NOTE: Hotline - as it was - has now disappeared. The CEO of Hotline Jack Kay announced "That's it folks. We're out of money." The Hotline network will still exist as long as people use the software, but due to the nature of the community in the file-sharing world, it pretty much looks like the end for Hotline. A sad loss...

Hotline - Right, once again this isn't like most file-sharing programs. Firstly, I have to say, if you are considering to use this program to get MP3s, or use it as a Napster alternative, DON'T. That's not what this program is intending to do.

Hotline is probably best to use to get movies and computer games/applications. There are some really great files to get on this client, but what you must know is that you can't just come onto Hotline and be expect to be able to obtain all the files immediately, oh no. You have to EARN your right to get these files, and this is probably what is going to instantly put people off using this program.

You see, much like Direct Connect, there are many servers in which you are able to connect to (see screenshot) - each offering different types of files (mostly just either warez, movies or porn). Some servers are public, which means you can get instant access to the files available to download. However, some are not - and its goes without saying (so I don't know why I'm saying it :) that the non-public servers have the better files then the public ones. You see, if you actually want to get access to these non-public servers, and get the better files, you need to get onto the server and start getting to know the admin. As soon as you do, and start uploading some of your own material, you'll be able to get any file you want, which makes it all worth it in the end.

However, it is this extra hassle that is going to instantly put people off using Hotline. But I have to say - don't be. At the end of the day, if you give a bit to the Hotline community, they will give you a lot back.

So, onto the base info. When you start up Hotline, you are presented with a series of servers. These servers don't contain the best files available, so I recommend you search for more in your usual web-based search engine (just type in "Hotline Servers" and you'll get loads of results). Once your done, connection is usually fast. There are then many sub-categories in which is presented for you in a window to see which users are online, check out the latest news about that server, browse through the available files to download etc. The general layout of the program is therefore something you have to get used to for the simple reason that its not your average file sharing program - its quite different (see screenshot).

Anyways,  the program supports resume-able downloads, and download speeds are reasonably fast once you do get connected. There are no internal players of any sort in this program, but that's not really a thing to worry about - Hotline is a community file-sharing program, not a media player.

And I have to make one thing clear before finishing this review. You'll notice I haven't talked about the searching facilities of Hotline. This is simply because of the reason - they don't have any. You see, as I've said many times, Hotline isn't your average file-sharing program, its just best to jump into it and see what you can find - and if your willing to give it a bit of time to get friendly with you, you'll be rewarded.     

SUMMARY: Hotline is........different. Its not you normal file-sharing program where you have search box and cam expect to find everything you want. In fact, far from it. Its more of a place where you just dive into it, and see what you can find. The only letdown, which is the only way that Hotline can function well, is the fact that you have to get an account from servers offering quality material for you to download - and this can take a bit of dedication and time. Time which many people don't want to spend...

Pros : A different type of file-sharing program altogether - Lots of great files available.

Cons : People will be put off by the hassle of being able to obtain the files - A different interface to get used to - No search engine to find specific files. 

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