If you would like, feel free to use whatever DC client software you prefer, however, the only instructions for connecting to the hub are those listed below. Beyond that, you're on your own, or you can request assistance through email.
Download and Installation
The client we recommend is ShakesPeer, which requires Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger or later. It is available for download on the right sidebar.
After the download is complete, OS X will automatically mount the .dmg file which will open up the ShakesPeer application folder. Open the system's application folder and drag the ShakesPeer icon into the system's application folder.
Software Setup
To run the software, open the "Applications" folder and select "ShakesPeer" from the list. When the software is run for the first time, you will have to do the initial configuration. The preferences can be accessed by selecting the "ShakesPeer" menu and selecting "Preferences".
ShakesPeer > Preferences > Identity
You are required to enter your Nick, which you chose when registering; include the [UMN]. Feel free to enter a description of yourself, your shares, or something else. You do not need to input anything for "Email address" or "File description" to continue. The connection type can be anything since it will not have any impact on your downloads or uploads.
ShakesPeer > Preferences > Share
Click "Share" near the top of the Preferences window, and here you will set your download folder and what you share.
Make sure to choose locations that exist for both your incomplete and downloads folder. If you do not, you will not be able to download anything.
To share folders, press the '+' button near the bottom to add as many folders as you want to share. Let the files hash, and they will be ready on your computer for other users to download.
Near the bottom of the window, be sure "Upload slots" near the bottom displays at least 2 with "per connected hub" selected.
ShakesPeer > Preferences > Network
While still in Preferences, select "Network" from the top. Be sure "Active mode" from the "Connection mode" drop down menu is selected. The default port number 1412 works fine as it is, and make sure "Detect Automatically" is checked for the IP address.
(If you are behind a router, stuff breaks, and I don't know what to do yet, check for help elsewhere.)
----------------------------------------------THIS SECTION IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION----------------------------------------------
If you find any part vague or you misunderstand any parts, please email help@umnp2p.com detailing the problem as much as possible.
----------------------------------------------THIS SECTION IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION----------------------------------------------
Automatically Connect
While in the ShakesPeer window, click "Bookmarks" at the left sidebar. Add a bookmark by clicking the '+' button near the bottom. In the window marked "Edit a bookmark" copy the following information from your registration email (everything after what is listed in the parentheses) into the following fields:
Name: UMN Hub (or anything you want)
Address: (The hub address is: ... )
Nickname: (Your username is: ...Include the [UMN] here)
Password: (Your password is: ... )
It is recommended to copy and paste your password into the "Password" field, as passwords are case-sensitive. Be sure not to copy extraneous spaces. Check "Connect at launch" to automatically connect to the hub when ShakesPeer starts.
You can connect at anytime by double-clicking the bookmark you just made, "UMN Hub" (or whatever you chose).
Check out the FAQ if you encounter any problems or if you are new to ShakesPeer. The FAQ will tell you how to search, share, and download items from the hub.