Ares is a peer-to-peer file sharing program that uses its own specialized network. This network is decentralized in nature, meaning that there is no one master server. This makes it more difficult to shut down. Although its use is not illegal, it is often used for the transmission of copyrighted materials. Many universities block P2P traffic on their networks. However, Ares is often able to slip through the cracks. However, it is not impossible to block Ares' network traffic.

There has been an upsurge in fake, incomplete and corrupted files on the Ares network. These files often masquerade as something useful but are in fact something completely different. In the best cases, the file is simply incomplete or damaged. In the worst cases, the file is actually a virus, trojan horse or other piece of malware in disguise. One of the most common is a "dialer". These programs affect only computers that contain a modem that is plugged into a working phone line. They attempt to make long-distance and/or international toll phone calls without the user's knowledge. Special care should be exercised when downloading any executable file format from Ares or any P2P network.

In addition to its primary use, Ares contains a subclassed Internet Explorer-based web browser, a SHOUTcast streaming media client and a chat system. This allows users to communicate directly with each other. Locating another user is accomplished by viewing the individuals who are sharing a particular file.

Variants of the Ares software include Ares Lite. This is a version of Ares Galaxy that is designed to include less features and thus consume less memory and CPU time. It is advisable to use this version instead of Ares Galaxy on computers with lower hardware specifications.

Ares is compatible with most Windows operating systems, including Windows 98.