Torrents have become a popular form of online file sharing. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of torrent, how it works, its benefits and disadvantages, and the legal implications associated with its use.
What is torrent?
Torrents are a common form of online file sharing. It uses a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) protocol which allows users to distribute and download files from multiple sources simultaneously, the same as Crux P2P. Here is a brief explanation of what torrents are and how they differ from traditional file downloading:
Torrents These are small files that contain information about shared files and the network of users involved in the sharing process. These files have a “.torrent” extension and can be opened with BitTorrent.
When you download a file using torrent, you do not download it from one server or website, but from several users who already have parts of the file. This decentralized approach makes torrents effective for sharing large files.
Traditional file downloading involves contacting a central server that hosts the file. You download the entire file from that server, and if the server is slow or exposed to high demands, the download speed can be affected.
In case the file is split into small pieces, and you download these pieces from different users who already own them. This allows downloads to be accelerated, as you can download different parts of the file from multiple sources simultaneously.
As you download the file, your bit torrent also becomes a source for others who wish to download the same file. This co-location of torrents is known as “seeding”. It helps ensure that the file is available and fast to others.
Torrents also contain built-in mechanisms for error proofing and automatic recovery. If the downloaded part is damaged or missing, the client can request that part from another user until the file is completely downloaded.
It is important to note that while torrents are legitimate technology, they can also be used to share copyrighted content illegally. However, not all torrents are associated with piracy, as there are many legal uses for torrents, such as sharing open source software or content that is subject to public ownership or freely available files.
In short, torrent/torrent is a peer-to-peer file sharing method that allows users to download files from multiple sources at the same time, which speeds up the download process and increases file availability. It differs from traditional file downloading where files are downloaded from a server by using a central network of users to share and distribute files.
What is the P2P pattern?
P2P file sharing is a way of decentralizing files to the network. Unlike traditional file sharing where files are hosted on central servers, peer-to-peer file sharing allows users to exchange files directly with each other.
P2P file sharing networks can be used for a variety of purposes, such as sharing documents, music, video, software and more. It allows users to access a large amount of content and facilitates the sharing of large files that may be difficult to distribute through traditional means.
While peer-to-peer file sharing itself is a legitimate technology, it has been linked to copyright infringement due to the sharing of copyrighted material without permission. However, P2P networks can also be used for legal purposes, such as sharing open source software, publicly owned content or files that have the necessary permissions to share them.
How does P2P work?
In the P2P network, each user works as both client and server at the same time. This means that users can download files from others and upload files to share with others. This distributed approach eliminates the need for a central server to host files and allows files to be shared in a more efficient and scalable manner.
P2P networks are formed by connecting individual computers, also known as peers, over the Internet. These peers communicate directly with each other, requesting and sharing files without relying on a central authority.
When a user wants to download a file from the P2P network, he contacts other peers who have the required file. The file is divided into small pieces, and the user can download different parts simultaneously from multiple sources. This parallel downloading from multiple sources usually speeds up the downloading process.
Who are torrent streams?
- Trackers: Trackers act as central coordination servers in the torrent network. They follow the peers involved in the torrent, manage communications and exchange information.
- Initial Seeder: The user who creates the torrent and has the entire file is known as the initial subscriber. This user initiates the sharing process by creating the torrent file and uploading it to the tracker. Peer can contact the tracker to get information about the torrent.
- Peer: Other users who wish to download the file can contact the tracker to get a list of peers currently participating in the file sharing. Peer can be found anywhere on the Internet.
How do torrents work?
- Torrent creation: The user who wants to share a file creates a torrent. This includes selecting the file, identifying the tracker information and creating a torrent file. The torrent file contains information about the shared file, including its name, size and URL for the tracker.
- Torrent upload: The user uploads the torrent file to the torrent website, torrent index or peer-to-peer network. This makes the torrent file available for others to search and download.
- Torrent search and download: Other users who want to download the file are searching for torrents on torrent sites or torrent indexes. They find the required torrent and download the associated torrent file to their computer.
- Contact trackers: When the torrent file is opened using a torrent client, the client reads the descriptive information and contacts the trackers identified in the torrent file. The trackers act as central servers that coordinate peer-to-peer communication.
- Join the group: The torrent /torrent client requests a list of peers (devices) that are currently involved in file sharing from the tracker. Peer can be indoctrinated (users with the entire file) or other adherents (users still in the process of downloading).
- Peer-to-peer contact establishment: The torrent client establishes contacts with the listed peers. It can connect to more than two peers at the same time to improve download speed.
- Downloading parts: The file is divided into small pieces. The torrent agent requests these pieces from the connected peers. Peer sends the requested pieces to the client. The client can download parts from multiple sources at the same time, which improves speed and reliability.
What are the benefits of using torrent?
Using torrent /torrent has many benefits. Here are some advantages of using torrent:
Availability
Torrent provides easy access to a variety of files, including movies, music, software and more. Many files that are difficult to find can be easily found using traditional methods and downloaded using torrent.
