I just started using shareaza 1.6 and so far it's pretty good except that it almost totally devours cpu time. I'm running it on a pc with windows xp.
Any suggestions?

Shareaza hashes your files. So high CPU usage is normal when just started using it. But this should go away after some time(depending on how many files you share)

is it normal for it to stop responding on a regular basis as well?

Normally no. But you should post such problems at http://www.shareaza.com/forum

Please include your windows version, internet connection, whether you're running in UP mode and so on... More information is always better ;-)

Yes i've noticed Shareaza is CPU intensive as well when hashing my files, which is a pain when having 4,801 files.

For all of you who may wish to discuss the CPU issues and Shareaza, I would suggest (for now) that you try to make contact with igalan - both here and in the Shareaza Forum.

igalan has considerable experience re: the 100% CPU usage 'lock-up' problems and will surely be happy to help...

(He is also the genius who did the translation work of Shareaza to 'Spanish' and is well up on the client.)

Regarding the socalled high CPU usage during hashing of files, I think that you will find that it is in fact one of the fastest of the clients...... A simple tip, if you have a large number of files to hash, is to allow the hashing process to run while disconnected or, at the very least, do not allow any file transfers or do any surfing while the hashing is taking place.......
Get it out of the way as fast as possible if the CPU usage bothers you.

urs the curse

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Turn Shareaza on at night and activate Quick hash.

Warning: Quick hash will use even more CPU power, but gets it done ten times faster.

To turn quick hash on, go to your library and select physical. Right-click on a folder and there is a quick hash button.

It may be against the grain, but if you reduce the number of files shared you will fix this problem.