how do i know when somehting starts downloading? i enter the name of what i want downloaded, but all that happens is that the search entry ends up above the larger rectangle with an x on the left of it.

typing in a name only does a search...

you than need to click on the file(s) that you want and than click "download any" or download all" to attempt a connection

any will attempt to choose one from the list youve got highlighted, all will attempt to download all that youve got highlighted

searches are in the top box, downloads are in the bottom box

you really might want to read the basic how to use instructions at www.limewire.com