Thing is with Limewire, is it's just another program with internet connection. Like a browser, or email program, skype, messenger etc.
This one for p2p file sharing. Which comes with its own particular vulnerabilities and potential threats, which can be severe. With Limewire (or other p2p) the setting-up of the program is important, so as to make sure the entire computer isn't open to the www,(quite common, that,) that the application is firewalled, and of course that the user doesn't open just any old file without scanning it first.
I've heard of users downloading cracked programs via p2p. They get all they ask for; a good deal of them are infected. Some movie files have code designed to exploit any vulnerabilities in a media player. There are huge numbers of movies about with a size of around 1 meg. Asking for it.
The program itself is clean. (Unlike some p2p applications that have come bundled with adware. eg Kazaa.)The download site is clean. The forums are helpful and contain good tips.
Downloading of copyright protected material is, of course, illegal. But that's a separate issue.
In my opinion, it's no easier to catch a nasty through Limewire than almost any other web application, if you click the wrong button, if your computer isn't up to date, if you don't have good security applications and protocols.
How many of the above "if's" do you think might be applicable to the average computer user, let alone one who is 17?
I've viewed a lot of HJT logs, (trying to get a handle on 'em).
Some of them indicate a p2p installation. But many many more indicate the presence of very out of date flash player, out of date Java, often multiple messenger programs, codec packs, and toolbars. All this indicates quite a pattern of behaviour on the part of the user.
Windows security is a fairly complex subject. I'm only just getting a handle onit myself. The average user wouldn't have a clue.