Direct Connect - Direct Connect is a file sharing program that I am using the most at the moment. You see, at times this program can frustrate you so much you'll just want to chuck your PC out the window. And at other times you'll just want to kiss it repeatedly. I know. I'm weird.

Anyways, Direct Connect is not like other file sharing programs. Its more like Hotline (if you've ever tried that) although the files are much more straight forward to get. You see, when you start the program, you are given a list of servers (see screenshot) that you can connect to. Each server offers different types of files (such as movies, games, applications etc.) Also, in order to get into a popular server, you have to share a certain amount of files (usually 2 GB and upwards) and obviously, the more files you share, the more servers you can get into - keep that in mind before using this program.

But its this fact that the program practically forces people to share files which means that there are some really great files to download. I've actually downloaded many movies and proper full applications and games from Direct Connect (obviously all of which I already own :).

But like I said, at times you can get really frustrated using this program when you can't seem to connect to the popular servers, or when the searches never seem to respond, or even when you get disconnected from the 'hubs'. The layout of the program is also something you have to get used to. At times, the interface somewhat crowded with loads of different windows opened.

Anyways onto the searching (see screenshot). When using Direct Connect, there are the basic options of sorting results by audio, video, software, etc. which is essential for a program like this. Searches are fast, and relevant to the requested query. One annoying thing about the searches, however, is the fact that Direct Connect never tell you when they've completed the searching. You basically could be waiting in front of a white screen for ages, not knowing if the program has searched all the users on the server.

Downloads are kinda slow, however, this probably due to the fact that the user you are trying to get a file off is also uploading files to other users. But this isn't the fault of the program, just an annoying part of life :). Also, you can resume downloads, and if you get "Transfer Error-ed" by a user, you could always use the function to search for the same file to get from a different user and happily continue the transfer.

So, I have to make it clear about how to get the most of this program. Firstly, I'd like to say its not the best Napster alternative out there, probably because that's not what the program intended to do in the first place. You should mainly use this to download games (including Dreamcast and other console games, not just for the PC), various applications (I got Easy CD Creator 5 Platinum with little hassle - see screenshot) and also movies. Or, in other words, if you have a file that you want and it is pretty big (say, over 100 MEG), Direct Connect is the place to go. And, because of this fact, you'll only get the most of this program if you have a cable modem (like me ;) or faster. Its still useful for 56k-ers, but not as much as it could be. By all means, check it out.         

SUMMARY: Direct Connect is a great program. Its really cool to use to get those large files that you want, but can't find it anywhere else. This is what makes Direct Connect different from the other file-sharing programs out there - you can get the files that you just can't find on Morpheus or Bearshare. But you can only get the most out of this program if you a) are willing to get to grips with the interface, and b) have a fast connection to the net.

Pros :  LOADS of files available - Great to use to get large files - This program is getting more popular which will mean even MORE files :)

Cons : Sometimes you can never connect to the server you want to - A different interface to get to grips with in comparison to other file-sharing programs - More directed at cable/dsl users

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