Beginners Guide to p2ping!

[Malicious Intent]

Beginners Guide to p2ping!

Downloading music from the internet is incredibly simple, can take less time than it takes to get to the shops and its free. Here is a dummies guide to getting started:

Preparing Your PC
Before you start to download, you need to prepare your computer. Downloading is a dangerous game if you don’t take the correct precautions. The following will help you avoid and kill viruses, Trojans, worms, spyware, adware and other nasties, but will not stop law-suits. Once that is done, the required software for playing your media is needed.

ANTI-VIRUS
This should already be installed on your computer. If not, it is now more important than ever. You can download AVG anti-virus for free at:
http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php
Download and install the software. Make sure that whatever anti-virus you choose, you keep it up to date with the latest definitions (database) and scan regularly.

You can also help stop viruses by switching on the windows XP firewall.
-> Go to “My network places”
-> Select “My network connections” on the left hand side
-> Right click on your internet connection and select “properties”
-> Select the “Advanced” tab and tick the box to enable the firewall.
Further to this, make sure you regularly check Windows Update (http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com)

ANTI-SPYWARE
Spyware and adware (collectively “crapware”) are usually picked up by surfing the internet. It is usually harmless, just monitors what webpages you go to for advertising purposes, although some can use up your computer processing power and some may be used to find out passwords. Many consider it an invasion of privacy. If this doesn’t bother you, then you can skip this stage. However, remember this software for if your internet browser gets hi-jacked with a toolbar or an unchangeable homepage.
Ad-aware is a program scans your computer for crapware and deletes it, much the same as a virus scanner. It can be downloaded free at Lavasoft (http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/).
Spybot Search and Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/index.php?page=spybotsd) is very simular, but may pick up crapware missed by Ad-aware (and visa-versa).
As with anti-virus, it is important to keep the database up to date.
It is likely that you will find a lot of ad-ware on the first scan. It can also be daunting how quickly the adware comes back. Make sure that you scan regularly.

PREPARE FOR YOUR DOWNLOADS
There are many media players, but the most common for new users is Windows Media Player 9. This can be downloaded from here (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/9series/player.aspx)
To play video files and lots of music files you need additional codecs. This tells the computer how to decode the information in the file so that your media player can play it.
-> Go to K-Lite Codec Packs (http://home.hccnet.nl/h.edskes/finalbuilds.htm)
-> Selecting a mirror from the top of the page.
-> Scroll down to "K-Lite Codec Pack 2.27 Full" and select a further mirror from the right hand column.
-> Once the download is complete, run the file and follow the set-up wizard. When given the option, select "playback only". Remember this option if you plan to encode your own files in the future.

Getting Free Music
Now your computer is prepared you can start downloading. This guide will run you through how to use Ares, as it is simple to use and has all the basic functions.

DOWNLOAD ARES (http://www.aresgalaxy.org/index.html)
Download the file from Download.com (http://download.com.com/redir?pid=10174222&merid=83307&mfgid=83307&edId=3&siteId=4&oId=3000-2166-10174222&ontId=2166&ltype=dl_dlnow&lop=link&destUrl=%2F3001-2166-10174222.html) and save to your harddrive.

INSTALL ARES
When the download is complete, run the file and follow the installation wizard. When given the option, DO NOT install NavHelper or any other options. It is all spyware. ONLY install Ares itself and the desktop icon if you wish.

USING ARES
Once installation is complete, Ares will load and connect to the network. A window will pop up asking if you want to enter a user name. Type in whatever you want, or press No and be called Anon#####. It makes no difference, but a screen name is nicer if you plan to use the chat.
Select “Control Panel” at the far right of the toolbar.
Under “General” you can change the screen name you entered at the start. Look through the other options.
Go to the “Transfer” tab. Select where you want to save your music and other files to under "Download folder"
If you already have some media to share, select “Library” on the toolbar. Then select "prefereneces" in the top left, under "Web". Select the "manual configure" tab and tick the folders with the media in.
Press OK. Close and re-open Ares so that these changes take effect.
Press the “Library” button and you will see any media that you selected being hashed. Just let Ares get on with it. If it’s slowing down your computer then wait a while for it to finish. It only needs doing once. Alternatively you can use the "Priority" slider bar to adjust how many resources Ares uses for hashing. Less priority means that you will be able to continue with other tasks, but the hashing will take longer.
Once done or if your computer is running OK, press the “Search” tab.
Type in what you want to find, such for your favourite artist and press search.
Look for the song that you are after and double click it. The more stars the faster it will download, depending on your internet connection speed.
The higher the “Quality” (seen by hovering over the file) the better it will sound, but the larger the file. Some say 128kbits is a good compromise, others say 192kbits. Experiment and decide what is best for you.
To see what you are downloading, select the “Transfer” tab. You will see how much of it you have, how fast you are getting it and an estimate to how long is left.
Under the download section is the upload section. This says how quickly you are uploading your files to others. That’s how p2p works, you all swap music with each other, but with the added bonus that you keep what you pass on.
Once the file is complete you can play it. You can find it in the Ares Library or in the folder that you told Ares to download to (Download Folder in preferences).

