The WireShare GnutellaWebCache (GWC) that is used for bootstrapping is now being redirected to https. As a result, all WireShare versions prior to 6.0.2 will no longer be able to connect to the GWC as https was not supported in those versions. Therefore, it is now recommended that all users update their WireShare to version 6.0.2 to; avoid connection issues, get security updates, and get update notifications in the future.

BigJx

This is an unexpected issue and earlier WireShare version users will no longer be able to get update notifications due to the https change. The https change was forced upon the WireShare project, not by choice. For example, version 5.6.6 no longer receives any form of notifications including version updates. Also versions 6.0.1 and earlier can no longer access the primary GWebCache (GWC.)
But the https change will have benefits. That includes potentially improved communications through a firewall and other benefits.

That's a shame. What Java is required and will it work with older PC's? I had a lot of trouble updating Java last time and making it actually work.

No java update is required to upgrade from either v6.0.0 or v6.0.1 to v6.0.2. The code is still Java 8 based (Windows version requires 32bit Java).

BigJx