A torrent file supplies information a compatible client can use to locate peers and exchange a particular file. The original article introduced that idea before discussing the sites people used to find torrent metadata in 2008.
What the original ranking covered
The source attributed its list of popular sites to TorrentFreak. It focused on visits, growth and the legal or operational events surrounding the sites during that period. Popularity was the subject; it was not a guarantee of file quality, safety or permission.
The names preserved in the archive
- The Pirate Bay: placed first in the account, which discussed attempted access blocks and its fifth anniversary.
- Mininova: described as the previous year's leader and now second, with very large download totals quoted by the source.
- isoHunt: discussed in relation to legal proceedings, a Jamendo association and SSL support.
- TorrentReactor: presented as gaining visits after a 2008 redesign and adding a privacy-related service.
- Demonoid: described as returning in April after earlier disruption.
- BTjunkie: said to have operated more steadily after legal problems in the Netherlands the previous year.
- SumoTorrent: described as building on growth from 2007.
- BTmon: expanded as BitTorrentMonster and described as moving up one position.
- TorrentPortal: presented as having relatively steady traffic and limited growth.
Why the historical label matters
The original headline promised ten sites, but the surviving article names nine. This edition does not invent a missing entry. It also avoids linking those old names as though they formed a current directory.
The source made broad claims about SSL and anonymity. Encrypted access to a website does not by itself make every aspect of P2P activity anonymous. Those old assurances are not retained as advice.
BitTorrent and eMule
BitTorrent and eMule use different protocols and clients. Knowing how one works does not mean its metadata or settings can be transferred directly to the other. The useful common principle is to separate finding a file from verifying its contents and obtaining permission to share it.
For eMule's own identifiers and shared-folder settings, use the file-checking guide.