Using Bittorrent
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Contents |
About
BitTorrent is a multi-platform protocol designed for transferring files. It is peer-to-peer in nature, as users connect to each other directly to send and receive portions of the file. However, there is a central server (called a tracker) which coordinates the action of all such peers. The tracker only manages connections, it does not have any knowledge of the contents of the files being distributed, and therefore a large number of users can be supported with relatively limited tracker bandwidth. The key philosophy of BitTorrent is that users should upload (transmit outbound) at the same time they are downloading (receiving inbound.) In this manner, network bandwidth is utilized as efficiently as possible.
Uses for Bittorrent
Bittorrent is mainly used to download a large collection of files or a single large file. It is used to distribute Linux distribution iso's, and provides a quicker way to download the CD image. It is also often used to download OS upgrades and patches, along with video game patches, free software (such as OpenOffice.org, The OpenCD, etc.), and download of free games.
However, Bittorrent is sometimes used for illegally downloading copyrighted files. This is NOT RECOMMENDED by Freespire.
Getting Started
To start Bittorrent, click on "Launch"->"Run programs"->"Internet"->"Bittorrent".
Basics
In order to download a file using bittorrent, a user must download a torrent file. Torrent files are available by searching the web, or visiting the link at the bottom of the page. Then the user opens the torrent file with a bittorrent client (a basic one is provided by default in Freespire), which connects to the tracker and begins to download the file from other users who are connected to the tracker.
Understanding the terms
- Torrent file - generally the file download from a web site that contains the tracker and data information for the client to download the desired file.
- Tracker - The server that keeps the information on who's connected, who was what pieces, and who is downloading and seeding
- Seed - A seeder is a person who has a complete copy of the file and is uploading to other users on the tracker. The number of seeds is the number of peole who are currnetly uploading their complete copies.
- Peers - The number of people connected with an incomplete version of the file, usually both downloading and uploading at the same time.
Links
Brian's BitTorrent FAQ and Guide (Goes much more into detail and advanced features).
Trackers:
