A guide: how to dl stuff via torrents
Mar. 22nd, 2007 04:55 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
bennet_7There are two types of people in this world: those who know how to acquire media content illegally via the internet and those who don't.
As one of the people who do know how to do this, I've written up this handy guide which will remain un-flocked so that I can link back to it and, if you guys want to, you can to.
What are torrents?
Torrents are programs which allow you to connect to other people who have all (seeds) or even part (peers) of the file you are trying to dl. You can be connected to multiple seeds and peers at the same time and the more you are connected to the faster your file will dl.
(Click for larger view)
The file is split up into smaller parts and as you dl parts of the file you don't have, you upload the parts that you do.
The blue parts are the one I have, the green ones I don't and the red I'm currently dling.
Sharing is caring!
You can read more about it here but it will probably just hurt your head.
Why should I dl via torrents?
Unlike downloading from file hosting sites like send space and YSI, torrent dls can always be resumed which is the main reason I do it (my internet connection is temperamental and drops out and picks up again with no warning).
You can also start watching the file while it is still dling (once it gets to about 80% the file is watchable though jumpy).
If you're dling an entire season you can set the priority of the episodes.
What do I need
Firstly, you need a client program that will manage the torrent and connect you with other users to dl your file.
I personally use Azureus and have done for about two years now (a lot of my friends use this one to). It has a very user friendly interface. I tried BitTornado briefly when I got my new computer but I found that one rather tricky to use, though other people like it a lot. BitTorrent is the official client for Windows.
For Macs, I believe Azureus works while this is the official client.
(If anyone uses anything different or has a recommendation, let me know and I'll add it in!)
Secondly, you'll need a torrent of the file you want to dl. These are easily available at any number of sites. MiniNova and isoHunt are my favourites.
Also: MoNova, Meganova, The Pirate Bay, Torrent Spy and Demonoid to name a few.
I personally search for torrents via this Firefox extension.
Thirdly, once you've finished downloading, you'll need something to watch these files on. Windows Media Player generally won't be able to play these correctly (you'll probably only get the sound). My personal preference is for VLC Media Player which plays pretty much every media file ever invented (the Swiss Army knife of media players) and is pretty good for making screencaps. GOM Player is a new one that does almost the same stuff as VLC. I've used it too.
Tips, tricks and hints
Torrents for popular TV shows such as The Office or Veronica Mars are generally released a couple of hours after it airs. Occasionally they won't appear for 12 hours or so.
Always dl the torrent with the most seeds or peers. The healthier the torrent, the faster it will dl.
A 40 minute episode is generally about 350 MB. Anything much smaller and you may be dling an iPod format.
A 20 minute episode is generally 175 MB.
Keep your torrents and episodes organised! Seriously. I organise my files like so: TV shows/The Office (for the actual file)/Torrents (for the torrent). Otherwise everything becomes a big old mess.
I hope this helps someone. If you have any problems, I'll do my best to help.
As one of the people who do know how to do this, I've written up this handy guide which will remain un-flocked so that I can link back to it and, if you guys want to, you can to.
What are torrents?
Torrents are programs which allow you to connect to other people who have all (seeds) or even part (peers) of the file you are trying to dl. You can be connected to multiple seeds and peers at the same time and the more you are connected to the faster your file will dl.
(Click for larger view)
The file is split up into smaller parts and as you dl parts of the file you don't have, you upload the parts that you do.
The blue parts are the one I have, the green ones I don't and the red I'm currently dling.
Sharing is caring!
You can read more about it here but it will probably just hurt your head.
Why should I dl via torrents?
Unlike downloading from file hosting sites like send space and YSI, torrent dls can always be resumed which is the main reason I do it (my internet connection is temperamental and drops out and picks up again with no warning).
You can also start watching the file while it is still dling (once it gets to about 80% the file is watchable though jumpy).
If you're dling an entire season you can set the priority of the episodes.
What do I need
Firstly, you need a client program that will manage the torrent and connect you with other users to dl your file.
I personally use Azureus and have done for about two years now (a lot of my friends use this one to). It has a very user friendly interface. I tried BitTornado briefly when I got my new computer but I found that one rather tricky to use, though other people like it a lot. BitTorrent is the official client for Windows.
For Macs, I believe Azureus works while this is the official client.
(If anyone uses anything different or has a recommendation, let me know and I'll add it in!)
Secondly, you'll need a torrent of the file you want to dl. These are easily available at any number of sites. MiniNova and isoHunt are my favourites.
Also: MoNova, Meganova, The Pirate Bay, Torrent Spy and Demonoid to name a few.
I personally search for torrents via this Firefox extension.
Thirdly, once you've finished downloading, you'll need something to watch these files on. Windows Media Player generally won't be able to play these correctly (you'll probably only get the sound). My personal preference is for VLC Media Player which plays pretty much every media file ever invented (the Swiss Army knife of media players) and is pretty good for making screencaps. GOM Player is a new one that does almost the same stuff as VLC. I've used it too.
Tips, tricks and hints
Torrents for popular TV shows such as The Office or Veronica Mars are generally released a couple of hours after it airs. Occasionally they won't appear for 12 hours or so.
Always dl the torrent with the most seeds or peers. The healthier the torrent, the faster it will dl.
A 40 minute episode is generally about 350 MB. Anything much smaller and you may be dling an iPod format.
A 20 minute episode is generally 175 MB.
Keep your torrents and episodes organised! Seriously. I organise my files like so: TV shows/The Office (for the actual file)/Torrents (for the torrent). Otherwise everything becomes a big old mess.
I hope this helps someone. If you have any problems, I'll do my best to help.
no subject
Date: 2007-03-22 12:14 pm (UTC)I actually used BitLord for ages, until just recently I started using µTorrent, and it's turned out to be a much better client, just FYI. In case anyone asks.
Again, awesome guide! Very useful. :)
no subject
Date: 2007-03-22 01:11 pm (UTC)And I'll definitely check out µTorrent and edit into my post. I love finding new techie type things - it gives me a false sense of superiority.