Grokster, one of the three sanctioned FastTrack clients (iMesh, Grokster, Kazaa) finally received an internal upgrade. For almost a year, Grokster wallowed with an outdated FastTrack protocol. This coupled by harsh criticism regarding its third party software policy has made this client the least popular out of all the FastTrack clients. It is expected that iMesh will soon upgrade its stack to version 2.6.

We have not tested the current version of Grokster for spyware or adware, however the release notes do not indicate that any of the spyware or adware has been reduced. The last versions were notorious for an over abundance of crippling third party software that made the computer experience unbearable. One computer used to test Grokster had to be reformatted, as the endless pop-ups and third party software could not be removed. In any case, here's the press release from Grokster:

Grokster Fights For Freedom; Launches Version 2.6
Empowers Self-Regulating, Self-Publishing Network

LOS ANGELES and NEVIS, WEST INDIES (--February 5, 2004--) On the heels of a federal appeals court hearing over an entertainment industry appeal in MGM Studios v. Grokster, a case that will test the strength of the Supreme Court's "Betamax" decision, Grokster announced today the launch of version 2.6, a much-anticipated new release of its popular P2P (peer-to-peer) software. (www.grokster.com)

Grokster¹s release of version 2.6 is a major upgrade in the battle for media independence. The latest client published to Grokster's millions of users further empowers citizens to create their own self-assembled, self-regulating community.

³In this age of media monopolization and consolidation, it is critical to establish democratic and consumer-driven applications to preserve diversity of opinion and ideas,² said Henry Wilson, founder. ³Big media can be countered with technology, the people can create their own alternative to the centralized sources that pervade the traditional mediums -- right from their own desktops.²

Grokster 2.6 is loaded with new features that put more of the power and
control into the hands of P2P users, including:

• My Shared Folder: Publishing self-authored content is easier than
  ever. Grokster 2.6 includes the My Shared Folder. Placing novels,
  photos, articles, artwork, music, animation, and independent films a