New to torrents (and don't want to be a "leech")

[corpusmama]

I have been searching and reading through this forum for hours but still cannot get a clear understanding of how seeding works. I have been downloading torrents, then I let them seed to a ratio of atleast 1.0. I burn the files onto DVDs. Is it safe to now delete the file from my computer? How can I tell if a user is currently uploading from my particular file? I wouldn't want to mess up anyone's upload by deleting the file from my computer.

Example: I'm currently seeding a torrent that's almost to a ratio of 1.0. The Seeds column shows 0(79) and the Peers column shows 15(46). Am I the only seed connected?

Sorry...I am SOOO lost and confused. Please help.

[Ultima]

You're not the only seed connected, so it *most likely* is safe to leave the swarm... Do tell, though: what is the availability for the torrent?

[corpusmama]

The availability right now is 2.997. What does that represent?

[DreadWingKnight]

Availability while seeding shows the number of complete sets of pieces available among peers you're connected to.

An availability greater than 2 (while seeding) is considered healthy.

[corpusmama]

So, I'm assuming then that if my ratio reaches 1.0, and the availability is greater than 2, then it is safe to delete the file from my computer without messing up anyone's uploads. Am I correct?

[DreadWingKnight]

It should be.

You're free to upload more if you wish.