Moving On
That’s the end of this introduction to downloading using p2p. Try playing around with the options under search, or editing the details in your library so files are labelled correctly. Try downloading non-music files, such as a TV episode.
Ares is far from the only p2p application. You can see the other applications here:
http://www.zeropaid.com/php/filesharing.php
There are FAQs on the programs in the forums.
If you are in America, avoiding lawsuits may also be important. Currently there has been no cases involving Ares users, but this is subject to change. Watch the news on the front page and read posts in the forums as knowledge is power.
Those not in American now need to also proceed with caution. The IFPI has launched lawsuits against sharers in Europe, with a focus on Denmark. Recently a German sharer settled out of court for €8000. There is talk of further law-suits in Europe, Australia and Japan.
Those in Canada have been given some breathing space by a recent court decision that uploading is lawful. This is subject to an appeal.
The British Phonographic Industry is also suing users. Again, Ares is not a target, but this is subject to change.
Peerguardian (http://methlabs.org/methlabs.htm) is often quoted as something that may help. It works by attempting to block IP addresses belonging to companies that monitor who is uploading what files.
Protowall (http://bluetack.co.uk/pw.html) is a similar program to Peerguardian.
www.Slyck.com also has a beginner’s guide that may be worth reading.
The Zeropaid Forums are full of useful information to keep you up to date about the latest and best media players and other software.

[The Hunter]

Thread stickied.

[shawners]

what are you doin to us NOOBS !! THEIRS no crying in filesharing.. =)

[shawners]

oh ps... your still not goonna get the mod job :P~ jk

[Greylin]

Sweet. Just a suggestion...how about including Spybot (http://www.safer-networking.org/index.php?page=spybotsd) for detection of adware/malware. Also, how about suggesting a "good" media player such as VLC (http://www.videolan.org/#NEWS3). Moreover, instead of peergaurdian I would suggest you link to Bluetack Internet Security Solutions for Protowall (http://bluetack.co.uk/pw.html).

[bobdone]

Thanks for the infor but how do i safely open up my PC to enable others to upload?




Beginners Guide to p2ping!

Downloading music from the internet is incredibly simple, can take less time than it takes to get to the shops and its free. Here is a dummies guide to getting started:

Preparing Your PC
Before you start to download, you need to prepare your computer. Downloading is a dangerous game if you don’t take the correct precautions. The following will help you avoid and kill viruses, Trojans, worms, spyware, adware and other nasties, but will not stop law-suits. Once that is done, the required software for playing your media is needed.

ANTI-VIRUS
This should already be installed on your computer. If not, it is now more important than ever. You can download AVG anti-virus for free at:
http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php
Download and install the software. Make sure that whatever anti-virus you choose, you keep it up to date with the latest definitions (database) and scan regularly.

You can also help stop viruses by switching on the windows XP firewall.
-> Go to “My network places”
-> Select “My network connections” on the left hand side
-> Right click on your internet connection and select “properties”
-> Select the “Advanced” tab and tick the box to enable the firewall.
Further to this, make sure you regularly check Windows Update (http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com)

ANTI-SPYWARE
Spyware and adware (collectively “crapware”) are usually picked up by surfing the internet. It is usually harmless, just monitors what webpages you go to for advertising purposes, although some can use up your computer processing power and some may be used to find out passwords. Many consider it an invasion of privacy. If this doesn’t bother you, then you can skip this stage. However, remember this software for if your internet browser gets hi-jacked with a toolbar or an unchangeable homepage.
Ad-aware is a program scans your computer for crapware and deletes it, much the same as a virus scanner. It can be downloaded free at Lavasoft (http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/)
As with anti-virus, it is important to keep the database up to date.
It is likely that you will find a lot of ad-ware on the first scan. It can also be daunting how quickly the adware comes back. Make sure that you scan regularly.

