I am looking at seedbox providers to start joining private trackers (been a public tracker user for years but I'm tired of the slow speeds, broken torrents, etc), however I have a few newbie questions:

(1) Are dedicated IPs required for a lot of private trackers? Is that something I should look for?
(2) is VPN capability fairly common? I would like to use it from time to time for public trackers...(yes, I know it's overkill but I already paid for an annual subscription of PIA and I might as well use it).
(3) I see two types of bandwidth plans: metered and unmetered. Obviously, unmetered would be preferred but I'd like to start small at first and not spend more than $20/mo. How much bandwidth should I look for at a minimum? 1TB?
(4) are most of the seedboxes running linux? I'm concerned a bit about the complexity since I'm predominately a windows user.

Anything else I should look for or advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

@Sisren,

There are so many various flavors of seedboxes. I'd recommend to do some independent research and/or read below to see which seedbox suites all your needs... Feel free to stop over to our TI trusted s-box friends http://pulsedmedia.com/ review of the slot can also be found here http://torrentinvites.org/f80/pulsed...-review-34235/.

Welcome to TI! Hope you enjoy it here!

Read below for some seedbox schooling!


Dedicated Server- A dedicated hosting service, dedicated server, or managed hosting service is a type of Internet hosting in which the client leases an entire server not shared with anyone. This is more flexible than shared hosting, as organizations have full control over the server(s), including choice of operating system, hardware, etc.

Shared Server- A shared web hosting service or virtual hosting service or derive host refers to a web hosting service where many websites reside on one web server connected to the Internet. Each site "sits" on its own partition, or section/place on the server to keep it separate from other sites. This is generally the most economical option for hosting as many people share the overall cost of server maintenance.

Seedbox- A seedbox is a private dedicated server used for the uploading and downloading of digital files. Seedboxes generally make use of the BitTorrent protocol for uploading and downloading, although they have also been used on the eDonkey2000 network. Seedboxes are usually connected to a high speed network, often with a throughput of 100 Mbit/s or more. Files are uploaded to a seedbox from other BitTorrent users, and from there they can be downloaded at high speeds to a user's personal computer via the HTTP, FTP, SFTP, or rsync protocols.

Taking the consideration for a dedicated, shared, or private server is obviously a useful resource to all uploaders. Many though do not need the maximal resources at hand for a server, and they can also settle for a seedbox. I will dig deeper into what this can mean from anyone from releasers, to uploaders, to the average file sharer.

There are luckily, many trusted alternatives from seeding from your home PC. Some simply cannot afford a dedicated server, but if they can, a dedicated server which to use at your own will is a necessity. You then can fully customize and optimize your operating system, your torrent and FTP clients, and maximize your sharing ratios. This is something typically used by advanced users, but of course, even the amateur can accomplish this with only minimal research.

If you feel that using a dedicated server is a little out of your price range, then no worries! There are also shared servers, which require minimal effort and maintenance. There are so many available options for this, that with the proper dedication, you can easily transmit your files via the Bit Torrent Protocol with ease. This is something some uploaders consider using, and it's a great idea for smaller release groups trying to spread their work across the web.

If this is still more than you need, or you simply want a way to download torrents to your PC with anonyimity, then a seedbox is for you. Not only do they come with pre-rendered web interfaces such as uTorrent, but they are very easy to maintain, and cost efficient. If you for example, were to seed to private trackers, to maintain a great ratio, this would be one of the best methods or options for you. Doing this is very common in the new age of file sharing. The benefits of a seedbox of any size, are well worth the investment for anyone considering them. You can download a file to your seedbox, and then download it to your PC using FTP (file transfer protocol) without ever displaying your home IP address and remaining anonymous. This is great for those whom feel security is a priority.

Anyone wishing to invest in this, especially uploaders, should consider how the benefits outweigh the cons. One, you will never have to worry about displaying your own IP address to everyone and anyone who downloads your torrents. Two, you will be able to seed all your torrents back with only the greatest speed, to multiple peers, without affecting your own bandwidth of your PC. Three, the easy to use web interface of seedboxes, or the remote support of servers, makes access to your torrents and data efficient, easy, and stress free.

There are many scammers out there, and many companies who "promise" certain speeds or rates that are not guaranteed. Do not be fooled by those wishing to simply take your money. Remember that reputation, is everything.

@dojavenger very helpful post!

@dojavenger - thank you for the comprehensive posting. I do appreciate it.

Although it was a great post, none of my specific questions were addressed. I am getting the distinct impression I just need to jump feet first into the pool and start swimming.

Thanks.

Have a look at my answers to your questions in RED below...


(1) Are dedicated IPs required for a lot of private trackers? Is that something I should look for? By dedicated IP, do you mean one that never changes at all, ever? further clarification needed. Seedboxes are created to comply with private trackers. Therfore your IP will not be changing.

(2) is VPN capability fairly common? I would like to use it from time to time for public trackers...(yes, I know it's overkill but I already paid for an annual subscription of PIA and I might as well use it). From what i've seen with seedboxes (I'm by no means a seedbox guru), if you have a halfway decent slot, it should have VPN capability. For example, I pay 13.95eu a month for mine and it has VPN function.

(3) I see two types of bandwidth plans: metered and unmetered. Obviously, unmetered would be preferred but I'd like to start small at first and not spend more than $20/mo. How much bandwidth should I look for at a minimum? 1TB? [COLOR="#FF0000"] This all depends on how much traffic you think you will use. In most cases you probably do not need an unmetered slot. Again, this is only my opinion.

(4) are most of the seedboxes running linux? I'm concerned a bit about the complexity since I'm predominately a windows user. This. I would not worry about, most seedboxes have UI (user interfaces) that very closely resemble familiar torrent download software, such as utorrent in layout. Most seedboxes don't require knowledge of Linux... Myself, I can barely spell linux, let alone code with it.

Like I mentioned before, If I was you, I would do some independant googleing and try to figure out what you want in a seedbox, as there are many many many out there. Are you simply wanting a better/easier means to seed your torrents? Do you want large HDD space to store your files. IMO most users do not need an unmetered plan.

Good luck!

Thanks @dojavenger

I think I'm just over analyzing this stuff...I am going to pick a provider and go. I know the basics of what I want, and I can always change if I want later on...

I appreciate the answers and assistance.