I have just purchased my third Pi, this time a Pi 3.
Previously, I used pre-installed cards but this time I am creating my own.
First problem, the instructions say visit www.raspberrypi.org/qsg
(error, no such page - but I visited www.raspberrypi.org/quick-start-guide that I presume is the correct page.
Second Problem, it suggests beginners start with Noobs but under Noobs there are 2 options:
- Download Torrent
- Download zip
I am aware of zip but what is Torrent (and should I choose Torrent or zip)
Disappointing really, so many months in and then such basic questions!
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SonOfAMotherlessGoat
- Posts: 690
- Joined: Tue Jun 16, 2015 6:01 am
Re: What is Torrent?
If you don't know what a Torrent is, and don't want to spend the time searching your favorite search engine for it, then just go with the Zip.
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Re: What is Torrent?
What he ^^^^ said.
Torrent is an application that allows lots of people to download the same file from each other.
There is a server somewhere with the file on, so the first people will be downloading it from there. When they've already downloaded a few blocks of it, new people will be able to download those blocks from them. So if 100 people are downloading the file, most of them will be getting it from each other. It is encouraged to leave the application running after the download is finished as a service to others. Torrent allows files to be served more quickly to more people than is possible on a heavily contended and under-powered file server.
I've never noticed any speed problems downloading Raspbian, but it is possible that it might be stressed as lots of new Pi3 owners hit it.
Torrent is an application that allows lots of people to download the same file from each other.
There is a server somewhere with the file on, so the first people will be downloading it from there. When they've already downloaded a few blocks of it, new people will be able to download those blocks from them. So if 100 people are downloading the file, most of them will be getting it from each other. It is encouraged to leave the application running after the download is finished as a service to others. Torrent allows files to be served more quickly to more people than is possible on a heavily contended and under-powered file server.
I've never noticed any speed problems downloading Raspbian, but it is possible that it might be stressed as lots of new Pi3 owners hit it.
Re: What is Torrent?
@rurwin
Thank you very for your very helpful explanation. I now understand perfectly.
Incidentally, I am surprised if I am the first one to wonder what it meant. Maybe your explanation could be added to the download page?
@SonOfAMotherlessGoat
The first thing I did when I saw the word Torrent, was to go to my usual search engine. Because it was not clear to me, I raised the thread. The explanation given by rurwin is excellent and very helpful.
Thank you very for your very helpful explanation. I now understand perfectly.
Incidentally, I am surprised if I am the first one to wonder what it meant. Maybe your explanation could be added to the download page?
@SonOfAMotherlessGoat
The first thing I did when I saw the word Torrent, was to go to my usual search engine. Because it was not clear to me, I raised the thread. The explanation given by rurwin is excellent and very helpful.