BitTorrent Questions

[Balin64]

Hi:

I try to help when I can, so here goes my question: How does BitTorrent work and what is the best way to use it in Mac OS X? I will not be looking for software (I own all mine), porn or music. So, with that said, how is the best way to search? I used LimeWire a long time ago. Other than that, I have not used P2P programs much. So, what is the best client to use? Please excuse my ignorance on the subject. Thanks in advance!

PS: Is there a fast way to access the "New Thread" button once logged in? It seems I always have to search for it. Luv the MacRumors, oh yeah.

 

[homerjward]

basically you go to a website with torrents, then download the torrent file, which is NOT THE ACTUAL FILE. some of my friends get confused about that when i show them bittorrent. anyway, open the torrent file in your torrent client of choice (i like tomato torrent) and it will download the file from wherever it is on the network.

 

[Freg3000]

I'd just like to say, whenever I come across one of these torrent threads, it always seems to start out with someone wanting to know how to use it, followed by someone warning the original poster about the illegality of the BitTorrent, followed by someone else citing the legal uses of the filing sharing system. Usually that includes downloading Linux distros...and that is pretty much it.

Even though that is probably true, I used to think that was quite a stretch to justify BitTorrent, cause in all honesty most of the time it is used for some dubious downloading. However, the other day I actually decided to dabble in Linux, and downloaded a few distros, and wow...it was so fast. I downloaded about 3GB of data in way less than an hour and my transfer speed never dipped below 500 kb/s. It was amazing.

So anyway, back on topic, there are lots of websites to find TV show torrents at, like TVtorrents.net I think. On the scale if illegal BitTorrent activity, I think downloading a TV show ranks pretty low....so good luck.

PS-Ignore typos and random grammar inconsistencies....I am really tired.

 

[Balin64]

Thansk Poeples!

So, I download TomatoTorrent, now where do I go? Do I google it? I will try the basics tomorrow, but I am still a tad confused.

 

[edesignuk]

I haven't actually used it myself, but in terms of a BT client, apparently this one is very good.

 

[WinterMute]

Technically Bitorrent differs from P2P in that the files you are downloading are not held on a single machine, but on a distributed network of machines which may or may not hold the entire file. Machines with the whole file are known as Seeders, and will not be downloading, machines with a partial copy (called peers) will be bothe down and up loading.

A server known as a Tracker looks after the details of the seeder and peer machines and directs your machine to them.

Once you have completed sections of a file, other machines will begin downloading that section from your machine as you are downloading from theirs. The more parts you have the more others will download.

Ideally the upload to download ratio should always exceed 1:1, that way everyone is contributing more than they recieve, peolpe who disconnect before they have uploaded more than the download are called leachers, and some Torrent sites will ban you if you consistently leech from their trackers.

The BitTorrent client you choose will automatically arrange the communications.

As you noted in your question, downloading copyright material is illegal, and discussion of Torrent sites or of specific illegal torrenting is not allowed on this forum, and will bring the wrath of the gods upon you.

The technology is not illegal, and discussion of the application of the technology, whilst a borderline case in my view, is probably OK.

Many people use BT for legal purposes, but most don't.

 

[Balin64]

Thank you all

Please excuse the tone of my opening post; I thought it best to say why I wanted to learn about BitTorrent rather than leave others to guess what I would be downloading. Thank you all so much for the responses and have a great day.

 

[jared_kipe]

I'd just like to say, whenever I come across one of these torrent threads, it always seems to start out with someone wanting to know how to use it, followed by someone warning the original poster about the illegality of the BitTorrent, followed by someone else citing the legal uses of the filing sharing system. Usually that includes downloading Linux distros...and that is pretty much it.

Even though that is probably true, I used to think that was quite a stretch to justify BitTorrent, cause in all honesty most of the time it is used for some dubious downloading. However, the other day I actually decided to dabble in Linux, and downloaded a few distros, and wow...it was so fast. I downloaded about 3GB of data in way less than an hour and my transfer speed never dipped below 500 kb/s. It was amazing.

So anyway, back on topic, there are lots of websites to find TV show torrents at, like TVtorrents.net I think. On the scale if illegal BitTorrent activity, I think downloading a TV show ranks pretty low....so good luck.

PS-Ignore typos and random grammar inconsistencies....I am really tired.

So which side was that post on??