Poisoned: Clean Open-Source Multi-Network P2P Client

very good
key review info
application features
  • connects to FastTrack, Gnutella and OpenFT
  • (3 more, see all...)

There are many peer to peer networks out there, and for each one there are many clients, of which a few usually stand out, being better than the others. Then there are those clients that work with multiple networks at the same time. Poisoned is one such client.

Many networks Poisoned can connect to many networks: FastTrack (normally accessed by programs such as Kazaa, Grokster and iMesh), Gnutella (Limewire and Acquisition being two of the most popular clients for accessing this network), and OpenFT.

In fact, Poisoned is a graphical front end for the giFT daemon, which is an open source effort developed by the same people behind the OpenFT network. Because of this architecture, all the different networks that Poisoned supports are in fact plugins that allow it to communicate with each network, in its own language. Besides the networks currently supported, there are plans for including OpenNapster and eDonkey, which will bring the most popular networks all together under one roof. The only application I know that is able to handle more networks than this is iSwipe.

Open Source Poisoned, is an open source project, and this is a double edged sword. On one hand it is free, it contains no hidden functions and does not include ads or nags. On the other hand, development is not constant, there is no documentation, and the only support you can receive is from the Poisoned community itself.

Then again, because Poisoned is open source, the community is encouraged to join in the development, to bring new features and changes that they think will make Poisoned a better program. This in turn returns back to the community, so, in a way Poisoned is a reflection of the community.

Interface Everything in Poisoned takes place from within its sole window which houses four tabs and a drawer.

The first Tab is the network statistics tab. From here you can see to how many users you can get in touch, how many files are being shared and the total size of all those files. Poisoned, like many other P2P clients, will get in touch with more and more users and will be able to gain access to more files the more you stay connected.

The second tab exposes search results. Whenever you start a new search, it gets added into the drawer where it stays until you delete it. Inside the search tab you can see the result of the searches, along with detailed information about each file. Compared to other programs, the filtering options are limited.

The third and fourth tabs are for viewing your downloads and uploads, respectively.

The entire interface feels clean and concise; there is nothing to waste space or any useless niceties.

Sharing files Unlike other multiple network clients out there, Poisoned has no problems with downloading files. While the search capabilities might not be as good, and the filtering is barely present, the downloading is great. Poisoned handles multiple hosts marvelously, getting you the file as fast as possible, and there are no 'download broken at 95%' issues. You can resume the download and users can come and go, as long as that file is out there somewhere, it will end up in your possession.

Both the upload and the download tabs have the very handy expand all and collapse all buttons that make working with huge lists less painful. One thing I have noticed is that it does not automatically rescan for available sources, but if you re-add the file to the download list, the new sources will be processed accordingly.

The Good Unlike other clients, Poisoned is lean and clean, there are no ads, no pop-ups, and no unwanted hidden functions. The simple, tasteful interface gets the job done and is comfortable to work in, without any awkward button placements. Downloading is reliable, although at times you might have problems finding what you need.

The Bad This software has no documentation, no support, and no steady development schedule, being an open source, community driven project. Sometimes, it loses compatibility with a network and long periods of time might pass before anyone does anything about it, so if stability and support are very important to you, this might not be your kind of program.

The Truth Much worse than iSwipe at finding things, but much better at downloading them. Of course, the one-network-only clients will always have more features and buttons and be more compatible, but then again they only support one network and either cost you or nag you.

Here are some screenshots, click to enlarge:

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user interface 4
features 4
ease of use 3
pricing / value 5


final rating 4
Editor's review
very good
 
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