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The Kazaa software family (including the Kazaa Lite series of applications) for the FastTrack P2P network was the most popular line of P2P file sharing programs for a time in the early 2000s. The Limewire P2P file sharing program connected to Gnutella and ran on Windows, Linux, and Mac computers. You can learn more about general Spotlight search operators for OS X here, or read a few more specific use cases, like locating large files on the Mac with size searches, or finding files from a specific date with another operator set, or even searching system files in Mac OS X. Next time, install EasyFind with 1-click. Learn how MacUpdate Desktop can install apps on MacUpdate with the simple click of the icon. Plus, keep all your apps updated. EasyFind 4.9.3 - File, folder, and text contents search tool. Download the latest versions of the best Mac apps at safe and trusted MacUpdate Download, install, or update EasyFind for Mac from MacUpdate. To open a file on your Mac using a different program, navigate to the file you wish to open and right-click on it to see the file menu as shown below. How to see hidden files in Windows.
Dear Lifehacker: A program created data files for every song in my collection. No problem, right? Except my music is spread across nested folders on multiple drives. Know a program that bulk-deletes certain file types?
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Sincerely,
ScatteredTunes
ScatteredTunes
Dear ScatteredTunes,
Depending on which system you're using, it's either a few clicks, a (very) small software download, or a tiny bit of command line jujitsu to chop out a certain perfunctory file type across all your storage.
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If you're using Windows XP, you could, theoretically, use the built-in search function—you know, the one with the adorable, yippy dog!—and ask it to look for your file type across all your Windows-recognized storage. If your music-profile app left behind files like Mr_Roboto.PITA (PITA being short for, of course, Pain in the Ashtabula), you'd choose to search 'All files and folders,' and look for *.PITA.
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But the built-in search takes quite some time, and you're better off using a quick search tool. One of our favorites? Everything. As pictured at right, you'd load either its installed or portable version on your system, search for *.PITA, and when it's done its job in just a few seconds, hit Ctrl-A to select everything, right-click on the selected files, then hit delete to finish them off.
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Windows Vista (and XP with the optional Windows Search 4.0 installed) offer a bit more built-in power. Hit the search option from the Start menu, toggle the Advanced Search option from the right-hand corner, and use the drop-down fields to narrow your search:
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On a Mac, Spotlight has you covered. Gina covered a system-wide search and delete mission in her own Ask Lifehacker response, which also involved a wonky, folder-clogging file (what's up, thumbs.db!).
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Ask Lifehacker: Delete Windows system files from my Mac?
Dear Lifehacker,I recently switched from PC to Mac and moved over all my files. Problem is, I…
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We're kind of doubtful you're a Linux user stricken with a proprietary, file-dropping program. Still, on the off chance you wanted to kill those files open-source style, crack open the terminal and type in this command:
find ./ -iname *.PITA
See your files there? If not, and you've got them stashed on a NTFS partition you've mounted in Linux, you might have to get specific. In my case, for instance, I'd type:
find /media/win7/ -iname *.PITA
Now, if it looks like everything's been found, and nothing unintentional targeted, add a little bit onto the end:
find ./ -iname *.PITA -exec rm {} ;
Need to get a bit more in-depth and particular? Try handy guide to the find command.
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Peace, soul, and good hunting,
Lifehacker
Lifehacker
Millions of people used to use free peer-to-peer file sharing (P2P) networks and software client programs every day to swap music, video, and other files over the internet. While some P2P networks were shut down and other forms of file swapping took their place, some favorite P2P programs still exist in one form or another.
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BitTorrent
What We Like
- Easy to set up and use.
- Scheduling lets you control when in use.
- Android app is also available.
What We Don't Like
- Includes ads.
- Not a lot of useful additional tools found in other clients.
The original BitTorrent client first appeared on the scene in 2001. It quickly attracted a loyal following among those interested in sharing movies and television programs in the form of torrent files. It is one of the few free peer-to-peer (P2P) software applications from that era still in widespread use. Various other alternative clients used with the BitTorrent network such as Azureus, BitComet, and BitTornado also existed but are less popular than they once were. There is now an Android BitTorrent mobile app available.
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Vuze
What We Like
- Lots of features and plugins expand functionality.
- Social connectivity.
- Ability to opt out of bundled add-ons, such as the browser toolbar.
What We Don't Like
- Bundled add-ons like extensions and browser toolbar (unless you opt out of these).
- May be somewhat complex for new users.
Program Files Windows 7
Vuze makes the downloading of P2P content easier than many other BitTorrent clients out there. Vuze takes the time to explain features that those new to the world of torrents may be unfamiliar with. It's easy to use, intuitive, and feature-rich for a free client.
There is a paid version of Vuze, too, which offers additional features such as built-in antivirus protection, the ability to play content at the same time as downloading content, a DVD burner, and ads are eliminated in the paid version.
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qBittorent
What We Like
- Open source software.
- No ads.
- Interface is uncomplicated and easy to use.
What We Don't Like
- Fewer plugins and extensions than other clients.
- Issues reported on Linux.
qBittorent is a good all-around client that offers a decent array of features and extras, but not so many that it becomes overwhelming. It's interface makes use easy, even for new users; qBittorent is a good choice if you're new to P2P downloading. While it is new-user-friendly, it doesn't lack for useful features more experienced users look for.
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Ares Galaxy
What We Don't Like
- Crashing issues.
- Fake files seem to be common.
Ares Galaxy was developed in 2002, first supporting the Gnutella network and later the separate Ares P2P network. Ares Galaxy was designed to offer decentralized music and other file-swapping support with built-in chat. A spinoff client for the Ares network called Warez was also developed.
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All the Rest (No Longer Available)
The BearShare P2P file sharing program was a client for the Gnutella P2P network.
EDonkey/Overnet was a P2P file sharing network especially popular in Europe. The eDonkey P2P client connected to both the eDonkey and Overnet networks, which combined to support a large base of users and files. A separate Overnet client existed at one time some years ago, but it was merged into eDonkey, which ran on Windows, Linux, and Mac computers.
The Kazaa software family (including the Kazaa Lite series of applications) for the FastTrack P2P network was the most popular line of P2P file sharing programs for a time in the early 2000s.
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The Limewire P2P file sharing program connected to Gnutella and ran on Windows, Linux, and Mac computers. Limewire was recognized for its simple user interface along with good search and download performance.
Morpheus P2P clients were capable of searching Gnutella2, FastTrack, eDonkey2K, and Overnet P2P networks.
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WinMX ran only on the Windows family of operating systems, but this client and its associated WPNP network were hugely popular during the mid-2000s. WinMX was known for its relatively advanced (at the time) options to help power users better manage their downloads.