DC can be confusing to the beginner. Each hub has its own set of rules, and there's no standard. Some hubs have a minimum share limit, some don't, some allow only MP3s, some allow no MP3s (only lossless audio formats like SHN), some allow movies, some don't, etc... And if you happen to join a hub you're unfamiliar with, if you are not following the strictly enforced rules you may get banned. It can be very frustrating. Still, there are a lot of hubs around that are pretty lenient as far as rules.
To get started with DC, first off, make sure you are using the latest version of "DC++". Many hubs require that you use this version instead of the regular DirectConnect software. You can download DC++ here.
Now, it doesn't come with a public hub list, which is an essential element to using DC. It's a huge list of all the active hubs. Without hubs to connect to, the software isn't too useful. There are a ton of different hub lists available on the web, but some of them aren't up to date or very good.
The best hub list I've found is available from the site Imperialnet.org. In order to obtain the hublist here you have to register with them and send your email address. In return you will receive an email with the URL for the hub list. Click here to register and obtain the hub list.
Once you have DC++ installed and you have the hub list URL, go to File > Settings and click on the "Dowloads" tab at the top. At the bottom of this window, you will see a box that says "Public Hubs list URL". In this box, paste the URL you recieved in the email from Imperialnet.org.
Next, close the settings window to get back to the main window. Click on the "Public Hubs'" icon (it's the icon of a computer monitor farthest to the left under the yellow star). You should have a huge list of hubs come up.
If you are able to see the hub list, you are on your way... Make sure you look at the descriptions of the hubs before connecting - they typically tell you if there's a minimum share limit and any important rules about the hub you'll need to know there. You'll notice a lot of hubs have minimum share limits - typically, it's like 15 gigs, 25 gigs, 30 gigs, or 40 gigs. Some have ridiculously high share minimums, and I don't bother with those (I share around 25 gigs myself).
Another important thing you should know is about active and passive modes. If you are behind a firewall or using a router, you will want to be in "passive" mode. Go to File > Settings and under Connection Settings make sure the circle next to "passive mode" is filled. If you are behind a firewall and connect as active, you won't be able to downloading anything. However, if you are in passive mode, you won't be able to download from other users in passive mode, only those in active mode (this is what I do since I'm using a router and I can't figure out port forwarding which would let me connect active). You can still get a ton of stuff in passive mode, since most people are in active. If you are unsure about the firewall, connect in active mode. If you can't download anybody's list then disconnect and try passive.
Once you are able to get on, remember that the "Search" button is your friend. It will help you find stuff very easily as opposed to just downloading everyone's list without knowing what they have. It automatically searches all of the users share lists on all of the hubs you are on. Here are a few good hubs that I frequent to start you off with:
progressive-hub.dynu.com (progressive rock related MP3s)
24.243.219.13 (Ultimatemetal hub - hard rock/metal MP3s)
metal.no-ip.info (Swedish MetalManiacs :)
andoz.no-ip.com (miscellaneous)
NYChangout.no-ip.com (miscellaneous)
If you are interested in complete bootlegs in SHN format from bands, check these out (they only allow sharing SHNs):
server.tldsystems.com (a LOT of Rush)
www.shnshare.org (a lot of "jam bands" like Phish, the Dead, etc.)
If you can figure out how to use DC, it will be an invaluable resource for downloading tons and tons of stuff! If you have any more questions, feel free to email me.
