Originally Posted by rakeback

Bittorrent is a Peer to Peer (P2P) system,

IT's big benefit is that as a file becomes more and more popular, it becomes easier to download, which is opposite of most P2P systems.

The reason is becuase you download the file in Random order.

For example you are downloading a song that has 6 parts,
we'll call them sections A, B, C, D, E, and F

First you use a bittorrent client (like asuraus or ABC) to connect to a TRACKER for the content you want to download.

The tracker points you to people that have parts of the file.

For example, person #1 might only have parts C, D and E at the moment, so you will download those parts from them. They may not even have the whole file when you begin downloading parts from them. The tracker will get you the missing rest of the file from other people. So you may connect to a dozen different people before you get the whole file.

Lets say you just started downloading, and you have section C downloaded. The tracker will start sending people that need to download section C to you, even though you dont have the whole file!

Because of this system, scaling is possible and only 1 person has to have the whole file inorder for people to download it.

Anyone with the whole file is called a SEED.

Bittorrent is programmed to increase your download speed in proportion to your upload speed, so sharing helps you download faster and everyone wins.

One thing to note, it is common courtsy to leave your bittorrent client open and running after you have your file downloaded. This is so other people can download the bits they are missing from you. When you have the whole file you are then a SEED and expotentially speed up the distribution of the file.

Hopefully this helps, also, pick up the current issue of wired for a better discription and an interview with bittorrent's creator.