Geek Central HOW-TO: Peer to Peer Sharing

A few of my friends have been looking into an alternative to share files amongst the masses, and asked for my help. File sharing is a very simple way to share your project with the masses, whether it be a indie film you made or a demo you recorded. Now, Peer-To-peer or P2P Sharing has some negative rep for illegal activities, but so does Las Vegas and it's still on the map. Remember, P2P is LEGAL and downloading stolen, illegal or pirated properties is NOT. For more information on this use google or look here. Aside from that, the only other threat is malicious software in the download and viruses. With this guide to safe P2P sharing, I will show you some tools to help prevent this. As I go, feel free to click on the links for further information on the topic. I will have a link at the bottom for all the programs and other things you may need.

What Torrents Are and How Torrents Work

Torrents are different from standard downloads in many ways. The main way they differ, without getting overtly technical, is in the way they distribute the contents of the file. All torrents use what is called a BitTorrent Protocol to do what they do.

Typical Download Scenario

The contents of the download in a conventional download scenario come from one place, and that is a server. This server gets up to full download speed fast and is able to respond from rises and falls in bandwidth in a very quick time period. The downfall in that situation is the cost. Servers cost big money and so does bandwidth. In addition, a domain may be required to feed all those files. This is where a BitTorrent client comes in handy.

BitTorrent Download Scenario

In a BitTorrent scenario, the contents of the torrent are split into evenly sized pieces, typically under 1 MB. These pieces are spread out around the internet to people when they download the file. Each recipient shares some pieces with the newer recipients and so on. Eventually, there can be tens of thousands of recipients with all the pieces needed to make the file whole again, thus making the whole process cheaper and easier to manage. Each piece has a mathematical equation attached to it; called a "checksum" and in this case is referred to as "SHA1 Hashing Algorithm" which verifies the files' integrity as it downloads.

Terminology 101

There is some different language that needs to be explained for new users to P2P sharing. Here, I will try to define it the best I can using layman's terms. A very complete (but more technical) guide is available here.

Client- This is the application (such as uTorrent or Azureus) that co-ordinates the download.

Tracker- The file you initially download and open into the BitTorrent client is a file that connects to a url that knows the connected peers on the torrent and who has what piece. Think of it as the keys to the car.

DHT- DHT is an abbreviation of Distributed Hash Table. This means that the peers acts as trackers instead of the url.

Peer- A peer is another client also connected to the same torrent. This is determined by the tracker.

Seed- A seed is a peer that has 100% of the file. It is where you get the most data from.

Leech- A peer that has a very poor seeding ratio.

Software You'll Need

BitTorrent Client

The first thing you'll need is an application to read the torrent file. This is called a "client". The most popular client is uTorrent and I highly reccomend it. It utilizes a friendly and easy-to-use user interface, is lightweight and is also freeware, which is an added bonus. Once you install the program, you are pretty much set to share torrents. But not so fast....there is more.


Firewall

The next thing you'll need is a firewall. Sure, you may have a Norton firewall or Windows Defender, but you want a good one. The undisputed King of firewalls is PeerGuardian2 or PG2. This program runs from your system tray (beside the clock, bottom right) and is red when off, black when on. Follow the instruction on their website to set it up. PG2 blocks unwanted IPs and protects you from spyware and adware.

File Extraction

Sometimes you may get files that look like this: foldername.zip or foldername.rar and within it filename.r001, filename.r002 etc. This means the contents that you downloaded are contained in an archive. The quickest and simplest solution is ExtractNow, a powerful yet simple to use archive extraction app. Simply open the app and select the archive you wish to extract, hit "ExtractNow!" and blam! it's done.

More complex is what is called a disc image. These files are typically large, the capacity of a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM. They usually have a file extension of .iso or .bin and you will need a program to use/burn these files. Here, there are a few solutions.

First is InfraRecorder, which is a freeware graphical CD/DVD writing program. You can utilize this optimally when you want to burn the image to a disc itself.

The other option is what is called mounting a disc. Basically, the image is sent to a virtual drive (typically a USB destination) to be emulated by the computer and using the hard disk of the computer. An example of this program is Daemon Tools.

Now, if you do not recognize the file extension (.xxx) just type it into Google and you'll find out what you need to open it.

Getting Content

Now you're ready to get some content. So, from your desktop, activate PeerGuardian2 (it's black when on) and navigate to a hosting site. Try torrentz.com or thepiratebay.org for some ideas. When you find the file you wish to download, click on it and then the "download this file" link. It will download the file, and open uTorrent where it will prompt you for some information. Enter the save file destination (typically My Documents > Downloads) and a label if you wish. Labels are used for sorting. Click on start torrent and you are now getting your data.


Software Sources

Here are all the software sources I mentioned earlier in the article. I do not endorse any of these applications beyond my personal experience with them....bear in mind that each computer is different as is it's operator. You may have to find you're own applications to do the trick.

uTorrent -BitTorrent Client
PeerGuardian2- Firewall and HTML blocker
ExtractNow (at the bottom of the page) - Multiple Archive Extraction App
InfraRecorder - Disc Image Recording Tool
Daemon Tools- Optical Media Emulation Tool

Further Assistance....
For any further assistance, please reply below in the comments section. I will be happy to help if I can. Please include any and all details that apply so I can assist you to the best of my ability.

