Utorrent Tips
Utorrent is a peer-to-peer file sharing program that uses the BitTorrrent protocol to upload and download files. It is notable for its tiny data footprint -- the entire program is smaller than a single picture from a digital camera. If it causes issues with your Internet connection, or if downloads are going too slowly, there are many customizable options to improve its performance.
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If You Experience Internet Connection Problems
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Some routers have difficulty handling the many connections opened by Utorrent to enable file sharing. If using Utorrent gives you connection programs, open "Utorrent" and click "Options" and "Preferences." Click "Bandwidth" in the left pane. Set "Global Maximum Number of Connections" to 100. Exit the program. Power cycle your router and modem by unplugging each for 10 seconds. Restart the program and the issue should be solved.
If Your ISP is "Throttling" Your Speeds
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If Utorrent downloads your files too slowly, it might be the result of your Internet service provider "throttling" the BitTorrent protocol. Some ISPs slow down peer-to-peer file sharing. You can prevent "throttling" by enabling transfer encryption. Open Utorrent and click "Options" and "Preferences." Click "BitTorrent" and set "Encryption" to "Forced." Uncheck the box that says "Allow Legacy Connections." By encrypting your packets, your peer-to-peer shares are hidden from your ISP's "throttling" technology.
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If Uploads and Downloads are Still Slow
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Utorrent tries to automatically open ports in your router to enable connections with other BitTorrent users. Many routers do not respond to automatic port mapping. Click "Options" and "Setup Guide," and then "Run Tests." If the test finds that ports were not automatically mapped, look up your router at the Portforward website and follow instructions to manually open the correct ports for BitTorrent transfers.
Finding Good Torrents
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Always look for torrent files that have a good "seed-to-peer" ratio. A "seed" represents a user who has the complete file that others are downloading, while a "peer" is a user who is midway through the download process. Ideally, there should be many more "seeds" than "peers." The better the ratio, the faster your file will be downloaded.
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