Very new user, would appreciate some help.

[equinom]

I used bit torrent a while ago on a different computer. I was able to download bt with no problems, and download (although very slowly) some music, which I have listened to with no problems.
Now I am trying to get bt installed and functioning on my main computer and having many problems.
1) several bad downloads of bt itself
2) downloaded a few files - they went much too fast compared to the previous download and when I try to open them I get the message
that bt installed successfully.

What do you suggest?

I am also getting a bit frustrated with my searches for very basic user information. It appears that most of the available FAQs assume a certain level of knowledge - a level higher than mine for sure - in the FAQs.
Does anyone have suggestions on where I could find a copy of BT for dummies?

[Beeza]

not sure what client your trying to install but maybe try a different client? torrent storm, azureus or BT++ might be an option. Try using another browser when your dl'ing the client might help as well.

not sure if there is a BT FAQ for dummies but going here might be a start http://vladd44.com/bittorrent.htm

[equinom]

Thanks Beeza - I had read through those files many times last night, and still felt stupid (now I'm feeling even more stupid, since I should have learned something)
Are you saying I should dl bittorrent again? I linked from the official bt site - and had to select a mirror. Most of the time, when I selected a mirror, I was redirected back to the select a mirror page. When I finally got connected to a mirror bt installed OK. I use Internet Explorer for my browser, shoul I try netscape? Or are you saying I should dl the actual files again? I have about a dozen torrent files on that system, but they are of little use at this time...

When I compare the 2 computers - the working bt machine contains several files within the bt folder. The non-working machine still has the .exe file, and none of the files that show up on the other system. Weird.
The working machine is using MS XP as the os - the non-working system is MS 2000. The thing that blows my mind is that the working machine downloaded the bittorrent program and the huge music file all over my wireless internet connection, and the non-working system is the actual cable hookup! I am not getting the NAT (or is it NAS) message, so I don't think that is it...
Sorry to ramble - hoping to provide you with plenty of info so you can make informed guesses...
Once I get a little more informed maybe I'll start a BT for Dummies!

[Beeza]

yes use another browser (my personal preference these days is mozilla). Sometimes browsers are at fault for corrupting downloads. I would also try something a little more advanced in terms of BT clients. torrent storm The orginal client wont let you configure your bandwidth throttle (If you use it it'll literally suck you dry if it can get away with it. Not nice when you want to use your connection for something other than BT lol). The experimental BT client is a little better (allows for bandwidth throttling)

[equinom]

OK - Here is the plan:
Remove/Delete the existing bt executable
Use mozilla for the bowser
Download the experimental bt

I have an idea what you are referring to with "bandwidth throttling": that's configuring how much bandwidth bt is allowed to use - at the max. But wouldn't that be going against what bt is all about? I can understand and appreciate needing to use the system for other purposes, so how much should be set aside for bt - ? I've got cable access...

Thanks for all the information - I've got a tons of music and movies that I will share once I get comfortable with the application.

[Beeza]

no dont think it goes against what BT or any other p2p application is about. It's about sharing, but sharing doesn't mean you have to be a "bandwidth martyr". Any time 2 computers communicate they send packets back and forth and if you give everything you've got in outgoing bandwith your download speeds suffer for it since your computer is trying to keep up with what is going out first before dealing with what is coming in (an excellent explanation can be found at mx central this faq applies to bandwidth in general not just winmx). It's not about the speed in which you can share but the fact you do share. Saving 10K-15K for yourself isn't going to do any harm and you'll be thankful when you go to browse the web lol

You'll want to set aside some speed for other things, including browsing the web. Since cable can fluctuate quite a bit and is different from isp to isp, run a speed test at dslreports if you dont know how much you have (turn off any applications that are using bandwidth - like BT/winmx before the test).

I've set mine to around 30K to 40K depending on what I am doing

[Former Bandwidth Martyr]

lol good one beeza. save yourself about 10% equinom

[Beeza]

lol @ nic

make it around 20%

[equinom]

Wanted to give an update: I deleted everything that was releated to BT. Then I used mozilla and reinstalled. After that I was able to download lots of files - I just let it go all night.
So I wanted to let you know that your suggestions worked - everything was smooth.

Questions on the next task - the codec stuff. I know that the avi requires div 3 / div 4 (div x) . I downloaded the codec - but I don't know the next step. Any thoughts - you were very helpful last time around...

[Beeza]

not sure exactly what your asking. Thinking it might be how to install the codecs you've downloaded?

some codecs (like AC3) are executable, just double click and they will self install. For others you will have to install them in add/remove programs. Read here on how to do it or search microsofts knowledge base for your particular OS. The information is there as well.

Personally I do it the other way around. I try playing the video and if it wont play I run gspot to find what I'm missing for codecs. I'm definitely NOT the video guru around here lol. If I cant help I'm sure dap or pup (when he's around) will help you out. Let us know how it goes.

ps: glad that bt is finally working for you.