how can you tell which songs are real on limewire
 

lots of times when i download songs from limewire they never actually play, and they won't go onto my itunes. i have to spend hours searching for a song that is actually a good, real file. how can i tell which files will be good without searching forever?

Look up files with Bitzi before download: How to use Bitzi
If other users have rated the file, you'll see whether it's good or not.

There are lots of fake files around now, which won't play.

Check out these threads for more info about what to avoid, some general virus info & info about fake files:
Virus thread: Typical virus spam file sizes - Make a note of them (click on blue link to see)

* WARNING: Viruses on network you should be aware of ! *

Fake files showing up in search results

How to find music :)

It takes a while to recognise which are good & which are not. Two main things need to learn to look for. One is file size, & secondly compare bit-rates with file size.

1. Virus thread: Typical virus spam file sizes - Make a note of them (click on blue link to see)

2. mp3 Bit-Rates Versus File Sizes (click on link)

Edit: * Snap! *