Home computer use, technology: what is BitTorrent vs direct download?
Understanding home computer use might involve constant self-tutoring. The tutor explains BitTorrent, as he understands it.
With direct download, your computer receives a resource from a server.
With BitTorrent (protocol), your computer receives a file that contains the locations of other computers that contain the resource, or perhaps just parts of it. Your computer can then request parts of the resource from those other computers until eventually it accumulates the entire content.
The thinking behind BitTorrent is that receiving the resource, in pieces, from many computers at once might lead to a faster download. Moreover, the draw on the original server is less, since other computers that have received the resource can then share it.
Good BitTorrent citizenship means you upload as much as you download. Apparently, you can choose a BitTorrent client that keeps track; when they’re equal, you can (ethically) remove that resource from your BitTorrent client, knowing you’ve shared appropriately. There are numerous BitTorrent clients (programs) available; to participate in BitTorrent, the user needs first to load one.
PS: There may also be a specific client for BitTorrent protocol that is, itself, called BitTorrent.
Source:
Jack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane, Campbell River, BC.
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