DC++: Getting Started

sjager · 08-31-2010 at 03:13 AM

Hi all,

For those that are coming to residence this next year, I'd like to personally invite you to our DC++ filesharing network, MacHub!

What is DC++

DC++ is a filesharing application that connects to a central hub of other DC++ users that host and distribute files of their choice. Many campus residence networks have some sort of DC++ structure set up.

Why use DC++ rather than Limewire/Torrents/Usenet?

If you use these other programs a lot and download lots of content, you will shortly learn that every student has a daily bandwidth cap, which limits how much you can download every day! DC++ doesn't affect your bandwidth because it is local traffic rather than actual internet usage. Think of it like borrowing a DVD from your friend next door, rather than going down to Blockbuster and paying to grab it, go back home, and play it!

Once you are all set up, DC++ is convenient and easy to use! Let's not forget that the download speeds are PHENOMENAL (up to 10 actual megabits per second!)

How do I get started?

Start by installing ApexDC++ on your computer. After you've installed this program, run it for the first time and connect to our hub address at machub.org

For a basic set of instructions on how to use and set up ApexDC++, there is a PDF guide here!

I will update this post with a how-to for first time users soon, unless someone would like to throw something on this thread to help our first-timers with (I'm a bit occupied)!

Need more help?

Once you're on MacHub, we have many users that will be willing to help you out, simply chat in the main window!

nerual · 08-31-2010 at 02:17 PM

If you have a Mac, you'll have to use ShakesPeer instead of ApexDC++ (unless they've changed it so that it works on Macs as well).

sjager · 08-31-2010 at 02:19 PM

I think they're working on porting ApexDC onto Macs (which would be great, a lot of people dislike ShakesPeer), but you're correct, ShakesPeer is the client for Macs.

Here is the link to ShakesPeer

blackdragon · 08-31-2010 at 02:32 PM

Hmm. 2 years ago, i think Mac somehow screwed up, because I didnt have a cap.

I pulled 20 gigs a day sometimes, lool. (gotta love that 3mB/s speed)

sjager · 08-31-2010 at 02:36 PM

Could be possible? I never noticed one either.

Universities should love DC++ because it reduces the load on their internet lines and saves them tons of bandwidth. Queen's and Western "unofficially" supports the hub for this very reason.

TheBrickWall · 08-31-2010 at 02:37 PM

wait so you get pretty much the same files and stuff as if you were using limewire or torrents? tv shows, movies ?

nerual · 08-31-2010 at 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by david.p92

wait so you get pretty much the same files and stuff as if you were using limewire or torrents? tv shows, movies ?

And old notes, tests, songs, etc. There's tons of stuff on there--whatever everyone else puts on there

blackdragon · 08-31-2010 at 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by david.p92

wait so you get pretty much the same files and stuff as if you were using limewire or torrents? tv shows, movies ?

you get what people share.

if someone isnt sharing it, your not getting it.

Leeoku · 08-31-2010 at 02:50 PM

cant wait to start downlaoding

sjager · 08-31-2010 at 03:59 PM

There's usually a few dedicated DC'ers that will post all the new TV shows, movies, etc. as they are posted on the internet

We might start looking into a seedbox somewhere on campus, but that relies on someone who has their own cable internet on campus. (hint hint!)

blackdragon · 08-31-2010 at 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sjager

There's usually a few dedicated DC'ers that will post all the new TV shows, movies, etc. as they are posted on the internet

We might start looking into a seedbox somewhere on campus, but that relies on someone who has their own cable internet on campus. (hint hint!)

MacPack · 08-31-2010 at 04:44 PM

Either can I. So peple have mentioned you can use DC++ in residence. What about using it in the library for those non-rez kids?

AnguishedEnd · 08-31-2010 at 04:51 PM

You can use it off-campus but the speeds vary. Sometimes I could get incredible speeds while other times I could barely dl a pdf file lol. This was from my house btw a good 10 min. drive away.

sjager · 08-31-2010 at 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacPack

Either can I. So peple have mentioned you can use DC++ in residence. What about using it in the library for those non-rez kids?

Hi MacPack,

DC++ uses a series of "direct connections," meaning that certain ports to the host computers of the files you want must be left unblocked from Mac's RezNet firewalls.

This means that while you can connect to MacHub (since it's on a public internet server), you can't download files on networks outside of McMaster's RezNet.

We have three categories of people using DC++:

1. Off Campus Users: They can download from other off campus users but can't download from Res users. They can easily connect to MacHub.

2. Res Users: They have full access to MacHub, and can download from both Res and Off Campus users, as long as their ports are forwarded properly.

3. MacConnect Users: They're completely firewalled, meaning they can't share or download anything while on MacConnect. Sorry guys, the only way I could achieve these kind of downloads is through a VPN, and that's mundane considering VPNs are typically slower than Torrents and/or Limewire.

blackdragon · 08-31-2010 at 05:02 PM

Offcampus your better off using DDL.

In res dc++ is fast cause it uses LAN speeds, which is blazing fast. Make sure you dont ruin your HDD