The uTorrent program is designed to exchange files using the BitTorrent protocol. Its main advantage, in comparison with other methods of downloading information from the Web, is speed. But with the simultaneous download of several files, it decreases due to the separation of the channel resource between downloads (distributions). The solution to this problem is the serial download function in uTorrent. Let's analyze the question in more detail.
Why do I need to download files sequentially in uTorrent
As the name of the option implies, the program receives the files one by one. This can significantly reduce the download time by connecting all available file sources (seeds) and using the maximum line bandwidth.
If the speed of the latter is high enough (1-5 MB per second), then this will allow you to watch a series or listen to music while downloading. To watch movies, a subfunction is provided - sequential download of file fragments into which distribution is divided.
Ways
There are three methods for how to make a download in turn in uTorrent:
- Increase or decrease priority.
- Limit the number of active downloads.
- Change settings for sequential download.
They differ in complexity and applicability to different types of files.
Method 1: change the priority of downloaded files inside the distribution
This technique is more complicated than others due to the need for frequent monitoring. It is best suited for downloading music, TV shows or collections of games. This measure allows you to increase the speed of obtaining the required files or folders due to its reduction or complete prohibition of downloading other fragments of distribution. The algorithm for this method of sequential loading in uTorrent is as follows:
- Select the desired download.
- In the bottom half of the window, find the “Files” tab and go to it.
- Select the necessary files and call the context menu (right-click).
- Select for them in the Priority submenu the value High. For other files, set the value to "Low" (Low). This measure will allow you to quickly download the necessary data without disabling the remainder of the distribution.
Usage example: when downloading a series, files with the 1st and 2nd series are set to high priority, and the rest are set to low. At the end of the download, the procedure is repeated with the next pair of files. This allows you to watch video and load other fragments in the background.
Also, instead of setting a priority change, you can temporarily prevent a program from loading individual items. To do this, select the “Do not download” item in the same menu.
Method 2: limit the number of simultaneous downloads
This technique is significantly simpler than the previous one, since the function is configured by changing only one value. To enable serial download in uTorrent by this method, you need to perform the following steps:
- Go to the "Program Settings" located in the "Settings" menu in the upper left part of the window.
- In the left half of the window that opens, go to the Queueing subsection.
- In the box next to “Maximum simultaneous downloads”, replace the number 6 with 1.
- Click “Apply” and “OK”.
- Restart the torrent client.
This method is best used for those files that cannot work on their own. For example, games, programs, images of operating systems or archives with any information.
The order of downloads is determined by the order in which they are added to the list. The number in the queue is indicated in the “No.” column. If it is missing, you can add it by right-clicking on the column names (RMB) and select the required column in the list that opens.
To change the order in the download queue, do the following:
- Select the distribution of interest and call its context menu.
- In the list of commands, select "Up in line."
- Repeat step 2 until the desired result is achieved.
Method 3: change program settings
This technique is no more complicated than the previous one, since you can enable serial loading in uTorrent with a few clicks. The algorithm is as follows:
- Hold down the Shift and F2 keys.
- Keeping the buttons pressed, go to the "Program Settings" and go to the "Advanced" section.
- Find 2 lines in the list on the right side of the window: bt.sequential_download and bt.sequential_files.
- Select them and change the values by moving the checkbox at the bottom of the window to “Yes”.
These parameters directly affect the order of downloads. For example, the bt.sequential_download parameter causes the program to download fragments of files one by one, and not as soon as available, as provided in the protocol. The phrase bt.sequential_files acts in a similar way, but already the files are downloaded sequentially.
Since files in uTorrent are transferred between participants, you need to use this method carefully. In distributions where there are few seeds (owners of all files) and peers (participants), it is better to disable these functions. Otherwise, when the sid is turned off, the download may be stuck by 98-99%.
Serial loading in uTorrent is undeniably a useful feature. It can significantly reduce the download time of files. In addition, it gives you the opportunity to watch movies, TV shows during their download or evaluate the music until the album is fully downloaded.