Why does Utorrent download so slowly?

[Companion Cavalry]

Every time I try to use Utorrent it takes usually 6-7 hours to download a file which filefront manages in 4 minutes, that is ridiculous! Why does Utorrent take so long?!

[the_mango55]

Just use filefront then

[Companion Cavalry]

I'm asking why is it so slow, not what I should download with, which obviously is not torrent anyways, the_mango55.

p.s Filefront was only an example, there are faster downloading methods available.

[Miraj]

Well it totally depends on the number of seeds and leechers you have for that specific file. Torrents can either be extremely slow or very fast. New and "busy" files that have dozens of seeders tend to be quite fast, while older files with fewer interested seeders tend to be quite slow.

[Companion Cavalry]

Why would files that are being used by more people be easier to download?

[Miraj]

Umm... that's how torrents work. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BitTorrent_(protocol)

Basically, with torrents, all you're doing is downloading different "pieces" of the same file from different seeders and leechers. A seeder is someone who has the whole files and is dedicating his end to supplying all the leechers with pieces of a given file. You are also dowloading pieces of that given file from fellow leechers.

Basically, the more seeders and leechers that are involved with that specific files the more faster your torrent download will be.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BitTorr...col)#Operation

[Companion Cavalry]

Thank you, that has cleared it up.

[HorseArcher]

Thank you, that has cleared it up.

Also, don't forget, you need to open up ports , if you got a router with built in firewall. Most routers do have that, even the newest DSL/cable receiver units are a one-in-all receiver/modem/router - devices now.

[Miraj]

Yeah, Utorrent should have a testing option in Options -> Speed Guide and a link to show you how to see if your ports are forwarded correctly.

[BeastG33]

As mentioned, open ports allowing for more/faster incoming connections from other users. Utorrent tells you if you have open ports via a status icon at the bottom of the screen. It should be a green circle with a check or something I believe.

[Mythos]

Some ISPs use traffic shaping on traffic by torrents. Version 1.8 of μTorrent has better encryption so use that if you still have low speeds.

[Vanquisher]

If you are using a Router then:
http://portforward.com/routers.htm