$ 
$    Welcome to Azureus 2.5.0.4
$ 

 2.5.0.4 is a maintenance release to fix up a few minor, but relatively annoying problems with 2.5.0.2.

+1. What's new in Azureus 2.5.0.2/4

!1.1 Less memory footprint
  Most noteably, torrent piece information is now removed from memory when not used.
  
!1.2 Minimum # of Simultaneous Active Downloads
  The ability to always have at least x number of active downloads running.
  
!1.3 New columns
  Custom user comment (My Torrents view)
  File extension (Files view)

!1.4 Faster startup times on large lists
  Startup times when Azureus has a large list of torrents is now faster (up to 400% faster in some cases).
  Some plugins may negate this optimization if the plugin accesses every torrents information immediately at startup.

!1.5 Other
  Various user interface improvements.
  Bug fixes.
  Less memory leaks.
 
!1.6 Java 5.0 note
  Java 5, Update 10 fixes a handle leak commonly seen in Azureus installations.  It is highly recommended that you upgrade to this version or a later version.  You can download the update at http://java.com/en/download/manual.jsp

    Full ChangeLog http://azureus.sourceforge.net/changelog.php?version=2.5.0.4


+2. What's new in Azureus 2.5.0.0

!2.1 Send to a friend
  A wizard to simplify sending a link to content to a friend or to embed in a web page (e.g. a blog).

!2.2 Auto upload speed
  This feature controls your upload speed based on the latency of your internet connection as gauged by pinging other members of the Distributed Database.

!2.3 Other new features
  OSX: Open .torrent files into Azureus via Finder/Desktop/etc.
  'Do not download' files handled more consistently with respect to download completion.
  Renaming of a download directories.
  Moving of data files on torrent removal from Azureus.
  Signed updates and plugins for improved security.
  Interface improvements - more information: date added, idle times, new info view, file piece view; more per-torrent options.
  Debug information generator.
  More in the changelog.
  
  Don't forget to check the plugins - http://azureus.sourceforge.net/plugin_list.php
    New remote control plugin - AzSMRC
  
!2.4 Bug fixes and performance improvements
 Notable fixes:
    LAN Peer Finder retains peers more effectively; explicit LAN peer identification.
    Reduced CPU usage when connected to large numbers of peers.
    
    Full ChangeLog http://azureus.sourceforge.net/changelog.php?version=2.5.0.0

+3. What's new in Azureus 2.4.0.0
    
!3.1 Encrypted/Obfuscated Data Transfer
 Support for encrypting the data between Azureus and other compatible clients is included. This both provides a level of protection of data and can help with ISPs that block or restrict peer-to-peer traffic.
  
!3.2 High Speed LAN Transfers
 Multiple copies of Azureus running on the same local network support high speed direct connections.

!3.3 Improved Download Algorithm
 The algorithm used to determine which pieces of a download to request from which peers has been rewritten to improve its behaviour and performance.

!3.4 Webseed Support
 Basic webseed support is included. Webseeds will only be used when a download's availability is less than 1.0.

!3.5 Other

 Various user interface improvements.
 Performance improvements.
 Bug fixes.
     
    Full ChangeLog http://azureus.sourceforge.net/changelog.php?version=2.4.0.0

    See http://azureus.sourceforge.net/changelog.php?version=2.3.0.6, 2.3.0.4 and 2.3.0.2 for previous changes.
    
+4. Upgrade Advice

!4.1 Java 5.0
 Azureus is written in Java and requires the Java runtime. We recommend Java 5.0 (also known as 1.5) as it has better performance and reliability - please upgrade if necessary.
 You'll find torrents to update Java here : http://azureus.sourceforge.net/download.php
 Download the one for your system, close Azureus, execute the downloaded file, then restart Azureus.
 WinXP users will have to go to Tools > Options > Interface > Display, and re-check the "Enable XP Style" option.
 
!4.2 NOD32
 NOD32 (http://www.nod32.com/) is an antivirus which is known to have problems with Azureus, causing 100% CPU usage.
 See http://azureuswiki.com/index.php/LikelyNetworkDisconnectReconnect
 

+5. Common Issues

!4.1 NAT "error"
 NAT means "Network Address Translation". The NAT test in Azureus tells you whether or not you are connectable from people on the Internet. You'll get better speeds if you ARE connectable.
 Please don't contact us in order to solve NAT issues, as plenty resources are available on the Internet about it. First check :
 - http://azureuswiki.com/index.php/PortForwarding
 - http://www.portforward.com
 

!5.2 Azureus Crashing
 If your Azureus is crashing, the most likely reason is an issue with your network components (card, drivers, OS). We highly recommend that you update all network related components. If this doesn't help, then the reason is probably that your system can't handle that many peer connections.
 Lower the number of connections in Azureus (Tools > Options > Transfer > Maximum number of connections per torrent / globally), try a low value like 30 first.

!5.3 Support
 Before contacting the support team, be sure to check the available resources at :
 - The official WebSite : http://azureus.sourceforge.net/
 - The official Wiki : http://azureuswiki.com/
 - The official IRC Channel : #azureus-users on irc.freenode.net
 - The official SF forums : http://sourceforge.net/forum/?group_id=84122
 - IF (and only IF) you can't solve your issue after trying ALL those mediums, you can contact us at azureus@gmail.com