# What's the deal with limewire? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [January 8, 2006, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-limewire/339043 "2006-01-08T20:26:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Plan\_B](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Plan\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Plan_B)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2006, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-limewire/339043/1 "2006-01-08T20:26:19Z")
My son wants us to start using limewire. I know nothing about it. I guess the main questions I have are: Is it legal? Will it screw up my computer? Anything else I should know? If it’s not legal, then no need to go any further. Not looking to start any problematic threads here. ---
**Author:** ![Baraqiyal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ecccb3/32.png) [@Baraqiyal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baraqiyal)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2006, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-limewire/339043/2 "2006-01-08T20:31:14Z")
Running the software is technically legal, but as soon as you start downloading copyrighted files, you’re breaking the law. Unless you’re interested in getting sued by the RIAA or MPAA, I’d avoid it. ---
**Author:** ![GorillaMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/50afbb/32.png) [@GorillaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GorillaMan)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2006, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-limewire/339043/3 "2006-01-08T20:34:08Z")
This thread is likely to get closed down - although the software itself is legal, it’s used almost exclusively for illegal filesharing. The lawyers behind this place are prickley about this, and prefer avoid discussion about it. And yes, it’s stuffed full of spyware, so will potentially hose your computer. ---
**Author:** ![Plan\_B](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Plan\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Plan_B)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2006, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-limewire/339043/4 "2006-01-08T20:35:50Z")
> [@Baraqiyal](#): > > Running the software is technically legal, but as soon as you start downloading copyrighted files, you’re breaking the law. > > Unless you’re interested in getting sued by the RIAA or MPAA, I’d avoid it. Thanks, that settles it, unless someone disagrees. ---
**Author:** ![Brainiac4](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/brainiac4/32/3534_2.png) [@Brainiac4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brainiac4)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2006, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-limewire/339043/5 "2006-01-08T20:37:44Z")
What Baraqiyal said pretty much covers it. While there is a potential for legal use, it’s far more likely your son simply wants to download “free” music. it’s also possible to download bad stuff that will screw up your computer, especially if he is interested in getting ahold of “free” software. Depending on how old he is, it may be time to start monitoring his activities online more closely. Best of luck. ---
**Author:** ![saoirse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@saoirse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saoirse)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2006, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-limewire/339043/6 "2006-01-08T20:44:02Z")
I just wanted to add that frequently a limewire file will be named “Hot New Single” but will actually be a virus. Best to steer clear of it. ---
**Author:** ![C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2006, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-limewire/339043/7 "2006-01-08T21:08:38Z")
OK, asked and answered.