In response to a number of requests, here’s everything you need to know to get started with downloading using Bittorrent.
A lot of people get put off using torrents because they think it’s too complicated, but the fact is you can get going with fairly limited knowledge. As you build up a greater understanding you’ll be in a position to play with certain software settings, but this certainly isn’t necessary early on.
Starting off
The first thing to do is to read the Beginners Guide to Bittorrents article over at Lifehacker. A few points to add to this :
- Software : The Opera browser has Bittorrent support built in meaning you can click a Bittorrent link and treat it just like a regular download. As a result, using Opera is by far the easiest way to get started. If you choose to go down the dedicated software route, personally I use Azureus even on a Windows platform, but uTorrent is easier to use when you’re just starting out.
- Torrent Sites : Mininova is the best overall site with 2.6 Billion torrent downloads to date. Just select category from the dropdown at the top and away you go. Isohunt is good for searching for files you can’t find on Mininova.
- Selecting a torrent : A lot of files will be listed more than once. The best bet is to go with the one with the most seeds and peers. Have a quick read of any comments to help avoid incomplete or mislabeled files. As you use torrents more frequently you’ll also start to recognise words in the torrent name which represent who published it, like LOL and axxo.
- Routers : If you use a router you may find that the port used for torrents is blocked. Read the router manual for instruction on unblocking and check the torrent software guide.
- How long does it take to download? A lot depends on how ‘current’ the content is. The more popular it is, the faster it will download. Be patient though, downloads tend to start slow and speed up.
- Is it legal ? It depends what you’re downloading, and what the laws are in the country you’re in. Whilst getting a Cease & Desist order from a federal judge would do wonders for this blog’s notoriety, it probably isn’t much fun. So I should point out that downloading things like Prison Break Season 1 or Season 2 is naughty.
- Is it safe ? It’s no more or less safe than downloading anything on the Internet. It’s just a method for doing it. So the same rules apply – don’t download .exe files if you’re not confident they’re legitimate etc.
There will be at least one followup article, on the additional software to improve your experience, but this covers all the basics you need to get downloading.