Selective downloading
With torrent, you have the ability to choose the special files you want to download within the torrent file. This allows you to prioritize files, save time and watch bandwidth by skipping files you don’t need.
Resume downloads
The torrent supports resuming downloads, which means that if the download stops or if you need to pause it, you can easily resume the download from where you left off. You can stop downloading for a week, two weeks or more and then resume again where you left off.
Remote downloading
The torrent allows remote downloading, which means you can start downloading on one device and continue it on another device. This flexibility is useful if you want to start downloading on your computer and then access the files on your mobile device or vice versa.
Fast download speeds
Torrent uses a peer-to-peer network for distribution, which means you can download files from multiple sources simultaneously. This can lead to faster download speeds compared to traditional direct downloads.
What are the problems of using torrent?
Legal issues
One of the main shortcomings of torrent/torrent is the high probability of violating intellectual property rights. Many torrent files contain copyrighted content, downloading or sharing such files without proper permission is illegal in many countries. Users may face legal consequences if caught while pirating.
Harmful programs and viruses
Torrent is notorious for being a source of malware and viruses. Because torrenting relies on peer-to-peer sharing, anyone can download files, including suspicious people, who may include malware or viruses inside the files. This poses a significant risk to users’ devices and personal data.
Unreliable sources
Torrenting often relies on file sharing between users. This means that the availability and download speed depends on the number of participants who have already downloaded the file (seeders) and are still in the process of downloading (leechers). If there are some participants who have downloaded, the download speed may be slow or the file may not be available completely.
Lack of quality control
The torrent is usually created by users, which means that there is no guarantee of the quality or accuracy of the file. Files may be incorrectly named, incomplete or of poor quality. Users may waste time downloading files that later turn out to be different from what they expected or contain errors.
Privacy concerns
Torrenting involves sharing files with other users, which could compromise privacy. Your IP address is visible to other peers on the torrent network, making it possible for others to track your online activities. This exposes users to possible surveillance and cyber attacks.
Limited support
Torrent is not officially supported by most software developers or content producers. If users encounter technical problems or need help, options for support or bug fixes may be limited.
Is torrenting legal?
Torrenting itself is not illegal, as it is just a form of file sharing. However, the legality of torrenting depends on the type of content being shared or downloaded.
Sharing or downloading copyrighted material without permission is illegal in most countries. This includes movies, TV series, music, software and other copyrighted content. When you download copyrighted content via torrent without obtaining the necessary permissions or licenses, you violate the intellectual property rights of the content owners or rights holders.
Use of torrent in a legal framework:
There are also legal uses of torrent /torrent. Many people and organizations use torrents to share open source software, content belonging to the public domain or files that they have the right to distribute.
Using legal sources and respecting intellectual property rights is essential for several reasons, including supporting creativity and innovation, material support for content owners, protection against piracy and counterfeiting, and avoiding legal consequences.
Indeed! In recent years, we have seen the spread of legal torrent platforms that provide content with open licensing or copyright holder approval. These platforms provide a legitimate and ethical way to share and access content using the torrent protocol. Examples include: Internet ArchiveLinux distributions, Creative Commons.
By using these legal torrent platforms, users can access a variety of content while respecting the intellectual property rights of the creators.
Use torrent safely
Before you start using torrent:
- Use a reliable torrent /torrent client: It is important to use a reliable and reputable torrent client to download and manage torrent. Some famous torrent clients include Crux P2P, qBittorrent, uTorrent, Vuze, Deluge and BitTorrent. These clients are popular and trusted by the torrent community.
- Use a VPN: To ensure secure and anonymous torrenting, it is highly recommended to use a VPN. VPN encrypts your Internet traffic and hides your IP address, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activities. This helps protect your privacy and prevents your Internet service provider or other third parties from monitoring your torrent activities.
- Beware of fake torrents and malware: Using torrents can expose you to potential risks such as fake torrents and malware. Be careful when downloading torrents and always read comments and reviews before downloading. Look for torrents with a large number of active participants and positive reviews to reduce the risk of downloading fake or HIV-infected files.
It is essential that you have reliable antivirus software installed on your device and constantly updated. Antivirus programs help discover and remove harmful programs, which protects your system from potential threats that may be present in downloaded files.
During your torrent use
Make sure to read the comments, overall rating and multiple reviews to get a broader view, and watch out for fake reviews. This will give you a better understanding of other users’ experiences with the file. Find comments that indicate positive aspects such as the quality of the file and ease of use.
Some torrent sites have a system that assigns trusted lifters. These are users who regularly provided authentic and high quality files. Monitor torrents that are uploaded by trusted uploaders, as they are more likely to be reliable. Be sure to use it as a primary source.
Pay attention to file details: User comments can also provide valuable information about the details of the torrent file. Find comments that indicate things like file format, accuracy, sound quality, availability of translations or any other specific information related to the file you are interested in. This will help you determine if the file meets your requirements.
