File sharing Q.

[shadytree]

What's the form regards the file sharing programs nowdays. I realise lots of people have been busted for using programs such as Kazar etc, because your IP address is visible.

So what's the form with Torrents, are they traceable?

[rsvmilly]

Aren't they all ultimately traceable?

[aldi]

I can't see them bothering with individual downloaders though, theres more than enough trackers to keep the dogs fed

[shadytree]

aldi said:

I can't see them bothering with individual downloaders though, theres more than enough trackers to keep the dogs fed

trackers ? english please

[aldi]

Tracker = the one guy at the top who co-ordinates all the downloaders, the tracker puts everyone in touch so they can all share bits of the file. No tracker means no download (well it used to mean that but some of the latest proggys will do trackerless downloads).

I still use Shareaza from time to time, but disable remote browsing and limit the number of upload slots. don't leave it on all the time like I might have done in the past. This is just incase I accidentally share anything illegal out.

Edit: The indexing sites are worth mentioning too, a tracker is no good if no-one knows about it so whoever creates the tracker uploads the details to a site like torrentspy.com, thepiratebay.com etc. Then you search the site, find the tracker and become a downloader.
I'd guess the indexing sites aren't such an easy lunch for the leagal bods, because they make token gestures like not letting you search for 'Windows' or 'Coldplay' (allthough the torrents are still there if you browse manually or get canny with your searches). So thats kind of a weak get out of jail free card. Plus they've got all that advertising revenue to spend on their defence.

>> Edited by aldi on Thursday 27th October 09:24