PREPARE FOR YOUR DOWNLOADS
There are many media players, but the most common for new users is Windows Media Player 9. This can be downloaded from here (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/9series/player.aspx)
To play video files and lots of music files you need additional codecs. This tells the computer how to decode the information in the file so that your media player can play it.
-> Go to K-Lite Codec Packs (http://www.k-litecodecpack.com/)
-> Under “K-Lite Codec Pack”, press “Download”
-> Selecting a mirror under the “full” version and save the file.
-> Once the download is complete, run the file and follow the set-up wizard. When given the option, select "playback only". Remember this option if you plan to encode your own files in the future.

Getting Free Music
Now your computer is prepared you can start downloading. This guide will run you through how to use Ares, as it is simple to use and has all the basic functions.

DOWNLOAD ARES (http://www.aresgalaxy.org/index.html)
Download the file from Download.com (http://download.com.com/redir?pid=10174222&merid=83307&mfgid=83307&edId=3&siteId=4&oId=3000-2166-10174222&ontId=2166&ltype=dl_dlnow&lop=link&destUrl=%2F3001-2166-10174222.html) and save to your harddrive.

INSTALL ARES
When the download is complete, run the file and follow the installation wizard. When given the option, DO NOT install NavHelper. It is spyware. If you accidently install it, it can be removed from Add/Remove Programs.
You can read what NavExcel have to say about their software here (http://www.navexcel.com/live/index.html).

USING ARES
Once installation is complete, Ares will load and connect to the network. A window will pop up asking if you want to enter a user name. Type in whatever you want, or press No and be called Anon#####. It makes no difference, but a screen name is nicer if you plan to use the chat.
Select “Control Panel” at the far right of the toolbar.
Under “General” you can change the screen name you entered at the start. Look through the other options.
Go to the “Transfer” tab. Select where you want to save your music and other files to under "Download folder"
If you already have some media to share, select “Library” on the toolbar. Then select "prefereneces" in the bottom left. Select the "manual configure" tab and tick the folders with the media in.
Press OK. Close and re-open Ares so that these changes take effect.
Press the “Library” button and you will see any media that you selected being hashed. Just let Ares get on with it. If it’s slowing down your computer then wait a while for it to finish. It only needs doing once. Alternatively you can use the "Priority" slider bar to adjust how much resources Ares uses for hashing. Less priority means that you will be able to continue with other tasks, but the hashing will take longer.
Once done or if your computer is running OK, press the “Search” tab.
Type in what you want to find, such as your favourite artist and press search.
Look for the song that you are after and double click it. The more stars the faster it will download, depending on your internet connection speed.
The higher the “Quality” (seen by hovering over the file) the better it will sound, but the larger the file. Some say 128kbits is a good compromise, others say 192kbits. Experiment and decide what is best for you.
To see what you are downloading, select the “Transfer” tab. You will see how much of it you have, how fast you are getting it and an estimate to how long is left.
Under the download section is the upload section. This says how quickly you are uploading your files to others. That’s how p2p works, you all swap music with each other, but with the added bonus that you keep what you pass on.
Once the file is complete you can play it. You can find it in the Ares Library or in the folder that you told Ares to download to (Download Folder in preferences).

Moving On
That’s the end of this introduction to downloading using p2p. Try playing around with the options under search, or editing the details in your library so files are labelled correctly. Try downloading non-music files, such as a TV episode.
Ares is far from the only p2p application. You can see the other applications here:
http://www.zeropaid.com/php/filesharing.php
There are FAQs on the programs in the forums.
If you are in America or Canada, avoiding lawsuits may also be important. Currently there has been no cases involving Ares users, but this is subject to change. Watch the news on the front page and read posts in the forums as knowledge may well be power.
Those not in American or Canada now need to also proceed with caution as there is talk of law-suits in Europe and Australia. So far there has yet to be any cases, so watch the news.
Peerguardian (http://methlabs.org/methlabs.htm) is often quoted as something that may help. It works by blocking IPs belonging to companies that monitor who is uploading what files.
www.Slyck.com also has a beginner’s guide that may be worth reading.
Forums are also useful to keep you up to date about the latest and best media players and other software.

