Reverse Enginer WinMx

[Will]

Question:
Why have these clients never been completed:

WinPY
WinZo
MoonMX

Answer:
It's impossible to build a new client that can handle than 2 GB files AND is compatible with the existing WinMX protocol.

Those who claim this to be possible should publish or send me in private the details of the protocol modification.

Hans   

Using the WinMX software and protocols your right, but a new client with new protocols can be made to support that while at the same time remaining compatible with the WinMX protocol minus the > 2 GB files.

[GhostShip]

For those interested in historical accuracy, I can answer why most of these projects hit the buffers.

WinPy is the easiest one, the author String wished to go further with his project so he created a respectable chunk of a primary version of WinPy, however knowing the drawbacks with publishing the primary material in the open it was never release publicly as open src and he was working on limited time due to studying for his doctorate in physics. It was accepted by all that his career comes before creating a primary client for the community however disappointing that was.

WinZo was an interesting windows only client that was in the main usable but obviously of a secondary nature a thus I,m not sure where it seeks to address an issue in the primary and secondary protocols as you have implied Hans, it wasn't build to address such things, the author open sourced it citing lack of interest but its quite likely he too faced the primary side issue that was at the time not as well documented as it is now.

MoonMX was a spur project based on WinZO that sought to address the windows limitation on the winzo client however SirMoon the programmer like String had other real life commitments and was at one point trying to write further code while in Iraq serving with the US army, he is now safely in Japan But his project failed mainly because he would generate ideas to alter the architecture of the code faster than he could implement it, many great ideas where seem by myself and many working examples of items but never a single solid build based on a platform portable code base.

Conclusion:

Only when a primary client and a secondary client are both re-created can the limit be shifted in an harmonious way that's the bottom line and not really a priority in anyones thinking, learning to build a client from the secondary side first has been a sensible approach to honing ones skill to tackle the primary client/server an item that is not so forgiving of mistakes. 

[Hans-Linux]

I would like to see the opinions on below by answering YES or NO:

1.) If you are downloading or uploading illegal items, would you like the party from whom you are downloading be able to identify you and have the Gestapo ir similar knock at or break down your door at 4:00 AM?
YES/NO

2.) Would you want to enforce sharing?
YES/NO

3.) Would you want to have your downloads which you share stored encrypted on your hard disk?
YES/NO

4.) How many percent of your upload speed would you be prepared to "Donate" for the good overall performance of the network?
YES/NO

5.) Do you want to be able to down and upload BluRay DVDs?
YES/NO

6.) Can you live without  knowing the Bitrate and Frequency of MP3 and Ogg Audio files before downloading?
YES/NO

7.) Can you analyse ASM and/or C/C++ code, write C code and are you ready, willing and able to work for an extended time with me  coding a new WinMX like multi platform (Linux, Windows and maybe Mac) application?
YES/NO

Please send your reply by email to:

wpn(at)linux(dot)interworld(dot)net(dot)au

or by private message to my PM box.

Hans 

[Hans-Linux]

the WPN (winmx peer network... not 'private') is not open source... its proprietary and was (still is being?) reverse engineered... no documentation on the protocol was ever released by the author...

Sorry, should have said that WPN is closed source network. The protocol was and reversed engineered.

Note:
Most parts of the protocol and important code is available by searching the internet.

Hans 

[Bluey_412]

I would like to see the opinions on below by answering YES or NO:

1.) If you are downloading or uploading illegal items, would you like the party from whom you are downloading be able to identify you and have the Gestapo ir similar knock at or break down your door at 4:00 AM?
YES/NO

2.) Would you want to enforce sharing?
YES/NO

3.) Would you want to have your downloads which you share stored encrypted on your hard disk?
YES/NO

4.) How many percent of your upload speed would you be prepared to "Donate" for the good overall performance of the network?
YES/NO

5.) Do you want to be able to down and upload BluRay DVDs?
YES/NO

6.) Can you live without  knowing the Bitrate and Frequency of MP3 and Ogg Audio files before downloading?
YES/NO

7.) Can you analyse ASM and/or C/C++ code, write C code and are you ready, willing and able to work for an extended time with me  coding a new WinMX like multi platform (Linux, Windows and maybe Mac) application?
YES/NO

Please send your reply by email to:

wpn(at)linux(dot)interworld(dot)net(dot)au

or by private message to my PM box.

Hans 

1: "...from whom you are downloading be able to identify you ..." no
2: "Would you want to enforce sharing?" No, but it sometimes becomes ncessary, so a conditional 'yes'
3: Yes. As long as it is relatively easy to decrypt for local consumption
4: Up to 20%
5: for the future, Yes. Other bigger formats may come along too
6: if you know the music  file length, its not hard to guage, so likely, No, but it would be nicesometimes a download may be to upgrade bitrate. I would rather know quality first
7: Sorry, No, SOMEONE has to specialise in Hardware and network stuff

[cuttingedge]

1.) If you are downloading or uploading illegal items, would you like the party from whom you are downloading be able to identify you and have the Gestapo ir similar knock at or break down your door at 4:00 AM?
YES/NO
Of course not Hans, but I'd like ta see 'em try!

