Yeah I think it uses the same network as Limewire (gnutella). In fact at times you could do the same search and the movies/music would be labeled the same way without the dreaded Steven Spielberg file.
Actually I thought Limewire has more viruses then Bearshare did so if you was (somewhat) satisfied with Limewire then you should happy with Bearshare
Bearshare is filled with spyware. They even tell you that they are gonna install that shit. Napster was so good back in the day........