Even if you dont care about how BitTorrent works (you should!
First, lets talk techbriefly, we promise.
What is BitTorrent?
BitTorrent is not a program.
Its a method of downloading files using a distributed peer-to-peer file sharing system.
The programs that you use to download files via the BitTorrentprotocolare called BitTorrent clients.
If youre still confused, lets try a simpler approach.
There are many BitTorrent clients to pick frommany.
(Incredibly popular client, andveryeasy to use.)
Tixati Windows (simpleandskinnable!)
The torrent filedoes not contain your files.
This information is a group of files that includes names, sizes, and folder structure.
Along with information about files, a .torrent file also contains a list of trackers.
You canalsouse whats called a magnet link to kick off a BitTorrent download.
Where do you find torrents?
Heres where we get into an ethical gray area.
Lets get real for a minute: Most people use BitTorrent to download copyright material.
No matter how much we kid ourselves that were all downloading Linux distributions andscreensavers, piracy and BitTorrentgo hand-in-hand.
You might ultimately end up BitTorrenting a file that isnt what you expected in the slightest.
Or, worse, malware.
Its not that hard to find great websites that listall kindsof torrentsyou might be interested in.
Its also not very hard to find websitethat list these kinds of websites.
Whatever your BitTorrent pleasure, I recommend you treat this with care.
When in doubt, aim for torrents that have lots of seeders.
Easy enough, right?
Should you use a VPN?If everything youre downloading is legal, youre fine.
Do not use a free VPN.
Pay fora great VPNthat will hide whatever it is youre doing.
If youre seeding files all the time, you could be impacting your own connection performance.
And when youve hit that point for a torrent youve downloaded, delete it from your BitTorrent client.
(Customizing where your clients downloads torrents makes it easier to not forget this step.)
This story was originally published on 8/3/07 and was updated on 7/11/19 to provide more thorough and current information.
