New User FAQ

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Q: Who should read this document?
A: You should read this if you've already downloaded and installed BearShare and need help getting started.

Q: I can't seem to install BearShare, what's the problem?
A: Make sure you got a complete download, you may want to try downloading again.
Turn off your virus scanner and quit other applications.
Reboot before installing.
Make sure you meet the minimum system requirements to run Bearshare (NT, W2K, 98, 95 with winsock upgrade, RAM, CPU).

Q: Where do I go for help?
A: If you have a question, use the following protocol:
1. Check online documentation.
2. Search for your answer here in our FAQ section.
3. Visit the forums on BearShare.Net.
4. If you still can't find your answer, send an email to the appropriate address in our Contact List.

Q: Why are there so many new versions of BearShare?
A: Since BearShare is on the cutting edge of current file sharing technology, we are constantly adding new features. Furthermore, the Gnuttella network is bigger than ever before and sometimes changes are needed to maintain good network heath.

Q: What is a Gnutella service provider, and why do I need one?
A: All you need in order to connect to the Gnuttella network is the IP address of 1 person connected to it. By connecting to that person, they will pass you a list of other available users, who can pass you a list, and so on, and so on. Once you have a list of users, BearShare then tries to connect to these users in a semi-permanent way and establish you as a member of the network. The Gnuttella service provider offers a quick way to get those first few connections to the network. In the old days you had to prowl IRC or websites for a list of IP addresses and manually go through it until you got a connection.

Q: What does it mean when gnutellahosts.com is not responding or cannot connect to the Gnutella network
A: That means that the Gnutella service provider is temporarily unavailable due to maintenance or connectivity issues.

Q: Why am I having trouble connecting to the network?
A: Sometimes Gnuttellahosts.com and router.limewire.com are down. If you can't get a list from either one, the only way to connect to the network is to manually add an IP address of someone that's connected. Here are a few you can try:
gnutella.hostscache.com:6346
gnutella.hostcache.co.uk:6346
gnet.ath.cx:6346

Q: Why am I having trouble downloading?
A: Remember that most people can download up to 10 times faster than they can upload, so what seems 'slow' may be as fast as the person can send. Also, if you're behind a firewall, verify that you have the correct settings. Use the QoS as an indicator of who has open send slots and higher bandwidth. Make sure to download at least one file just to make you are correctly configured. Popular titles are in high demand, and large files can take over 16 hours to send. Be patient.

Q: What is BearShare.Net, and what is the difference from BearShare.com?
A: BearShare.Net is the BearShare community - users post questions, answers, and comments relating to the BearShare software. BearShare.com is where users download the software and find general support, news, etc.

Q: What files get shared?
A: You are in control of the files that you share. You have the ability to share almost any type of electronic file. To verify the files that you are sharing, click on the "Monitor" tab and make sure those files appear in that window.

Q: How do I make sure my files get shared?
A: Put files you wish to share in your bearshare/shared or bearshare/download directory. Click the "Uploads" tab. Make sure "Share files" is checked and indicate the maximum amount of users that connect at once. Click on the "Monitor" tab and verify that the files you wish to share are listed in that window. Monitor status of the uploads of these files for a few days to verify that they're being shared successfully.

Q: How do I search for files that I wish to download?
A: Click on the "Search" tab. Type the keyword(s) into the text box. Click "Search".

Q: Why do my searches produce no results?
A: If you are not connected to the network your searches will produce no results. You can verify that you are connected if you have connections in the "Host" tab that don't change every few seconds. You may want to increase the number of hosts you are connected to (3 min/6 max is typical for cable/DSL, but 1/2 is okay for a modem). You may have searched a very specific subject and no one has it. Don't search MP3 or DivX, most people don't return search results with less than 5 digits. Make sure you are not excluding file types you are looking for.

Q: What is QoS?
A: QoS means "Quality of Server". A green bar means available, red means unavailable, and hollow means unknown.

Q: How do I download files?
A: Double-click the file you wish to download.

Q: How do I prevent a virus from infecting my computer?
A: If you don't download and run executable files, you cannot get a virus using BearShare or any other file sharing program. Executable file types include: .exe, .doc, .xsl, .vbs. Zip or WinZip archives can also contain executable file types. If you download executable file types, be sure to use some type of anti-virus software. It is recommended that you back up your system before running executables from unknown sources.

Q: Can I listen to songs or watch videos while I'm downloading them?
A: It depends on the media software you are using. The answer is usually "No" since most connections aren't sending fast enough. Right click on the downloading file and click "Open" to see if it will play. Windows Media Player is known for not being able to playback videos while downloading.

Q: How do I stop a download once it's started?
A: Click on the "Download" tab. Right click on the file you wish to stop and select "Abort".

Q: How do I resume a download that has been interrupted or aborted?
A: Be sure to have "Always retry failed" checked in the "Downloads" window. You can try to resume by highlighting the file, right clicking, then click "Start". Downloads are saved in a temporary folder until completed.

Q: How do I delete files?
A: Find the file you wish to delete (bearshare/download/... or bearshare/shared/...) and click "Delete".

Q: How can I benefit the Gnutella network with proper etiquette?
A: You can benefit the Gnutella network by sharing your files, and not being a freeloader. Be patient when downloading. And try to leave your connection open all the time. It's also considerate to help other users by visiting the forums and posting answers to questions that you know.

Q: What does it mean to drag/drop the icon?
A: When browsing a BearShare user's computer, you can drag a file into BearShare's Download window by holding down the left mouse button.


Please direct comments, questions, or contributions, via e-mail, to faq@bearshare.com.