[Greylin]

Once you have researched the information that is contained within this guide and have installed some of or similar programs you should be ready. The filesharing programs are designed to do the work they set up the structure by which info is uploaded/downloaded. The rest is up to you on deciding which programs to use based on your personal preferences. The only thing that might impede transfers would be a firewall, for which you would have to "allow" or grant permission for the program trying to access the net. Hope this helps.

[Malicious Intent]

Thanks Greylin, I've updated. I have decided against including VLC. WMP is already included on most PCs. As much as I gritted my teeth as I typed it, I think that WMP is therefore the simpliest. It also avoids arguments over what other media players to include and explaining how codecs are built into VLC.
Ares isn't the perfect p2p and WMP isn't the perfect media player. In both cases I suggest new users look at other options. New users just want to get on and download. They can think about other things later.

bobdone, as Greylin says, after following my post, you wil be relatively safe. The only thing I will add is to make sure when you are selecting media to share, you only select folders with media you wish to share. Don't share your whole harddrive for example, as sensitive documents may be leaked.

[shawners]

how can they be leaked malicious.?. theres no liquid in my pc.

[Malicious Intent]

Remove the fans.

[skorchedbellend]

i was with you until you got to the bit about Ares. I always thought ares was a bit of a poor mans kazaa. Surely there were better app you could have introduced people too.

[Lord_of_the_Dense]

Thx M.I. - I will refer back to this post when I get my broadband set up this summer.

[Malicious Intent]

i was with you until you got to the bit about Ares. I always thought ares was a bit of a poor mans kazaa. Surely there were better app you could have introduced people too.

Ares has grown up a lot. It isn't perfect, but it is very very simple. Not a lot you can do wrong. I make it clear that newbies should later try other programs, but Ares is excellent for them to find their feet.

[method]

(I'm gonna be hated for thread resurrection today!!)

New PG is in the pipeline and due soon... (Kernal-level blocking, ALL protocols, 0% CPU)

More info... http://methlabs.org/methlabs.htm

Just thought I'd post as I noticed malicious changed the PG link to PW.

[Malicious Intent]

I'll update it straight away. Thanks Method.
I thought that Peerguardian had stopped? Last I heard you were too busy and decided to let PW take over.
So what is the deal?

[method]

PW wasn't an official successor to PG, users were just led to thinking it was!
(I'll let you muse over that one for a bit!!)

PG didn't stop development, it just got open-sourced as I couldn't get time to work on it and now someone has offered the source code for a core that does the blocking properly (and not by screwing with the TCP Table, like the existing PG did).

if u wanna know all the shit that really happened I'll tell you (Malicious) but I won't post it publicly..

I'm just letting people know that PG is still alive and due for a major update soon. ;)

[mp3master1215]

good guide mate!

[Malicious Intent]

Thanks mp3master!

Method - Sorry mate, I haven't exactly helped PG. I thought that you had made the project open source and then quit it. I was sure that it was you who recommended PW as an alternative. That is what I have been telling people. I'm sorry.

See your PM

[Kat_Daley]

I can download music and movies too, but I've been trying desperately to download free college textbooks! I can't afford that insanity-please help! How on earth do I get textbooks??? Thanks! Kat_Daley

[evilmegaman]

I can download music and movies too, but I've been trying desperately to download free college textbooks! I can't afford that insanity-please help! How on earth do I get textbooks??? Thanks! Kat_Daley

Best use for p2p I have ever heard of. I will look into this ok? hopefully I can find something :) I like your thinking!

[evilmegaman]

Ok here's what I got. you can find tons of books and info on p2p. But it's extremely hard to find that particular book you want. I am guessing you may want to try and get a used one.

[shawners]

Malicious out did himself.. taking the time to do this for all the people. I think a link should be posted in the arena of p2p programs to download and try.

[abe1812]

I was just wondering if anyone here using 2 P2P apps at the same time?
Is it even possible and will there some type of conflicts. Im not talking about using Bittirrent and WINMX. I use bittorrent and P2P together all the time. I mean like WINMX and emule running at the same time?

[Malicious Intent]

You should be fine abe1812. Run as many as you want. Your only concern will be that P2P programs use connection speed just to remain connected. If you have lots running, then you will have a lot of overhead.

[maartendc]

Ares for noobs? Excuse me?

