Torrent and P2P File Sharing Protocol

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What Is The History Of Torrent?

The credit of developing the first torrent goes to programmer Bram Cohen – an application of BitTorrent customer on 2nd July 2001, now taken care of by BitTorrent, Inc.! All the versions earlier to December 2001 were without a license, written in Python and were a freeware. In due course of time, various versions had different types of licenses like MIT License, BitTorrent Open Source License, Jabber Open Source License and versions 4 and 5.3 were re-licensed under GPL.

The main purpose was to distribute Linux OS using Peer to Peer architecture and protocol.


What Are Torrent websites? How Does Torrent Function?
Torrent websites are those sites, wherein people share music, movies, etc. that are available on various torrent websites and also on Utorrent download.

Functioning: In simple language, a file that is sent through BitTorrent Protocol is termed as a Torrent. Movies, games, songs or applications can be transmitted but not full files at one go but in parts, hence termed as torrent’. You cannot open the downloaded torrent that has been paused as they are not complete unless you’re a BitTorrent Client you can resume downloading if the file is available on another server.

You cannot compare a normal download and torrents as they are downloaded from different servers at one time. Various computer servers are used to transfer one file. This reduces the data transfer rate of each server. When the torrent download is commenced, torrent searches various other computers with the same file. Once located, it will download the same file in parts from other computers thus increasing the download speed. The same process is applied while sending a torrent – the server sends it to different computers before it is received by the end-user.

There are various Torrent Sites for music and movies like – The Pirate Bay, RAGBG, isoHunt.to etc.


Is There Any Difference Between Torrent Download & Direct/Normal Download?
Yes! In general terms, direct download is completed via the download client or the web-browser. Normal or Direct download will take place through a single source. In short, the file is stored in the server and the client directly downloads it onto his own computer/desktop.

Whereas, any torrent download means downloading the desired files through a Torrent Client. The torrent download takes place through peer to peer (Computer systems inter-connected via the Internet). The main advantage is to download directly from the source along with other people, who are downloading the same file. In short, not only the file is downloaded from the server but from the peers as well, thus reducing the additional stress on the servers.


How Is P2P File Sharing Protocol Used In Torrent Download?
The term P2P is “Peer To Peer”. The term Peer’ refers to all the computer systems that are interconnected through the Internet. The central server is not required to download any file but the files are shared between various systems that are available on the network. In short, all the available computers (peers) in the network not only play the role of File Server but also act as a Client. The network that is created by connecting two or more PC’s to share available resources without any separate computer server. This file-sharing protocol is termed as P2P that helps in downloading large files rapidly without giving additional load on the server.


What Are The Requirements Of P2P?
In case you want to join the peer-to-peer network you should have:

* Internet Connection

* P2P Software Program like Limewire, Kazza, Bearshare, Acquisition, etc.,


Once you are connected to the network, the P2P software will provide you the access to locate the desired files on other people’s computers and vice-a-versa. Even they can search for their file requirements on your computer. One beauty of this entire file- sharing protocol is the file search on your computer is restricted only to the pre-assigned folder, which you have selected to share. Never ever it will have any access to the other files on your computer.

It is always advisable to download the required software or movies from the legal torrent websites. This helps in controlling illegal movie downloads and software piracy.


What Are The Precautions To Be Taken While Using P2P File Sharing Technology?
This technology has legal, illegal and bad aspects as well. Become proactive and keep in mind some important below-mentioned points and you will be safe:

Some P2P files may show that you are downloading a movie, but in reality, it might be a virus, spyware or malware. The latest version of antivirus is strongly recommended.

* If not configured correctly, you will risk the entire computer data to the outside world. Guided installation is strongly recommended.

* Some unwanted add-on’s like browser toolbars might get downloaded and reduce the CPU speed.
 
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