[TriLUG] Knoppix 3.4 - Local TriLUG torrent

[Mike M]

On Thu, May 06, 2004 at 12:05:55PM -0400, Jeremy Portzer wrote:
> But there will probably be multiple
> versions released with 3.4 on it -- the release date is the important
> part to look at.  The one under discussion here is
> KNOPPIX_V3.4-2004-05-04, which as you can tell just came out Tuesday. 
> This is the first Knoppix distributed widely with a 2.6 kernel.

Maybe the 2.6 is more prominent in this version of 3.4.  IIRC the 3.4
I saw mentioned 2.6 as an option.  Just guessing.  Not important.  
Good to know about the date part being important though.
> 
> > I read through the bit torrent intro/faqs/server setup (I've not
> > done b/t yet).  I like what I see - in theory.  My security sensors
> > are tingling though perhaps more out of ignorance than anything else.
> > Also, once you become part of a bit torrent network are you a relay for
> > anything including unathorized distributions of copyrighted works?
> 
> You don't have to run a tracker ('server' as you put it) to download a
> file.  You just point your BT client at the file and begin.  Since the
> file in question is Knoppix, freely distributable Open Source software,
> you don't need to worry even if the tracker is also involved in
>ybe the  something unsavory.  You would only be involved in the network for the
> file you are downloading.  Also my tracker only has the EN and DE
> versions of Knoppix, no need to worry.
> 
> You are right however that BT is a peer-to-peer system and I won't deny
> that there is plenty of warez, movies, etc, being distributed this way. 
> However the tracker is a "central" location, so trackers distributing
> OSS software are likely to be completely separate from those involved in
> illegal stuff.  It's not like Kazaa etc that are totally decentralized.

A little light came on.  So, in a BT system, uploading to my disk is
optional or even denied.  As long as I don't provide bad-stuff I'm in
control.  It's not like Billy Warez can use me as storage for his stuff.

I download Knoppix and then I become a secondary source for the thing
I downloaded.  Somehow my system registers itself with a tracker
(assuming I am not a tracker myself).  Then I can be found as a source
for the file I downloaded.

If this be true, then it sounds as though one is in control of ones
destiny.  BT seems to be an example of MRCH technology (massively redundant
cheap hardware) as opposed to MEFT technology (massively expensive
fault-tolerent).

<social_rant>I am no big fan of the RIAA and Hollywood's heavy handed 
methods.  I am certainly not going to fight 'em in court.  Instead, I'll 
avoid them altogether. </>
-- 
Mike

Moving forward in pushing back the envelope of the corporate paradigm.