Peer-2-Peer file sharing has become the de-facto way of downloading audio and video files from the web since the creation of programs such as Napster and Scour. Though heavily controversial, and often-times a good way to get sued by large corporations, more and more programs are being created; and thus an end to the exchange of copyrighted material, is, in this writer's humble opinion, a lost cause.

(that intro clipped from a previous Epinion of mine on iMesh, but it works as a good thesis here to so I've decided to reuse it...)

Today I will be reviewing the highly efficient, yet rarely talked about application: Audiogalaxy.

Audiogalaxy is a simple application. It doesn't really have any built-in user interface; rather your searches are done online at the Audiogalaxy website. A system tray icon is just about all that'll you'll see on your computer; no bulky, resource intensive application here. Basically this systray application just tells you what is currently being downloaded and uploaded, and if the Audiogalaxy server is up. The tray application also lets you set the normal default download location, folders you'd like to share, etc. It also allows for bandwidth throttling which is nice for users who want to share their files but don't want their Internet service provider pulling the plug on them.

The process of downloading a song through Audiogalaxy is quite simple. The system tray application has a GO button that sends you to the Audiogalaxy search engine. After you search for a particular song you can click on the satellite dish icon, which will then send your request to your queue, and your files are then downloaded automatically to your computer. The status of your downloads can be checked through the system tray application and through the website.

All downloads are resumable, unlike Napster, and unlike Napster, the Audiogalaxy server has yet to be filtered. This could change in time, but right now the getting is good.

The great thing about Audiogalaxy is obviously it's resumable downloads, and the fact that it takes up hardly any system resources, unlike iMesh, Napster, and other current P2P applications. But, in this case...size does not matter; this program can do everything these other programs can and more.

Overall I'm very pleased with Audiogalaxy. Its service is easy to learn and the process of downloading a file is highly efficient, yet unobtrusive. If you've been using Napster all this time and are fed up with the current RIAA imposed filters, give Audiogalaxy a try.

Overall Grade: A-

Recommended: Yes