Microsoft is now leveraging the benefits of peer-to-peer or BitTorrent-style distribution for its upcoming Windows 10 to potentially help making the updating and downloading process easy and less agonizing. This new option allows users to enable "updates from more than one place," with the ability to download apps and OS updates from multiple sources.
The Verge reported a leaked build of Windows 10 indicating Microsoft will use peer-to-peer technology for its Windows Update.
In the past, Microsoft has invested heavily in its own Windows Update servers, which steer clear from patches to home and business users. But it seems very limited. Thus, peer-to-peer or BitTorrent-style distribution is seen to be the best option to speed up Windows updates and ease of delivery.
According to the same report, the downloading apps and updates enable user to download "from multiple sources to get them more quickly." They can then choose to get apps and updates from other PCs on a local network, and from other computers on the Internet.
In the same note above, the use of peer-to-peer distribution could possibly help Torrents and other file-sharing sites in downloading apps and updates.
As reported, P2P technology - the center of BitTorrent - lets a user get parts of a file, such songs or videos, or even software, from various sources such as a local network, and other computers on the Internet. In turn, he or she can share what one already has with other peers.
However, Geek debunked that Microsoft is not fully embracing the torrent, after it has added peer-to-peer update and app delivery to Windows 10. However, this functionality will be reserved for Windows Update and the Windows Store app.
The Verge also noted that Microsoft in 2013 acquired Pando Networks, whose peer-to-peer file sharing technology is similar to BitTorrent. Aside from Microsoft, it was previously reported that Facebook has used BitTorrent system to deploy across its thousand of servers.
Microsoft has not commented on the leak or the planned feature, and neither has the functionality arrived in the public Windows 10 Technology Preview.
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