Help with torrents
 

I can't seem to understand torrents. So... correct me if I'm wrong.

A torrent client is the way you basically "open" torrent files, and you seed it. Um, then you get all the files. So, let's say I go to The Pirate Bay. With a torrent client, perhaps... Azureus? I just need help, as I am VERY confused.:confused:

No.

we don't talk warez here so be cautious how you frame your questions.

all the information is explained here
http://www.zeropaid.com/bittorrent/

it's super simple.

your torrent software just opens a torrent file that knows where to get the stuff from.
so lets say you download "movie.avi.torrent" from torrent.com, then you just open that with your torrentSoftware and you're set.

just make sure that the torrent website posts the seeder and make sure it's a good number. seeders = people with the file that are sharing it.

If you have utorrent, activate the Availability tab. it will show you how many exact full copies exist. 1 or more like 45.23 = good. under 1 and you're not gonna download it.

**DISCLAIMER** Do not use torrent apps to download warez/pirated stuff. **/DISCLAIMER**

First, check out µtorrent, it's a good light-weight torrent client.

Second, be sure the sites you are getting your torrent files from show the seed/leech count and allow users to comment on the files. Many bad files (viruses, phony music/videos, bad data, et cetera) will be noted by regular users if the site allows it. It's a good way to judge which torrents are worth getting.

Otherwise, you have it pretty much right. You download a .torrent file, which basically has a marker for the file you want and a list of trackers that keep tabs on what IP address has what files available. When you load the file on your bt client, it goes out to those trackers with the file you requested and starts downloading from IPs that it knows are connected and have it available. Once you've downloaded a certain amount, you then begin seeding your completed portions while you download the rest.

FYI, it's considered in good taste to at least seed the file until you have uploaded as much as you downloaded (MB for MB, GB for GB) or more. Otherwise you are a "leecher" and it's frowned upon.

Thanks! I downloaded Azureus/Vuze instead of utorrent, 'cause utorrent is for Windows, and I have mac. It's really simple now.:)

hmmph. I've tried before and got frustrated. downloaded and installed Azures and went to bit torrent. But nothing happened. I didn't know how to search/download and play the movies.


so I'll give cynthetiq's link a try as I need to get BSG season 4 ....

Mininova : The ultimate BitTorrent source! is good. Also btdig.com • Torrent search engine, and of course Download music, movies, games, software! The Pirate Bay - The world's largest BitTorrent tracker. Just make damn sure you have a good antivirus app running. Also, always check file size. Example: You want to download a movie and the file size is 100KB, probably either a virus or spyware. PM me if you need any more help.
-----Added 26/8/2008 at 10 : 15 : 33-----
I certainly didn't type those addresses like that. Hope it's ok. Weird.

Many people, including me, prefer Transmission on the Mac.