Amazon Prime?

[annunaki]

So in your reference to torrents, is it something oft used in a nefarious manner?

[LCHIEN]

So in your reference to torrents, is it something oft used in a nefarious manner?

Note: I have heavily edited my reponse here because someone suggested I did not check my facts, I did not post any facts but a simple link. Here is a more complete answer with my interpretation.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=torrent

In particular read definitions 2 and 7. Then google Torrent and perhaps read the Wikipedia article on Bit Torrents. The Wiki article goes into the technical detail and doesnot discuss applications. The Urban dictionary has multiple views and includes some more "underground" responses.

As always read internet articles with a personal filter.

The general view will tell you torrents are a way of distributing large files in a distributed manner (where the piece of the big file come from many servers rather than one server).

This has two effects:
one the load on the primary server is greatly lessened.
two the file being downloaded does not have to reside in whole on any one server.

Big files are usually large software distributions including sometimes source code. They can also be large videos (movies) etc. And possibly video games, and commercial software installation disks. These probably are the big users/beneficiaries of torrents.

For the pirated movie and or videogame/pirated software distribution, it also has the benefit of hiding or diluting the source of the distribution - makes it harder for prosecutors to go after one server's operators.

Those are my impressions. I imagine there are way more video (both pirated and legit) downloaders than Linux distribution downloaders on any given day, however I do not know the mix numbers of relative users. This would probably be difficult to determine because of the distributed nature and the reluctance of many users to disclose exactly what they are downloading.

I hope I did not offend the linux distro enthusiasts by insinuating they are in any way illegally downloading software.

[LinuxRandal]

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=torrent

read definition 7

As a fact checker, could you provide your numbers.

Many an open source project (Distro's are commonly seeded) are transmitted this way. The only times I have seen numbers, have been from those that don't like it.

[Cochese]

As a fact checker, could you provide your numbers.

Many an open source project (Distro's are commonly seeded) are transmitted this way. The only times I have seen numbers, have been from those that don't like it.

While P2P is often used to distribute legit and legal software, by far the feeds with the most number of seeders and leeches are of the illegitimate kind.

I looked at TPB's Top 100: no legit software at all. All pirated movies, TV shows or software. Same thing if you sort by just software - everything is illegal.

[LinuxRandal]

One site, started by an anti copyright organization, fighting for fair use (in a country with different laws then ours, over such issues, also having treaty issues), that is the most public, is not proof. Look at the bias for it for one. (both from the vocal posters and organizations against).

I simply asked the one who states himself as the fact checker, to provide his facts. (rather then list common perception, which may or may not be accurate)

The legitimate uses for such software, do not always get a voice, nor do they always seek the limelight. Publicly, there has been a push to ban all such use of the software, by certain organizations. Is it fair to be a fact checker, and just pass on supposition?

[Cochese]

One site, started by an anti copyright organization, fighting for fair use (in a country with different laws then ours, over such issues, also having treaty issues), that is the most public, is not proof. Look at the bias for it for one. (both from the vocal posters and organizations against).

I simply asked the one who states himself as the fact checker, to provide his facts. (rather then list common perception, which may or may not be accurate)

The legitimate uses for such software, do not always get a voice, nor do they always seek the limelight. Publicly, there has been a push to ban all such use of the software, by certain organizations. Is it fair to be a fact checker, and just pass on supposition?

Look at any of the torrent sites that allow blank searches or list the most popular torrents - all cracked, warez or otherwise. On Torrent Reactor the number of Linux distros is absolutely dwarfed by the number of cracked software. Not even bothering to take into account the movies, TV, music and porn available. If you were to look at it from a statistical standpoint, I'm not sure the number of Linux distro seeders, leaches or volumes would even merit being statistically significant. The perception is the reality here: for the most part, torrents are being used to share ill-gotten goods.

[dkerfoot]

I think the real point to be made is that no legitimate site uses torrents for distributing movies. Just as no legitimate site streams big budget movies that are still in theaters for free.

Torrents are a great option for sharing large files, such as Linux distros. The problem isn't with the technology, just with those who use it for illegitimate purposes.

.

[LCHIEN]

guns don't kill people, people kill people....
(an analogy)
Torrents don't steal copyrighted material..people steal copyrighted material.

I'm in no way blaming the torrents.

[annunaki]

So would any of this apply to youtube music that anyone can copy and paste onto their desktop for future listening ?

[chopnhack]

So would any of this apply to youtube music that anyone can copy and paste onto their desktop for future listening ?

How is this any different from when I used to record music from the radio?

I think that as long as it is offered free over the airways (radio) and you use it for personal use, its ok - the entertainers were paid a fee through the advert. bought by the radio company.