How to Download / Use Torrents

You've seen and heard the buzz; maybe from a co-worker, an online buddy, or a close friend -- Everyone's downloading torrents these days.

So what is it? Put simply it's a way for many people to share files with each other without storing those files on any particular website. If you're still confused don't worry, it has its advantages. Just know that it's one way to download a lot of content.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Basic Web Searching Capabilities
• A Bittorrent Client

1. 
    
   Results of a Quick Search for bittorrent client

   ~ Download a Bittorrent Client
   
   Let's search for one! http://lmgtfy.com/?q=bittorrent+client
   
   At the time of this writing I recommend using uTorrent. It's easy to install and use. There are also many others like BitTorrent, Vuze (formerly Azureus), BitTornado, and Deluge to name a few. Try more than one to see which one(s) you prefer.

2. ~ Download Torrents ~
   
   Once you've installed the bittorrent client of your choice you're ready to start downloading torrents. There are many torrent sites available to pick from these days. Just type whatever you're looking for into their search engines and get downloading if they have it. Here is a short list (feel free to Google them) of some of the more popular sites:
   
   * The Pirate Bay
   * Mininova
   * Demonoid
   * IsoHunt
   * btjunkie

3. ~ Use the Torrent ~
   
   Well you've downloaded what you're looking for now you just need to run / listen / watch / use it. By default most bittorrent clients save the files to your downloads folder in your personal folder (My Documents on Windows XP and lower). Simply navigate to the folder and do your business!

Tips & Warnings

• It's common courtesy to continue seeding (uploading) a file even after you've completed the download. This way other people can continue to download from you.
• Some private torrent web sites track how much you download compared to how much you upload (this is called your ratio), and if you download much more than you upload you may get your account temporarily or permanently banned.

Resources

• Web Search for a Bittorrent Client
• Use Firefox to Browse Safely
• Remove Spyware / Adware for Free