How to Open Torrent Files on a Mac

Torrent files are a manner of peer-to-peer file transfer, allowing files to be moved from one computer to another. A file is made available as a seed or torrent, a small downloadable protocol which, when opened, allows the user to download the full file directly from the host computer. Torrents are used to move large amounts of data without the space requirements of large file hosting services. Downloading torrent files on a Mac requires specialized software and some time.

Things You'll Need

• Torrent software such as Tomato Torrent

Instructions

1. First, download and set up your torrent client. Drop the torrent client folder into your applications folder to install.

2. Next, download your torrent file. Torrent files can be found on many Internet sites, such as BitTorrent.

3. Once downloaded, click on your torrent file to open it. The file may automatically detect your torrent program; if it does not, choose the torrent program from a list.

4. Start the download. This will connect you to the peer's computer and copy the file from the host computer to yours. The program may ask you where to save your downloaded content. Allow the file to download.

5. Once the download is complete, the program will continue to run. You are now seeding the file for other users.

Tips & Warnings

• Downloading requires a stable Internet connection.

• Torrent sites may include the number of people "seeding," or hosting, a file. More people seeding indicates a faster download time.

• The legalities of downloaded file material can be a murky area, so if you are in doubt, do not download.

• It is illegal to redistribute copyrighted material via file sharing. Failure to heed this may result in your Internet service provider terminating your contract. You can also be prosecuted.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Tomato Torrent Mac Software
• BitTorrent