BitTorrent facts for kids
BitTorrent is a special way for computers to share files directly with each other. It's like a big team effort where everyone helps share parts of a file. This method is called "peer-to-peer" because computers connect to each other, not just to one main server.
It was first created in 2001 by a person named Bram Cohen and his company, BitTorrent, Inc.. The main idea is to make downloading and uploading large files faster and more efficient.
How BitTorrent Works
When you want to download a file using BitTorrent, you use a small file called a ".torrent" file. This file doesn't contain the actual movie or game, but it has information about where to find the pieces of that file.
A special computer called a "Tracker" helps connect people who want the file with people who have parts of it. The Tracker doesn't store the file itself. It just helps everyone find each other.
- Leechers: These are people who are downloading a file. They are "leeching" pieces of the file from others.
- Seeders: Once a Leecher has downloaded the complete file, they become a Seeder. Seeders then help "seed" (upload) parts of the file to other Leechers. This way, everyone helps share, making the process faster for everyone.
BitTorrent was the first program made for this type of file sharing. For a while, it was free for anyone to use and change. Later, it changed and became a version of another program called µTorrent.
Other BitTorrent Programs
Many other computer programs use the BitTorrent system to share files. Here are some examples:
- Azureus
- BitComet
- BitLord
- Deluge
- KTorrent
- QTorrent
- Rtorrent
- Shareaza
- Transmission
- µTorrent
Related pages
Images for kids
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This picture shows how BitTorrent works. The colored dots are different parts of a file. As one computer gets a part, it can immediately start sharing that part with others.
See also
In Spanish: BitTorrent para niños
