Is BitTorrent getting big as a file downloading source?

[Kaido]

I'll start out by saying that I keep my computer sqeaky clean and I don't have anything like Limewire, BT, etc. on it. However, lots of apps seem to be available for download, from the authors, via BT. Is this getting to be a big thing? I'm downloaded 3DMark05 from the manufacturer's site (200+ megs); seems like it might be better to do it BT-style. Comments?

 

[kamper]

It's pretty common for *nix distros. Although, in practice, it's only any good for popular releases within a limited timeframe after release. Once fewer people are on it, using mirrors for normal ftp/http downloads is usually much quicker.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: kamper
It's pretty common for *nix distros. Although, in practice, it's only any good for popular releases within a limited timeframe after release. Once fewer people are on it, using mirrors for normal ftp/http downloads is usually much quicker.

Yeah, I'm trying to get 3DMark06 now (576 megs). Futuremark links to both FTP/HTTP and BT mirrors. Right now I'm getting 256KB/s from MajorGeeks and like 98KB/s from uTorrent. Do Torrents get faster as you download them? It's been awhile since I've done BT stuff.

 

[kamper]

Not in my experience, although I'm not a huge bter. 98 actually sounds way better than what I'm used to but I've been doing mostly more obscure stuff lately

 

[raz3000]

When a new game demo or something like 3dmark is released, all the public FTPs and HTTPs are jammed for days. Under these circumstances I use bittorrent. which is faster.

I also use bittorrent to download Indian movies and songs, which are sometimes not even available for purchase around here.

 

[Ika]

torrents are generally slower, and they're not completely reliable (no seeders, tracker down, etc.). However, torrents are great for getting HUGE files (videos, movies, seasons of TV shows or anime).