How to Use Torrents

BitTorrent clients use torrent files to find, download and share files on your hard drive with other users over the Internet. Torrent file sharing protocols are different from traditional P2P protocols used by programs such as Limewire and Kazaa, but the end result is the same. You can easily find and download movies, music and software. As with P2P file sharing, there are also a number of security risks involved with torrent-based file sharing. Read on to learn how to use torrents.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Download and install a BitTorrent client. Azureus and µTorrent are probably the most popular, but other options abound. Make sure you settle on a program that uses low system resources, though.

2. Head to a site that lists available torrents. The actual BitTorrent homepage offers a decent selection of downloads, but you'll find a wider variety at large index sites such as Mininova and Torrentreactor.

3. Search the site for the movie, music, picture, book or program you're interested in. Note that many of these are copyrighted and illegal to download.

4. Click on the name of the torrent you want to open its page. Then, click on the torrent's file name to start the download.

5. Wait for your BitTorrent client to load the file and start the download. Make sure you approve any security requests the program makes so it can access the Internet through your network's firewall.

Resources

• Download µTorrent here.
• Download Azureus here.
• Check out the BitTorrent homepage for more information.
• Dive into BitTorrent technical info head first at this site.