Okay first, check your things at the door, I'm hoping those who read this know or have an understanding on Bittorrent and 'torrenting'; if not please do some reading on those first...
I will try my best to tackle the most common questions, but I know I won't get them all ^-^;
1. What is it exactly?
A seedbox is pretty much a dedicated server with a bittorrent client on a 100mbit/s connection
(100Mbit/s equals about 12.5MByte/s). They can come in either Semidedi or Dedicated
2. What is a Dedicated exactly?
Dedicated (or sometimes Dedi for short) is well a personal server for 1 person and 1 person only. Depending on the seedbox provider, the person can make accounts so their friends can have access to it
3. What is a Semidedi?
Semidedi is short for Semi-Dedicated, another name could be Shared.
With these it isn't just to one person, most I've seen is 4 people.
3-1. If Semidedi is shared between a few people does that mean they can see what I have?
No, no one can see what the others are downloading or uploading at any given time, heck no one even knows who the other people are.
3-2. Since Semidedi are infact shared between a few people are speeds a bit worse on these?
Again not really, at least for me I've never noticed bad speeds unless it was just a bad torrent, as I've always managed to get 1.0MB/s download AND upload.
4. Can these be used on private and public trackers/sites?
Yes they can, it doesn't matter where, though seedboxes are more generally used on private ones since there's that whole 'ratio' thing involved (I won't go into what a ratio is here..but if someone wants thread/topic on Private Trackers I can)
So far, there's only been one place where I can't seem to get my box to work, however I'm too lazy to contact the proper people there to resolve it.
5. How does one access their seedbox?
Most commonly one accesses their seedbox through the web on a HTTPS connection, and the seedbox provider normally has a few ways to manage the torrents especially if it's rTorrent being run on the box.
However, I have heard that some seedbox providers may provide a VNC or similar on the box if it is Windows-based
6. Okay then, how does one download files from their seedbox?
There are two main ways:
a. Through a HTTPS connection in your webbrowser
b. Through a Secure FTP connection which is the recommended way (at least I really really like it)
I, myself, am able to max my download speed through both but I prefer FTP since I can queue stuff up and such.
7. If my ISP throttles torrents, is this a good way around that?
In my opinion it is, because you'd be getting your files via FTP or HTTP which I've yet to see an ISP throttle. However it is no way around the bandwitdh cap...unless you never grab your torrents from your box haha.
8. Okay...something this good can't be free...so how cheap can a seedbox be?
You are correct to assume so, since you are renting out a server. The cheapest I've seen (at least from my provider) is $4.95 for a week...in my opinion that is a good deal if you wanna check out seedboxes.
Of course, the cheaper you go the more restrictions you'll get on the seedbox...
Like for example that 4.95 one lets see what you get....
Active Torrents* - 3
HDD Space - 20 Gb
Web Interface - Custom Torrentflux-b4rt
Compared to what you can get out there...that right there isn't much if you plan to be a continual seedbox user but again that is good for trying it out.
9. Is this how I can get such awesome speeds on AnCo^2's torrents?
Yes, I make sure I get the required files onto the box before the torrent is released, so to make sure all of you damned leechers get the best speeds. (however Mindie also contributes with his speeds xP)
10. So, which one does Jun/John/Johnny5 prefer and recommend?
Well I've only used one seedbox provider but so far I've been loving it.
Xirvik.com
They have:
TorrentFlux-b4rt shared servers
rtorrent semidedis and shared
dedi servers 2010 plans (they also have 2009 plans...but it's no longer 2009 so they don't have those in stock of course)
and a limited offer called German Power semidedicated
10.1 Which one does Jun/John/Johnny5 use from Xirvik?
I use the Semidedi ExtraLarge seedbox which is 29.95/month and worth it.
EX. This isn't really a question but more just me begging T-T
The seedbox anco uses is mainly funded via donation...so if one or more of you could be so kind as to donate a few dollars here or there that would be great...
Some more resources:
FileShareFreak - 10 Reasons Why You Need a SeedboxFSF Seedbox Review Part 1FSF Seedbox Review Part 2FSF Seedbox Review Part 3FSF Seedbox Review Part 4FSF Seedbox Review Part 5These are all the questions I could think of, if anyone wants me to expand on any (or correct some error I made) just say so. Also if anyone has a question on something else pertaining to seedboxes feel free to ask.
And here's a few screenies from my box
