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Last Updated: 3/15/2005 11:01:26 PM
Original Creation Date: 10/18/04 2:09 AM
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Downloads Using BitTorrent Files

By Erik Rodriguez

This article provides all the information you need to start using torrent files. BitTorrent is currently the best solution for downloading anything you can imagine.

Update - 3/15/2005 11:01:26 PM

Since most of the sites have recently been shut down, I have provided a list of good sites:

These are the sites I use. They have a great selection of stuff, and they don't make you "register" like some other sites. You should be able to find mostly anything you want.

What is BitTorrent?

BitTorrent is a P2P (peer to peer) files sharing format created by Bram Cohen. If you don't know what peer to peer is, click here. BitTorrent works a little differently than Kazza, WinMX, and the rest of the P2P clients everyone is used to. While Kazza lets you search for files within its network, BitTorrent does not. This is good and bad. On a good note, bad people like the RIAA can't regulate BitTorrent as it is not a service, but a method of delivery. On the down side, finding what you want may take a few mintues but there are plenty of sites out there with a wealth of links.

What Can I Download with BitTorrent?

I have listed some of the most common files and file types available below:

Music (Mp3, AAC, etc)
Movies (DivX, XviD, DVD-R, etc)
Recorded TV shows (sitcoms, sporting events, etc)
Games/Appz (Warez)
Porn (Pr0n)
XBOX/PS2 Games (Requires a Mod Chip)

Remember, some of the links you find may violate copyright laws. Use your own judgement when downloading questionable content.

Using BitTorrent

BitTorrent is rather simple to setup. Just download the installer. If you are behind a NAT router (linksys, Netgear, D-Link, etc) you must forward TCP ports 6881 through 6889 to your machine. Click here to see a tutorial on port forwarding.

Finding Downloads

Finding sources is not as complicated as you think. There are tons of sites out there with torrent files links. One of the most popular sites, and the one that I use frequently is www.tvtorrents.ws (you have to register, but it's worth it). Simply find the file you want, click on it, and choose a place on your computer to save to. It's that simple! Once your download starts, you will see a window like this:

Resuming Downloads

There will be a time when you need to reboot your machine or close the download for some reason. As long as you attempt to re-download the same file in the same place, the download will resume. Pay careful attention to the file names and where you are saving them. The best method is to create a folder specifically for your BitTorrent downloads. Save your files to that folder everytime, and you won't have any problem finding them when they are complete or resuming downloads.

Speed

Depending on what you are downloading, you may or may not get the speed you desire. For the most part, speeds are decent. The fastest download I have taken was 85 KiB/s. If you are downloading something fairly popular, you should have no trouble with speed.

Uploads

You may notice the BitTorrent window shows both your download and upload rate. Uploads are necessary for downloads. There is no easy way to disable the upload feature. Plus, based on the design of the TCP/IP protocol, you would not benefit from disabling the upload.

Besides, where do you think all the downloads come from? The BitTorrent window will not automatically close after your file is complete. By default, it will remain open to continue uploading. Manually closing the window will close all current uploads from your machine.

BitTorrent Connection Saturation

Depending on what type of broadband connection you have, you may experience some connection saturation. Again, becuase of the design of TCP/IP, the faster you upload, the slower your Internet surfing will become. Your BitTorrent downloads will not decrease in speed as your upload speed increases, but you may experience noticeably slower page views. Personally, I download all my stuff when I'm not home or when I am sleeping. However, if your connection is 1.5Mbit/sec or slower, I suggest using a bitTorrent add-on. There is another article on using bitTorando here.

Problems

If your BitTorrent is not working, make sure you have forwarded the ports through your router if you are using one. You may also want to check out the FAQs at the official BitTorrent site.

REMEMBER: SHARING IS CARING ;)

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