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BitTorrent is the best distribution protocol available at the moment and deserves the positive credit it receives. Many distributions of Linux are available using BitTorrent along with other open source software and media such as video and podcasts. Valve the video game producer also hired Bram Cohen, the creator of BitTorrent to help distribute patches and content for games. Many other companies are using the the system legitimately for distribution of their content in one form or another. Unfortunately due to its success it is perhaps now the number 1 protocol for illegal file sharing, and rightly or wrongly also receives a fair share of bad press.

As a way to distribute large files though the system is excellent, sharing the load between users in a peer to peer system allows increased reach of your files for comparatively very little increase in cost to the original distributor. Contrary to the traditional client server model of downloading files from a single server to multiple users, the more people who use the BitTorrent system increases efficiency (speed) of the service and decreases the overall cost per user.

The system works by a peer to peer method, though crucially different to most normal peer to peer protocols where you download whole files from a single user. BitTorrent allows each user or peer to download from each other, different bits of the same file. Enabling the parts of the file you have downloaded to be uploaded adds value to the whole system and utilises the bandwidth available more efficiently.

Make the most of your bandwidth and follow these 5 golden rules.

1.      Never cap your uploads. Most people on ADSL or cable have higher download than upload bandwidth available to them anyway. By limiting you upload you are simply throttling the overall BitTorrent system and also limiting the download speed you receive. Which leads onto no. 2

UPDATE: Capping your uploads would appear to be a good idea. Leaving space to negotiate the downloads would seem to be crucial to BitTorrent so an 80% cap would be sensible. Remeber that setting your cap too low will degrade the download rates you will get though. Thanks to the comment below for raising this point.

2.      Ratios, ratios, ratios – Once you have finished downloading don’t stop seeding till you have uploaded more than 100% of the file. If nobody finished uploading their files you would never be able to complete a download and the system would cease to be a success.

3.      Limit your concurrent downloads, don’t try to download too many torrents at once. Not only does it limit the download speed of your file it also limits each upload further degrading the system for everyone.

4.      Configure your client based on the bandwidth you have. Set up BitTorrent sensibly, considering your upload speeds. Allowing at least 5kbs per torrent but ideally 10 will maximise the results you get. For example, if you have a 128/256kbs upload, limit your download to 1 torrent and your uploads per torrent to a maximum of 3.

5.      Finally make sure you configure your Firewall and router correctly. This will greatly effect the efficiency of the uploads and downloads your BitTorrent client gets. Check out this site for correctly forwarding your ports.