How do you know what your "name" is to share files?

HDToady · #1 (**permalink**) July 31st, 2009

I've been using LimeWire for almost 3 years now, but have never had a reason to sign in and ask a stupid question.
I want to know how one knows what a friends' name is on LimeWire.
I want to share some files, but I don't know what his "code" name is when he is on the forum so I can't contact him to ask, or to share! i'd like to know who's files I am looking into before I download something I shouldn't. Some of the names of the other users are strange; such as BlueArmor123-123.....are they generated for anonymity or are these real names?
Is this so obvious that I can't see it for my nose?

Peerless · #2 (**permalink**) July 31st, 2009

with the way things have been going it wouldn't surprise me at all if somebody named their kid BlueArmor123-123....

is your real name HDToady?

and here's a query...how can you refer to someone as a friend if you don't know the nick they've chosen to use? have you asked them for their nick they use?

Remoc · #3 (**permalink**) July 31st, 2009

In addition to Peerlees' query, I'll just add that you DON'T share files on the Forum, so it really doesn't matter what his nick is does it??.

You may need to know his IP address and try in Limewire. Nick's aren't used in LW AFAIK.

Unless it's something new in the new versions 5.x.x?? I don't use LW so sorry if I'm mistaken.

Peerless · #4 (**permalink**) July 31st, 2009

'raza has had that feature for a long time...I figured that maybe the new version of LW does also...then again, you just never know now do you?

Lord of the Rings · #5 (**permalink**) August 1st, 2009

I have never used the private sharing option of LW 5. The names given users are based on their ip address & helps to mask their ip address for privacy.

To use private sharing, I believe you first need to log into GMail or similar first before you can use it. That's the limit of my knowledge on the topic. How to find out your friends LW name .. I do not know.

HDToady · #6 (**permalink**) August 1st, 2009

You gave me the best explanation. I do share files on LW whether the others do or don't is up to them. I write my own stuff and send it via LW. From the other responses, I now know why I have never used this forum.
Thanks again, Lord of the Rings!
Yes, my name is really HDToady.

Lord of the Rings · #7 (**permalink**) August 1st, 2009

You can of course use magnet links ... send a magnet link to a friend, they type it into their browser & their gnutella client opens & starts downloading the file. Then can browse host from your upload window, etc.

But both need to be using the gnutella client online at same time of course. How to use Magnet Links & Direct Connect (LW 5 does not have direct connect except the GMail system within private sharing ... if only I knew how that works lol)

Sorry I was no help on the private sharing. There might be posts here somewhere which give some ideas about how it works.

Peerless · #8 (**permalink**) August 1st, 2009

interesting concept then it sounds like...

with 'raza one could create their own nick...which also allows for somebody impersonating another's nick...simple concept, think about it..

so then from what I'm reading, LW5xx allows for the creation of an identity, yet does so randomly (the conspiracy theorist side of my of course sees other possibilities) which would prevent stolen identities...