Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Why does no distro utilise BitTorrent to distribute packages? (lemm.ee)

submitted 5 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

55 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Just had this idea pop up in my mind. Instead of relying on volunteers mirroring package repositories all around the world, why not utilise BitTorrent protocol to move at the very least some some load unto the users and thus increase download speeds as well as decrease latency?

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[–] [email protected] 25 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) (1 children)

Most common/relevant/larger distros do that at least for the install/live ISO.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 5 months ago (1 children)

At least Kali and Arch do

[–] [email protected] 9 points 5 months ago (1 children)

Doesn't Arch rely on mirrors to distribute packages?

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[–] [email protected] 41 points 5 months ago

I suspect if this was enabled by default there would be uproar from people annoyed the distro was stealing their bandwidth, and if it were opt-in then very few people would do it.

Windows Update uses peer to peer to distribute updates. It's one of the first things I always disabled.

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