I use Ares all the time. It's not because it's simple that it's only for noobs. It just kicks ass. Perfect for music, and good for software and video too.

I find the network better than Edonky, Gnutella, Fasttrack or Bittorrent. Fewer waiting times, faster downloads, better files...

[Malicious Intent]

Thanks Shawners :D

If anyone finds any of my links have gone dead, please let me know. I've just re-read it an it seems the facts are still up to date. Again, this is subject to change, so tell me if you spot anything.

[Malicious Intent]

Ares for noobs? Excuse me?

I use Ares all the time. It's not because it's simple that it's only for noobs. It just kicks ass. Perfect for music, and good for software and video too.

I find the network better than Edonky, Gnutella, Fasttrack or Bittorrent. Fewer waiting times, faster downloads, better files...

Ares is perfect for new users, becuase it is simple. The fact that it is a great program is a bonus! I never said that it is only for n00bs. I don't class myself as a newbie, but I still use it.

Fact is that new users should be made aware that there is a choice. There are plenty of users that will disagree that Ares is the best. Once comfortable with file sharing, new users should try to find if there is anything that they prefer. Since it is a matter of opinion, that is not something we can help them with.

[Allaint]

I can tell from the thread that you folks know what you are doing.

I however am brand new to the P2P environment and am struggling to understand how it works.

I have downloaded ARES and installed it, I am now doing a simple search for some music. I am connected via 512k ADSL so speed should not be an issue, but all the Search screen says is "Performing Search, Please wait..." it has been like that for 10 minutes, am I doing something wrong????

At the bottom of the screen it says 'connecting' which implies that it is not connected??? What do I need to do to establish a connection???

Any advice would be welcome.

[Wolfie]

Sounds like firewall issues to me. Maybe you need to map a port for it.

[Malicious Intent]

Allaint - Ares is having some connection issues at the moment. I was going to put a note in the guide, but without my broadband, I can't regularly check it myself.

Go into control panel and disconnect and connect a few times.

[Malicious Intent]

Hold on - it says "connecting" at the bottom of the screen? It hasn't been there for months! Go to www.aresgalaxy.org and make sure you have the latest version.

Or am I out of date now?

[polymorphyc]

What is a thread process interval? and what should the setting be? for a 2.00 mhz

[srfned]

I think Shareaza is the best P2P on the market right now. It is growing by leaps and bounds, but that's my opinion.

[jssantoyo]

How do you download software applications (e.g. Photoshop)? I use Limewire and I have downloaded songs, but not software. Don't you need like a crack or code or something?

[emarie87]

anyone know a free p2p thats good for windows XP with cable? i already tried imesh (which was good till i had to start paying), emule (wicked complicated), and shareaza (waaay slow).. help.

[Malicious Intent]

Try this thread emarie87:
http://www.zeropaid.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=16026

[torrentman85]

nice work you did here.

[elitee torrent]

hey thnx i have been p2ping for about 3months now but i should take this into consideration thnx

[elitee torrent]

:icon_thum hey thnx i have been p2ping for about 3months now but i should take this into consideration thnx

[elitee torrent]

sry bout the double message

[rick9]

what programs such as pg2 are available with vista?

[jozza321]

thanks for the info

[jazzedup]

I never prepare my PC (no antivirus running in background, spyware/adware removal toos or any firewall). All I have is PeerGuardian2

[yannigaro]

:icon_thum very helpful

[yannigaro]

new to this learning slowly

[yannigaro]

i dont understand this am i posting this publicly or to an individual my last computer was the commadore thats why im so dumb

[yannigaro]

i dont understand this am i posting this publicly or to an individual my last computer was the commadore thats why im so dumb
somebodyanswer please

[NobbyUK]

Personally, i think Winmx is wonderful, good file sharing, great online community, you can see a guide on my site here: Guide to Winmx (http://acid-lounge.com/winmx.php)

[thomasz1]

Yes, I Might Consider This Problem.

[Mels_Smileys45]

Personally, i think Winmx is wonderful, good file sharing, great online community, you can see a guide on my site here: Guide to Winmx (http://acid-lounge.com/winmx.php)


I still enjoy this program too. I dont download much but I like to share things I think are interesting.

[HelenaP]

Yes, I Might Consider This Problem.

I haven't been able to understand any of your posts...

[yannigaro]

yes music isthe soothing of the mind:icon_thum

[lam3r]

if we understood why we wouldnt be asking.