I continually get asked how to set up various programs to download stuff, especially DC++. So instead of having to tell each person individually I thought I'd put it all together in a feature so y'all (hur hur) can refer to it.

Disclaimer: I'm not encouraging (or discouraging) from downloading copyrighted material. I'm just telling you how to use this shit.

DC++
www.dcplusplus.com
Download it here!

Description from the site: "DC++ announces the freedom to share! DC++ is an open source client for the Direct Connect protocol. Direct Connect allows you to share files over the internet without restrictions or limits. The client is completely free of advertisements and has a nice, easy to use interface. Firewall and router support is integrated and it’s easy and convenient to use functionality like multi-hub connections, auto connections and resuming of downloads.".

I use this program to get pretty much all my things. You can find almost anything you want as there are so many users and I find it far more reliable than Kazaa (which quite frankly, is terrible). The only downfall of DC++ is for users with not a lot to share. You need a minimum share size to get in different Hubs. The bigger your sharesize the better hubs you can get into (and therefore more shit you can find). Don't fret, there are still hubs you can get into with no sharesize, just don't expect to find as much stuff. I'll go through setting the program up.

1) Run the setup program and follow the instructions

2) When you first run DC++ you will need to fill in the settings. Username, E-Mail and Description are pretty straight forward. Most of you will choose DSL for Connection Type. The Connection Settings is where it gets slightly more complicated. For now select Active and fill in your I.P. number (you can find out your I.P. number at www.whatismyip.com). Every time you log onto the internet your I.P. changes so you will need to change this number each time.



Next select Downloads on the left in the settings box. Fill out where you want your downloads to go... e.g. c:\downloads\ Unfinished downloads could go to somewhere like c:\downloads\unfinished\



Next go to Sharing. Click Add Folder and select a directory you wish to share (e.g. your music directory, or skate videos etc). The more you share the more hubs you can get into. Put Upload Slots to anywhere between 2-6. You can now select Ok.



3) A list of hubs should now appear infront of you. It doesn't really matter which ones you go into but the ones with the most people in them have the most stuff (for these you will need a bigger share size though). If you don't have much shared here is a good beginner hub: musichouse.no-ip.com:417. You can type that into the Manual Connect Address and click Connect. A good skate video hub is at: skatevids.no-ip.com:1900.





4) You have successfully connected to the hub when the tab at the bottom turns green. To search for things select the magnifying glass icon at the top. This will open a search box. Under Search For type in what it is you are looking for. Under File Type choose the kind of file you are looking for e.g. audio, video etc. I usually tick the box entitled "Only users with free slots" so that I don't have to wait in a queue. The downside of this is there will be less results. Click search.



5) If everything worked you should have a list of files infront of you. To download one simply double click it. You should see the progress of the download at the bottom.



Note: If you can't connect to hubs or get any search results try going to Settings and changing the connection settings to Passive mode.

There is a lot more to DC++ but this should be enough for you to get to grips with the program.