2.) Would you want to enforce sharing?
YES/NO
No, but I would like to see a nice add on program or built in option that does.
 
3.) Would you want to have your downloads which you share stored encrypted on your hard disk?
YES/NO
No Need for me, But again would make a great option for some people.

4.) How many percent of your upload speed would you be prepared to "Donate" for the good overall performance of the network?
I allow 50% of my resources and think thats only fair. I dont expect that from others due to the differing speeds from ISP's.

5.) Do you want to be able to down and upload BluRay DVDs?
YES/NO
No, I have no use for BluRay, but again, Nice option!

6.) Can you live without  knowing the Bitrate and Frequency of MP3 and Ogg Audio files before downloading?
YES/NO
No, I am picky about the bitrate of my MP3's.

7.) Can you analyse ASM and/or C/C++ code, write C code and are you ready, willing and able to work for an extended time with me  coding a new WinMX like multi platform (Linux, Windows and maybe Mac) application?
YES/NO
Yes, but I am just starting to learn C language, and am mostly self taught.
Right now I don't know how much use I could be.

Hans, Your A smart guy, I am happy you are here, and I enjoy watching your progression.
If there is anything I can do to help, (Like hold the dumb end of the tape measure) I am willing to donate my time.

CE

[cuttingedge]

A few options I would like to see in my winMX are:

a stop button in the window where you are browsing an individuals files.
sometimes you see the file you want and dont need to let the list run on for 4000+ files.

compatibility for files between opennap and WPN

option to reconnect to the same cluster of your choice if its not full. Kinda like your choice of chat rooms on WPN but list clusters of primary and secondary. Maybe as simple as assigning a number to the primary for the session time. Number changes if primary signs off.

And the thing everyone wants, larger file size capabilities.

[Bluey_412]

Perhaps some people think that file-sizes have to be bigger just cos a movie file might be made from a blu-ray disc, but then again, the file size CAN BE CONTROLLED when the .avi or .mpg file is made, after all we are gonna go out and buy the real-deal disc on a $40 plastic disc, cos the Cartel says we must...

Remember, downloads are only used for review purposes, so we can decide whether the latest crap from the studios is worth actually buying, and then we discard them, dont we?

[achilles]

1.) If you are downloading or uploading illegal items, would you like the party from whom you are downloading be able to identify you and have the Gestapo ir similar knock at or break down your door at 4:00 AM?
legal or illegal; I would not want it to be easy to obtain my identity. I just don't want it given out so easy like the Gnutella, and other networks do.  If I really wanted to conceal my identity there are other means for doing so.

2.) Would you want to enforce sharing?
Everyone should be forced to share at least 1 upload slot.  Just give the user the option which files they share.  Also give the user the option to start additional uploads for those that want to trade.

3.) Would you want to have your downloads which you share stored encrypted on your hard disk? 
That is not important to me. If I want to encrypt content on my disk then I can use TrueCrypt for that.

4.) How many percent of your upload speed would you be prepared to "Donate" for the good overall performance of the network?
I always donate 100% of my upload speed when i'm not using my machine for anything that requires internet access, and about 70% when i'm surfing the internet. Give the user the option to choose what percent they want to donate on the fly.

5.) Do you want to be able to down and upload BluRay DVDs?
Yes, for sure! If you want the network to keep growing, and be successful then the ability to share larger files must be added. If I have to use other networks to get the content I want then that is less bandwidth I have to donate to the WPN.  This is a must!

6.) Can you live without  knowing the Bitrate and Frequency of MP3 and Ogg Audio files before downloading?
Its nice to know, but yes I can live without it. Its not that big of a deal.

7.) Can you analyse ASM and/or C/C++ code, write C code and are you ready, willing and able to work for an extended time with me  coding a new WinMX like multi platform (Linux, Windows and maybe Mac) application?
No, I'm not a coder. My abilities are only in hardware, networking, and cyber security. If I could code I would be the first to join you.

[silicon_toad2000]

Just to make a point of order, WinMxWorld do not aid or support the sharing of files which would infringe on the rights of the copyright holder.

It is important purely from a privacy point of view that the technical options and possibilities of protecting users identity are explored. WinMxWorld certainly supports users having the option of protecting their own privacy.

[achilles]

Dooley noted!

[achilles]

Two nice features that may be easy to add to the new client at some stage of it's development. 1. Make it optional to allow users the ability to browse your library. Give the user an option to enable and disable this feature on the fly. 2. Highlight search results of files that the user already have in their library so the user does not continue to download files they already have.

[Will]

1. Make it optional to allow users the ability to browse your library.

Already being worked on (It works).

