Dtella is a distributed peer-to-peer file sharing network that is specifically designed for use on low-latency networks like college campuses. Traffic is restricted to the Virginia Tech network, so it's safer than BitTorrent and doesn't count towards your upload cap.

Getting set up to use the network is pretty easy, but it requires a bit of work. Don't worry though, you'll only need to follow these directions once. After that, connecting is as simple as starting your Direct Connect client.

If you have used Dtella@VirginiaTech in the past, an update is required for Spring 2012. Older versions will no longer work correctly.

1. Install Dtella

First, you'll need a Dtella helper program that will run in the background on your computer. Select the right one for your computer below.

After the download is finished, just run the installer and it will guide you through the rest. Make sure you check the option to run Dtella at startup; this way, you won't have to remember to start it whenever you want to share files.

If you're running Arch Linux, you can use this init script to run it as a daemon.

If you're running Windows, you can check out an instructional video on YouTube.

2. Install a Direct Connect client

You'll also need a Direct Connect client. This is what you'll actually use to share and download files. You can use any Direct Connect client compatible with what's called NMDC, but here are some we recommend:

After the download is finished, follow the installation directions specific to your client. For Windows and Mac, it's as simple as just running the installer.

3. Set up Direct Connect

Go ahead and run the Direct Connect client you just finished installing. For Windows users, it should be in your Start Menu.

You'll need to configure a few settings before you can connect to the hub. Go to File > Settings and fill out the "Nick" field; this will be your username on the hub. An email address is recommended, but not required. Also, next to "Line Speed," make sure to select 100 from the dropdown.

Now, you need to add some files to share. In the same settings window, click on "Sharing" along the left side of the window. We ask that you share at least 2 GB of files, but you will not be able to join the network until you share at least 256 MB. You can share whatever you'd like, but do not keep private files in this folder, since everyone on the hub will be able to download them. Also, you should share the folder in which your direct connect client stores completed downloads.

Click "OK" to close out of the settings window.

Click the gold star along the top (in the toolbar) click the "New" button and type in Dtella@VirginiaTech for the name. Next, you'll need the address. It is 127.0.0.1:7314. After that, click "OK" to close the window.

4. Connect

Now, click "Connect" to connect to the hub. You should see a chat window on the left and a list of connected users on the right. To download files, you can either use the search feature or right click on individual uses to browse the files they have shared.

Note: You will probably need to forward at least one UDP port and one TCP port on your router and/or firewall. Check out the Router Setup Guide on the Dtella wiki for help.



Troubleshooting

If you run into any snags, you can check out the Dtella tutorials. Those tutorials are for the Purdue version of Dtella, but (with the exception of the download location) setting up Dtella@VirginiaTech is identical.