Deadly slow download

[Grizzly1]

Hi there, totally new user, ADSL

I started a torrent download, VERY slow speeds of 32 down to 0.2 kbps. Occasionally jumped to 80kbps. Then went "flatline" for over an hour. Another jump of 40, now flatline again. I only have 16.2% of the file after several hours and speed is currently too slow for an ETA. When I do get a burst of speed, it's giving me timeframes several days to several weeks!

I've given it high BW Allocation and shut down everything else using the internet.

Am I doing this right?

Oh, and I keep getting blips of "up speed". I'm downloading. Why should something be uploading?

Any insights very welcomed. I cannot leave my 'puter at home downloading for a week!

BTW, can you "re-start" a file you've started but stopped, at a later date without having to re-download the stuff you got previously?

(Sorry, lots of questions I know!)

[DreadWingKnight]

http://forum.utorrent.com/viewtopic.php?id=15992

[Grizzly1]

I've said from the get-go that I'm new at this. I've already tried reading the instructions and documentation. They're written for people who already have some proficiency at this. for newcomers it's like a foreign language!

Besides, I'd rather deal with people than with cold print on a monitor. It's a non-geek thing! If you don't want to help then rest assured that you haven't!

I understand more about the process and the interface now; but would add a newer more urgent question (And yes, one that the "help" and "FAQ" aren't giving me a sufficient answer to.

If I have to unplug from the internet and go mobile, do I lose everything I've managed to get so far?

Will the torrent stream pick back up where it left off when I re-connect?

(Aimed more at those who might be willing to talk and help)

[DreadWingKnight]

And why are you replying to my signature?