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How To Download a Torrent (Bit Torrent)

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Smartmom's picture
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How to use Bit Torrent / download a torrent?

Well, I get asked often how does one use a torrent site and I'm asked to explain it simply. Yes you can Google and read all about it, but most of the time it's so technical that you still walk away not understanding. So, let me explain some of the general terms first (and I'll add more as I go on).

  • What is Bit Torrent (and what is a torrent "client")?
Well, Bit Torrent is simply a way of transferring files, and all you will need is program that you will install on your computer that allows you to download different "torrents". This program is called a "torrent client". It will allow you to not only download them, but it will also let you share the programs that you have downloaded with others. A torrent client will also let you control the torrent(s). You can decide if you want to share the torrent(s) or it will let you decide when to stop it .
  • What is a Torrent?
A torrent is simply a text file with the file extension of ".torrent", that contains the information on what files to download, where the torrent tracker is, and some other information related to the download. A torrent can contain any number of different types of files, music, movies, games, programs, applications.
  • What is "Seeding"?
Seeding means that you have already downloaded the entire program (movie, game, etc.) and you are letting others download it from you. You are sharing it back with others who are trying to get the same files.
  • What is "Leeching"?
Leeching means that you are downloading and have not completed it 100%.

First you need to pick a Bit Torrent client. There are many different ones out there to choose from. The one I use is "uTorrent", so for the example I will use it here (screen shot).

Once you have installed the Bit Torrent client, then you need to find the torrent that you wish to download. Now there are many different torrent sites both private and public. One of the more popular public torrent sites is "The Pirate Bay" so I will be using that as an example. Other great one's are BTJunkie and ScrapeTorrent.

Browse, or search for, the different torrents till you find the one you want to download. Once you find it then you need to click on "download this torrent". It will save a small file with the file extension ".torrent".

Now one thing you will want to look for is to see how many people are seeding that torrent. The more that seed it, the faster you will download it. As you can see, example 5 is great, however example 4 is bad.

If they list 0 as seeding, then that means no one is sharing, so forget it. Many times you will find multiple downloads for each torrent - you need to see which one has the most seeders. Also read over the torrent to make sure that it is complete - and read the comments that others write. Make sure the torrent is also in the correct format that you are looking for (be it a MP3 or AVI).

After clicking Download this Torrent, it will then pop open a window and ask you if you want to download it with your default bit torrent client (uTorrent), click yes and it will auto start downloading it. You can also Drag n Drop this .torrent file right onto uTorrent to start the download if it didn't auto-start.

When it starts to download you will see what percentage of it is downloaded or "done". You will also see the speed that you are downloading at and the ETA (estimated time of arrival) that you have till it is done. Now mind you that you might see some uploading it as you're downloading it, and that is fine. In the example you can see that 1-3 are downloading. Examples 4 & 5 I am seeding and example 6 & 7 I have finished seeding (I stopped it). Another important thing to look for when starting a download is where it says "Avail.", as long as it's 1.0 or greater, you'll be able ot get the entire download. If it doesn't, you might consider looking for another torrent for the same download.

If you look at the "ratio" on 4-7 you can see how much I have seeded back. Now most private sites have rules regarding seeding (like you have to seed either a 1:1 ratio or 72 hours). Example 7 you can see my ratio for that is 10.465, meaning I gave back 10 times the amount I downloaded, in sharing for that one. I try to at least seed it till I get a 1:1 but alot of times I do more as you can see. Seeding will not slow your computer down however downloading will so don't go download happy.

Once you have finished downloading it's always a good habit to scan it with your anti virus program. Simply right click on the torrent and click on your anti virus in the drop down. After all you are downloading it from strangers, so better safe than sorry.

If torrent sites scare you, and all you want is some free music, then look here at our other tutorials on how to get free music by clicking the links listed below, and then tell all your friends about us! Smile

DISCLAIMER: Are Torrents legal? If the item is copyrighted then no it is not legal to download it. Some sites will tell you that you can as long as you are downloading it as a back up and you own the original. I am not going to tell you that you can or can not download what ever you want to (pirate) however you need to know and understand the laws and the risks. Because of the legality of this thread DO NOT ask questions regarding a torrent that is copyrighted. No asking how to crack a file or how to get serial numbers to register them. Please keep this thread legal - any illegal type of posts will be removed. If you are not sure on whether or not you can ask the question simply PM myself, another moderator or the site admin (Stardogg) your question and we will let you know if it is ok to ask. What you download is your own responsibility to know and understand the laws for your area.

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missb's picture
missb
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Re: How to download a Torrent (Bit Torrent)

Very well written, clear and concise. I can't see the examples because they're x'ed out in work as usual. But I could definitely work this based on your instructions.

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Re: How to download a Torrent (Bit Torrent)

Well I'm glad it was easy to understand. If you need help let me know. Once you get use to torrents you will love them!

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Re: How to download a Torrent (Bit Torrent)

I have been using torrents for a while now and just love them. These are really great instructions!

Smartmom's picture
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Re: How to download a Torrent (Bit Torrent)

Well I get asked alot on how to so I tired. I love torrents. Hey if you love torrents check out this thread: Great DVD player

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Re: How to download a Torrent (Bit Torrent)

I totally agree.........if anyone can put it in lay terms its smartmom..........shes the best!!!

Re: How to download a Torrent (Bit Torrent)

wow.. hey, I think even I can follow these they're very thorough.. thanks Smartmom Smile

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Re: How to download a Torrent (Bit Torrent)

You make me want to go and download Utorrent. I currently have limewire pro, and I feel it takes forever to download torrents, otherwise it usually does well on the download. For example, I've been trying to download Punky Brewster season 1 torrent, and it's taking weeks...Laughing. I know it has to do with how many peoples are leeching vs. the amount that are seeding. Have you used limewire pro?

Smartmom's picture
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Re: How to download a Torrent (Bit Torrent)

I don't use limewire at all. I know to many ppl that have gotten some nasty bugs from there and to many ppl that have said its just not good so I stayed away. I love utorrent and I use many different torrent sites. I tend to stick to private torrent sites. I like private ones better because you don't have the issue of others leeching and running you have to seed or you loose your membership. I know some hate to seed and say what a pain in the butt it is. My computer is on 24/7 and hardly shuts down (not just do to torrents but other things) so for me its no big deal.

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Re: How to download a Torrent (Bit Torrent)

Anyone that is using Limewire ,Kazza or iMesh I suggest deleting it and using Kazza Be Gone to get rid of the spyware it creates the antispyware usually wont detect !

Kazza Be Gone can be can be downloade from MajorGeeks -> Clicky


This program may work on other PSP programs like the other too so if you are having issues with any of them Check this out !

Smartmom's picture
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Re: How to download a Torrent (Bit Torrent)

So why are private torrent sites better? Because they have better seeders and the speeds can be wicked fast at times. I think this is my fastest download yet (at one point it was over 600. KB/s download speed)

How to download a Torrent

When you can download 6.10 GB in under 4 hours that ROCKS! Big Grin

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