned on from your LW View Menu.

http://www.magnetdb.com/index.php this is THE site, thanks to Gregorio. Check out the FAQ, or ask a question there.

Cheers