Give the user an option to enable and disable this feature on the fly.

The settings provide that option so that's already possible once the first part is complete.

Highlight search results of files that the user already have in their library so the user does not continue to download files they already have.

This was a planned feature in the older client so it will probably be added to the new one at some point.

[achilles]

Thank you for such a prompt response Will! I'm excited to see some additions are already being made along the way!  I can't wait to take her for a spin once she is ready for testing! I have experience with QA testing. Maybe I can be of some help finding bugs and reporting all required info needed for fixing them. I will do my best anyways since I really do care so much about this project!

[Will]

Check this thread for some screens
https://forum.winmxworld.com/index.php?topic=11644.msg67291#msg67291

[achilles]

Hans-Linux, are you willing to assist with the current client that is being developed or do you prefer to work on another project with coders that have more similar goals of your own?

[Hans-Linux]

Hans-Linux, are you willing to assist with the current client that is being developed or do you prefer to work on another project with coders that have more similar goals of your own?

I am willing to assist within my capabilities of coding in "C". In fact, after seeing the screen prints, I consider it a waste of time and effort to start work on a new client.

I received 32 replies to my survey, Will publish the results tomorrow.

Hans   

 

[achilles]

Hans, i'm sure your assistance would be very valuable with the development of the new client / network. The more skilled coders like yourself willing to help with this project the better client / network we will have.  It's been my observation that it's hard to earn trust here; especially after what happened that facilitated the attacks on the network.  They have been very reluctant to hand over code, and to allow new developers to join the project due to many groups that want to destroy the network. I myself do not know how many programmers are doing the actual coding of the client, but it does not seem to be very many from reading the post here at the forum so I could be wrong.  Just be patient, and if they haven't already i'm sure they will find where you are most needed to make sure this project is a huge success.

[bu44er]

Hans, i'm sure your assistance would be very valuable with the development of the new client / network. The more skilled coders like yourself willing to help with this project the better client / network we will have.  It's been my observation that it's hard to earn trust here; especially after what happened that facilitated the attacks on the network.  They have been very reluctant to hand over code, and to allow new developers to join the project due to many groups that want to destroy the network. I myself do not know how many programmers are doing the actual coding of the client, but it does not seem to be very many from reading the post here at the forum so I could be wrong.  Just be patient, and if they haven't already i'm sure they will find where you are most needed to make sure this project is a huge success.

That's true, it's a shame that it as had to come to this though. People have been seen moaning and groaning about offering to help and no one taking them up on it, however people have been trusted before and have let the community down. I for one would love to help with the client some how, however I design and code websites not code programs.

I just hope that who ever helped make a new client gets the respect they deserve. I also hope that it brings the community closer together.

[Hans-Linux]

This is the result of my survey based on 33 replies:

1.) If you are downloading or uploading illegal items, would you like the party from whom you are downloading be able to identify you and have the Gestapo ir similar knock at or break down your door at 4:00 AM?
YES/NO
RESULT: 29 YES, 4 NO or DON'T CARE
Most of respondent consider illegal items being items that are prohibited by law in their country, such as porn, politically sensitive items and copyrighted items.

2.) Would you want to enforce sharing?
YES/NO
RESULT: 24 YES, 3 NO, 6 OPTIONAL

3.) Would you want to have your downloads which you share stored encrypted on your hard disk?
YES/NO
RESULT: 14 YES, 12 OPTIONAL, 6 DON'T CARE

4.) How many percent of your upload speed would you be prepared to "Donate" for the good overall performance of the network?
YES/NO
RESULT: 25 YES, 4 NO, 4 LIMITED
Several of the respondents want to be able to have the "Donated" bandwidth automatically adjusted to a percentage of unused bandwidth.

5.) Do you want to be able to down and upload BluRay DVDs?
YES/NO
RESULT: YES 32, DON'T CARE 1
Everyone wants to have the unlimited capability up to the limit of their operating/file system.

6.) Can you live without knowing the Bitrate and Frequency of MP3 and Ogg Audio files before downloading?
YES/NO
RESULT: 19 YES, 14 NO

7.) Can you analyse ASM and/or C/C++ code, write C code and are you ready, willing and able to work for an extended time with me  coding a new WinMX like multi platform (Linux, Windows and maybe Mac) application?
YES/NO
RESULT: 31 NO 1 YES
One party in India offered to quote the cost for coding a new application on receipt of the the final product specification. They have 400 "C" & "C++" coders on their staff.

COMMENTS:
A number of the users who replied to my survey are located in countries where the internet is censored and/or have dictatorial governments who suppress the fredom of speech, information and free exchange and trade thereof.   

Some users want to optionally and on the fly enable Browsing of their upload directory. Others want a the file hashes and file names of the files available in the network stored in a distributed and browsable directory system.

Several users want to know if the file they intent to download already exist on their PC. Like GTK-Gnutell, Bit-Torrent, and probably other applications.

Hans