Topic: Torrents

[matt oz]

Is anybody here familiar with torrents?

I downloaded a client a few days ago, and I haven't downloaded much so far - just a concert video and some music files.  So far I'm not really that impressed, because it doesn't seem much different than programs like Gnucleus or Bearshare or what have you.

So does anybody know any good torrent sites?  Favorite clients?  I use Azureus - it came highly recommended from a webmaster friend of mine, but I'm still pretty confused by all of this.

[Uglydot]

The point of torrents is to spread the load accross clients and thus free up bandwidth on web sites for other things.  Not to really compete with limewire, bearshare etc as far as access to files goes.  If the torrent system gets more widespread, it would be fantastic.  

I use the ABC client, it does exactly what I want, I havn't really looked at any others, though.

[PaLaDiN]

I'll vouch for both ABC and Azureus.

Yeah, the point of torrents is to ease server-side requirements, as far as I can make out. Which opens up access to a whole lot of files I haven't found on any P2P client.

[Caliban]

Just one advice from me, Azureus uses alot of RAM. I personally use ABC after I started having some problems with Bittornado and then I used Azureus but I didn't like it's RAM hunger.

[KDR_11k]

Torrents are an alternative to HTTP downloads, nothing else. They are an effective system to distribute high-demand files and some download sites and services (e.g. Blizzard Downloader for WoW) use it in addition to straight http. It's something you keep around for when you need it, not something you actively search data for. Comes in handy when Slashdot links to a large file and offers a torrent.

[KnowsNothing]

Quote
It's something you keep around for when you need it, not something you actively search data for.

INCORRECT.  I use torrents for everything, and when I want something I usually check torrent sites first.  It's usually show, albums, or programs that I can't find/refuse to buy/don't exist on other mediums.  I especially love torrents because it's easy to download tons of files all at once.

I use Azureus because of its quick file checking when I need to restart my download.  I used to use ABC but it took way too long to check my files.  Plus I Azureus has shows alot more information about the tracker/file/progress/etc that ABC doesn't.  It's mostly useless stuff that I never use but I like having it

[odifiend]

Good Torrent sites:
btefnet.net
mao.thinkleet.de
torrentreactor.net
Favorite Client: Bittornado - never given me any problems and I've been using it for about a year.

EDIT: Didn't know that would even be considered against the rules.  Pirate Bay seems pretty confident that it won't be touched though to the point where they are incredibly arrogant.  They claim Swiss law would not prosecute them.
And sorry what is HOTU?

[KDR_11k]

What's not worth buying is not worth downloading, remember that, KN. What you refuse to buy you should refuse to download as well or you just show you're a cheapass who wants everything for free and complains about quality drops when companies cancel all but the best selling stuff. (that's what you get for mentioning "refuse to buy" in your list of reasons) Not being able to get stuff through any legal means is justifiable, refusing to buy something and downloading it instead is not.

I use bittorrent when a site uses it. Animesuki offers only torrents, some files linked on Slashdot can only be gotten in finite time when you're using torrents. Currently I'm on a network that blocks ANYTHING except for straight HTTP (including POP3 and FTP) so I have to go for HTTP all the time and where HTTP is not an option I have no options. In most cases HTTP is faster anyway.

Had to give my dad an explaination about what Bittorrent is when he saw my download rates as well. BT is not a system that any sane person will use for piracy, it's easy to shut down or even monitor. It's strictly an alternative to HTTP downloads, when you're searching for torrent sites you could just as well search for warez sites (torrent sites claim they are legal because they don't host the files directly, I'd love to see them try that logic on a judge).

odifiend: Careful with posting links to warez sites. While the INDUCE act isn't passed yet the mods won't like that. Hell, HOTU is already against the board rules, you're steering towards a ban.

[KnowsNothing]

Quote
you're a cheapass who wants everything for free

Yeah?  You're absolutley right.  I can't afford the things I want, and I'm pretty much stealing them.  I really can't argue that.  Srry.

There is another reason for downloading that I forgot to mention; there are programs that I have, but either can't find/lent to an irresponsible friend/have been destroyed by others/came on a computer that was formatted or has crashed.  I personally think those are legitimate reasons to download a program or album that I COULD potentially go out an buy, even if it may have been my fault for losing in the first place.  

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

Torrents are an awesome, organized way of distributing [insert wholly inappropriate mature content media].

[kirby_killer_dedede]

I have no excuses like KN.

I just steal.

It's true.

[KDR_11k]

Professional: No, for that you use Freenet so you don't get caught. Seriously, Freenet is approximately 50% child porn.

[Nile Boogie]

Until Naruto comes to the u.s., I'll be a downloading MF. Come to think of it, thats the only thing I use Bittorrent for is Naruto. Are there many others uses, I'm on a Mac and content seems few and far between.

[KDR_11k]

Yesterday Slashdot linked a 60 MB file. A Total Annihilation remake. THAT's what BT is for. Fortunately the HTTP transfer was at somewhat decent speed.

[matt oz]

I agree that downloading something when you have the opportunity to buy it is wrong.  Plain and simple, it's stealing.

But if you're the fan of a band who only releases music overseas, or if you want to see a movie that has no hope of being released in the US, then it's perfectly justifiable to download, in my opinion.

I use Azureus, as I already mentioned, and I downloaded a plug-in that blocks the MPAA, RIAA, and other organizations like that from getting my IP address.  I don't know if it works or anything, but I haven't downloaded anything illegal (yet).  At the moment, I'm downloading a concert video, and TV appearance by Garbage.  This isn't illegal, but if I were to copy the movies to  a DVD-r and then sell it on ebay as "Exclusive Concert Footage!!!!" then that would be, I'm assuming.

[Renny]

BT was made for boots. RIP sharingthegroove.

I use ABC. And whichever torrent site that has what I'm looking for.