Please stay tuned as I will share some advanced settings you can do in uTorrent to make it easier to download.

Geek Central: Tech Apparel for Spoiled Trust-Fund Babies

You know, it’s amazing that we don’t have flying cars yet and we’re not just saying that because the movies told us we’d have them by now. The reason I find it so perplexing is because of the stuff I'm showing you today.

Some of the items and implants literally allow you to control devices with your mind! No kidding. Now, if technology has advanced that far, then why the heck can’t we have a flying whip with 22” rims?

"sCape? I need to talk to my homies when I`m snowboarding down the Alps! Help Me!" Well, you asked. First up to bat is the G Cell Bluetooth Glove. This baby allows for integration to your Bluetooth cellphone while you're out shredding the slopes. Sporting a speaker and microphone and a convenient vibration notifier of your incoming call, the glove is a sure fire hit with all the trust-fund spoiled rich bastards out there this winter.

"But sCape!" you say, "I need a device for when I'm not being a spoiled bastard on the hills!" Well, young spoiled bastard, I have the glove for you then. Introducing the Verva Vie Sports Gauntlet. Designed by a student at some Kiwi university, this thing is the device to wear when you're out jogging, cycling, or simply walking down the street being a spoiled trust fund baby. Equipped with an integrated heart rate and health systems monitor, GPS navigation and emergency beacon, this glove is controlled with a simple single hand user interface.

"C`mon, sCape! I don`t want to wear a glove everywhere I go!" Well, lucky for this spoiled trust fund baby, there soon will be an alternative. Introducing the delightfully futuristic Digital Tatoo Interface. Yep, that`s right. Utilizing some advanced nanotechnology and an implanted Bluetooth interface, this puppy will connect you and your trust-fund friends with the world around you. The best thing is this thing would rob it`s power from you, so when Skynet tries to kill you, it will be easier for it to take you down.

"Awesome, sCape! Now, let me control things with my mind!" Well, ok. Only because it`s so weak that you`ll surely fail. I give you the Emotiv Epoc, a mind reading device that you put on your head and control videogames and such on. Really. Shipping by Christmas 2008 this bitch has some charm.

From the Emotiv web site:

The Emotiv EPOC now makes it possible for games to be controlled and influenced by the player's mind. Engaging, immersive, and nuanced, Emotiv-inspired game-play will be like nothing ever seen before. Based on the latest developments in neuro-technology, Emotiv has developed a new personal interface for human computer interaction.

The Emotiv EPOC uses a set of sensors to tune into electric signals naturally produced by the brain to detect player thoughts, feelings and expression. It connects wirelessly with all game platforms from consoles to PCs. The Emotiv neuroheadset now makes it possible for games to be controlled and influenced by the player's mind.

Yeah. So set aside some of that trust-fund, you spoiled bastard. Here comes the gadgets.


Time for some games and related news. Starting with Metal Gear Solid 4: The Guns Of The Patriots, which finally has a release date of Q2 2008. Which, by my calculations (and of when it would seem appropriate to release it) puts it around the second Tuesday of June. Yay!

Next on the cool-news list is Haze. Ubisoft promised it before Christmas. Of 2007. They Lied. Well, now it has been confirmed to be coming for May 2008. About goddamned time. Check out the new trailer for Haze, featuring a new song from Korn.

And finally, to wrap it up, we have a release window of April 08, probably to coincide with the release of Gran Turismo 5: Prologue for the PS3`s new DualShock3 Controller. With an MSRP of &54.99 USD, this baby vibrates. Yep.

That about wraps it up, but I`m going to include these two videos that provide some more information than I porvided.


Daily Wrap Up From The Feed.


Gaming Update From X-Play.

Geek Central

Wow. It`s been a while. So to kick off my return, here is a nifty post regarding some tech and up and coming video games.

To start out, let's talk about some gadgetry that is beyond your normal day-to-day gizmo. First off, the USB Dogtag made of sterling silver. This thing is pimped! Of course, at the price their asking, there are different designs you can get and such.

Next, we have the USB to Wireless converter that takes your USB peripheral (printer, memory sticks, hard drives) and broadcasts it to your wireless network. This would be especially convenient for multiple PC homes or people who have a laptop.

Of course, you can't be a geek unless you advertise it. Enter the Zelda T-Shirt from ThinkGeek, a classic looking tee that announces to the world that you are going to save them and take the princess home.

Now I personally think the next two are completely awesome because I am in the business of seasonal retail. First is the GOAT2008 Hybrid Robotic Lawn Mower from Evatech This device is a robotic lawn mower that has numerous models and attachments. You can even equip a snow plow blade to it.

The next is a Flat Screen Fireplace similar to current electric models, but this one is thinner and can be placed virtually anywhere. It has a heater, too, so it outright replaces the current generation.

On to the video games. First out is Conflict:Denied Ops, a FPS that ships on Feb 12th for the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360.


Next is Army Of Two, is a cooperative third-person shooter that looks promising. Ships March 4th for Xbox360 and PS3.

And lastly, getting the WTF vote for the day, is Faith And A .45, a Bonnie and Clyde style third person romp around the roaring twenties of bootlegging, speakeasys and mobsters that go `Meh!`

I'd be surprised if it does well, but the concept is all there. Release date to be announced and so far it looks like it is destined for the PS3 and Xbox 360.

So that's the wrap up of geeky-goodness. Stay classy, internet.