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What does Transmission do?

Transmission is a BitTorrent client. It is used for peer to peer filesharing over the internet. BitTorrent is a fast way of transferring files, because everyone who downloads must also upload to others, thus creating much more bandwidth than a single server offering the file may have been able to provide.

How do I use it?

You'll need to download a torrent file (extension .torrent). These are commonly found at 'tracker' websites. Torrent files contain information about the actual file you want to download (eg a movie). Once you have the torrent file, open it in Transmission. You can also set Transmission to open torrent files automatically via Preferences >> Transfers >> General.

It is good etiquette to 'seed' the file for a while (ie leave it uploading) once your download is complete. You can set a default ratio to automatically seed to, and then pause. This can be adjusted in Preferences >> Transfers >> Management, or in real time using the Action menu.

How do I maximize my download speed?

  1. Make sure Transmission's port is forwarded. If your router supports UPnP or you have Apple Airport, Transmission can do this automatically; just tick the checkbox in Preferences >> Network. Port forwarding makes it easier for others to connect to you, which therefore increases your speed.
  2. Make sure you cap your upload speed, so that it isn't flooded. A good rule of thumb is about about 60-70% of your maximum upload bandwidth. This can be adjusted in Preferences >> Bandwidth, or in real time using the Action menu.

    eg. If your upload connection is 256 Kilobits/sec, then you should cap it at 21 KB/sec ((256 / 8) * 0.66 = 21).

Can I schedule my transfers?

Yes, by using 'Speed Limit Mode'. Simply go to Preferences >> Bandwidth, and then set both the speed you would like Transmission to be limited to, as well as the period of time you would like the limits applied.

When Speed Limit Mode is enabled, the turtle will be illuminated in blue.

Can I queue my transfers?

Yes, via Preferences >> Transfers >> Management.

The queue system is very simple: You start and pause torrents as usual, but if you're over the queue limit starting a torrent will instead make it "waiting to start". You can force a torrent to start without going in the queue by holding down option and clicking resume or using the Transfers menu item "start without waiting".

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