What Are Trackers on uTorrent?
A tracker on uTorrent is a server that uTorrent must communicate with to initiate a user's download. Torrent trackers enable different users across the world to download files from one another. The files themselves aren't hosted on the tracker, only the information necessary for users to share the file with one another.
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Open Trackers
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Anyone at all can use an open tracker to download or upload a file on uTorrent. Also, open trackers can be added to an existing file share to increase its accessibility. Torrent files that connect to more than one tracker tend to upload and download faster, as more seeds, or distributed files, and peers become connected.
Closed or Private Trackers
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Closed or private trackers are usually linked to a BitTorrent website that requires you to register. Private torrent trackers have the advantage of a more curated experience where fileshares must conform to a site's rules and regulations. With a public tracker, anyone can upload false or improperly labeled file shares. On a private tracker, uploads are closely monitored, as is your upload to download ratio, which leads to better download speeds. Private tracker invites are given out in forums around the Internet, and sometimes private trackers open their registration to the public.
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Copyright Confusion
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While BitTorrent is used legitimately to share files, many trackers also connect users to copyrighted material. These BitTorrent trackers exist in a legal grey area. The issue becomes complicated by the fact that trackers don't host files. While they facilitate the sharing of files between anonymous users, they don't host any music, movies or games on their servers.
Tracker Troubleshooting
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A red arrow facing down on your uTorrent download means that you have an error connecting to a tracker. Sometimes torrent files meant for private trackers find their way on to search engines. Other times, errors have nothing to do with the user at all, and a tracker has merely gone offline. Right-click connect to tracker in the "Tracker" tab and see what error message pops up. Look the error message up on uTorrent's forum to find a solution.
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References
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