I am still using WireShare version 5.6.5 since version 5.6.6 had connection problems so I had to switch back to version 5.6.5. Has anyone tested version 6.0.0? Is it worth updating? I downloaded WireShare 6.0.0 (BigJx) but before updating I would like to read other users' impressions about this release. With version 5.6.5 I have had two major issues- I cannot find a way to disable update check on start-up and with forced Windows shut-down it loses its data and settings.

I can only help you with a couple of points:
There is no way to disable update messages. I never liked this every session message concept but my request to have an option to delay to once a week or month or so was ignored several years back.

Forcing Windows shutdown will always risk losing data and settings. It's something that should only be done as a last resort.

There will always be a version that does not work well on some people's systems. There are often workarounds but should be done with care.

The major difference in version 5.6.6 over version 5.6.5 was the addition of the integrated, auto-updating security feature requested by (and maintained by) Lord of the Rings. This feature was a major improvement to WireShare in terms of security. Just like antivirus software, the security files need updating periodically to protect users from malicious hosts and spammers. Unfortunately, the connection issue that you and others may have had with version 5.6.6 was not due to WireShare itself but was caused by a faulty online security file it had auto-updated to. This issue occurred if you had the "Strong Security" selected and was cause by an empty line in the security file. So, once the problem was identified, the online file was corrected and the issue was resolved.

Sorry, there is currently no way to disable the update notification at startup. I never considered that some people might prefer to use outdated versions. I will add a "Do not remind me again for this version." option to the next release. You would have to update to it though.

The major improvement in version 6.0.0 (Windows and Linux) is the code base was updated from 1.6 to Java 1.8 and added openJDK compatibility. The minor improvements made were; removed the Japanese blocking options (requested by LOTR), updated client preferencing, fixed some small bugs, and bundled the Java 1.6 runtime into MacOS app.

BigJx