NASA

Downloading a Linux distribution from the official website typically takes about half an hour, but during high-demand periods, such as new Ubuntu releases, speeds can drastically decrease due to server overload. Torrents, which use a peer-to-peer file-sharing protocol, allow users to download and share data simultaneously, reducing the load on a single server. Torrents operate by enabling direct exchanges between users through the BitTorrent protocol, where files are divided into smaller pieces and downloaded in parallel from multiple sources. Key terms include peers (users with parts of the file), seeds (users who have fully downloaded the file), .torrent files (metadata files), and magnet links (text-based alternatives to .torrent files). The BitTorrent protocol does not rely on a central server, enhancing resilience as files can continue to circulate as long as at least one seed is available. To use torrents, a torrent client is needed, with recommended options for 2026 including qBittorrent, Transmission, and BiglyBT. The BitTorrent technology itself is legal, but legality depends on the content being shared. Legal uses include downloading Linux distributions, open-source software, and scientific datasets, while unlicensed movies and cracked software are illegal. In Russia, while torrent technology is not prohibited, downloading copyrighted content without permission is a violation. Risks of using torrents include exposure to viruses and malware, copyright infringement, fake distributions, and IP address exposure. To protect oneself, users should choose moderated trackers, avoid suspicious files, use antivirus software, and limit upload speeds. Common problems include slow speeds, connection issues, and disappearing files, which can often be resolved by checking settings or ensuring there are seeds available. Sharing files after downloading is not legally mandatory but is considered good etiquette in the torrent community.