That file clearly isn't the music. I think it is the file that allows you to get the music via a torrent system like BitTorrent. Torrent systems actually grabs pieces of the music files from multiple other torrent users and reassembles them. It means the original server of the file doesn't have to upload every copy itself. It is efficient and fast when it works. For best upload speeds, you usually have to agree to allow your newly downloaded files to be uploaded and used by other users whilst you are downloading the rest.

I don't use torrent systems for downloads so I'm very far from expert,

I have used Torrents in the past. Very slow because as Winky says you are receiving bits of files from others and at the same time giving yet other people bits of your files as you download.

Switch 'on' before going to bed and check how it has gone the next morning was my experience but I am sure it varies based on the chosen 'Torrent' stream's performance.

regards

geoff 

I think it can be faster when a lot of people are serving the files, but can be slow if not. The way it works is kind of neat in that if something is very popular (e.g. pirated Avengers movie), the number of sources should also be very high. A single server does not get overwhelmed and crash. The files in question (Goldberg) here are likely not being served by many users, so it will probably be easier and faster to just grab the Flacs directly.

The benefit of torrents is that low-budget providers of popular content don't have to invest in (or rent) as much (or any) server capacity if they use torrent systems. They can basically just serve the seed copy from their PC. That is one reason they are so popular on the "dark side" of the internet. Less so obviously, for mainstream providers like iTunes.

*

Hmmm. Don't like the sound of torrent downloads.

I've already downloaded the 24/44 files and they sound fine to me.

Isn't it the case that torrent downloads carry a high risk of malware infection? This is because you are effectively downloading from multiple unknown sources, and with absolutely no guarantee that what you are downloading is what it is claimed to be. It could be anything.

Also I assume you are breaking copyright laws by using torrent downloads. The material may have been legally made available for download, but you are also uploading and therefore distributing it. Unless you have the permission of the copyright holder to do so then it is surely illegal.

I may be wrong in my assumptions. Maybe someone with greater knowledge could clarify the position.

Peter

Malware infection from a music file?  I don't think I've heard of that, if it's truly a music format file and not something bogus like Freebird.mp3.exe such that some unsuspecting person who has file extensions hidden actually tries to run the downloaded file rather than just play it.  I could well be wrong, but I don't think that a proper .mp3, .flac, .wav file can house malware.

As to breaking copyright law by downloading THAT torrent file -- of course not.  The copyright owner has made their work available via that torrent link.  They well know that if you use a BitTorrent client to obtain the file, your client will allow others to obtain it from you. In fact, that is what they are counting on by choosing that distribution system themselves!  This is a bit like saying that you are "trespassing" in Wembley Stadium because you did not pay an entrance fee . . .  on a day when the stadium is having a free "open house" and management has opened the gates to all.

OK Bart thanks for that.

My concern over malware was not so much that a music file may harbour it, but that because when downloading one is connecting to many other computers. Malicious people may therefore distribute malware in this way by somehow disguising it as a legitimate music file. Maybe this can't happen, I don't really know. I just assume that by downloading anything from another computer one is potentially at risk, and with multiple computers the risk is magnified greatly. Is there such a thing as a totally risk-free download, other than from trusted commercial sources?

Peter

Peter I can't fault you for worrying about such, at all.  Experts will tell you that your fears are well-founded, and that for the best security do not engage in file sharing and downloading files from sources you're not sure of.

That said, I personally am OK with what has worked well for me for many years, and which has never resulted in any of my computers being compromised.  With good and up-to-date security software, and some sense about where I source files, I am comfortable using a BitTorrent client.  I am also mindful of the creative energy that artists put into their work, and always buy cd's of music that I intend to keep on my system.  (I buy many used cd's, especially of older releases, and of course one could argue that the artist is not benefiting from my purchase at all . . . but that is another topic!)

Sometimes (often?), but not always. Torrents are used in a legitimate manner for some purposes (such as this case). 

Thanks Winky, very nice.

Larry

Cheers for the heads up Winky, am downloading this very instant!