Seeding with Vuze (Azureus)

[nate4742]

I have a Mac and I just got Vuze/Azureus to download shows. I have figured out how to download the .torrent and .flac files and convert them so I can play them, but I dont know how to seed them after they're done to improve my ratio.

Do I need to do anything special in order to do this with this program or do I just have to leave it open like the FAQ said?

[@lex]

To force seeding:
Right click the torrent >> Force Start

The status should now read Forced Seeding instead of Seeding.

However, this isn't always the best way to seed if you're share ratio is less than 1.00, because this will override Azureus / Vuze's prioritization.

But its a good way to keep a download alive or increase your stats.

More info here (http://www.azureuswiki.com/index.php/Force_Start) about force start and Vuze.

[@lex]

Also, some general tips for Best Seeding Practices I forgot to mention. Some of them are kinda technical and advanced, but they are a great way to make sure you're seeding all the DMB you can...

1.) Make sure you're properly connected to the internet. NAT errors and Firewall issues are the biggies here.
-- NAT (Network Address Translation) Errors. These are usually indicative of a firewall problem and will slow you uploads as well as downloads. Look at your torrent program's trouble shooting and make sure you have enabled port forwarding on you router.
--Firewalls. Make sure you're computer's firewall is allowing incoming connection to your torrent program.

2.) Make sure your upload speed is properly configured. To Low, you'll be seeding for ages to reach a +1 share ration. Have it set too high, you can choke your internet connection, but you'll know when this happens. Surfing the web will be painfully slow and your downloads will start to decrease. Its all about striking a balance, but really this isn't an issue for you average user.

3.) Have patience and be realistic. Look at the number of seeders and peers. If there's tons of seeders and few peers (the people downloading from you), you shouldn't expect to be uploading very fast. Conversely, if there's a lot of peers and few seeders, you should be uploading at a decent rate.

Also, don't expect to be uploading as fast as you downloaded. Most internet connections Cable, DSL, and Verizon FIOS give their customers more download bandwidth and upload bandwidth.

4.) Seeding if your ISP blocks or throttles torrent connections. Comcast (My ISP) did this for a while and it got them in trouble with the FCC. However you can get around these traffic shaping methods by encrypting you torrent connection. Just google your torrent program and encryption and you're find a tutorial that will help you get that set up.

4.) Leave your torrent program open! This is obvious, but needs mention because its the only way many of these torrents are kept alive.