How to Download Torrents

Overview on how to download using torrents:

1. Download and install a torrent application program like UTorrent

2. Search and download the torrent files from websites like isohunt or thepiratebay or indexes like Torrentz)
3. Open the torrent files which then will start download the desired files

4. Play/Install/Burn - watch, listen or run the completed files from torrents and enjoy!

1. In order to download files using torrents, first you will need a torrent client program, this will allow you to download the actual files you want. There are many different types with different names sizes and shapes - but they all do essentially the same thing, I prefer UTorrent because it’s fast, customizable and light. UPDATE: there is a download for mac as well found HERE.

2. Once you download and install the program on your computer, you may need to configure the program and set setting; such as directories for completed downloads and port numbers that your router uses.

Since I use utorrent the download directory defaults to "My Documents" >"Downloads" in windows XP systems. Port numbers are random and you may need to forward them in your router but my configuration works without this so I generally don't have to do anything except reduce the amount of active downloads in the Options>Preferences>Queueing. And you may like the program not to start when windows starts - this is done in the general options>preferences.

Now you can start downloading torrent files - normally having an extension of .torrent at the end of the filename (i.e. filename.torrent).

For our example "StealThisFilm.torrent" (can be found here) would be the filename, this will be a very small binary file; meaning it doesn't contain anything except special information for the torrent client program itself. That will open with your torrent program automatically (if it isn't already open) and will start download the desired file (i.e. movie or video clip, song or album, software or CD/DVD image etc.)

To find more of these torrents you can search various sites, such as isohunt, thepiratebay or indexing sites such as Torrentz, also you can get them from specific sites of products; like StealThisFilm which is a documentary or CentOS which is a Linux operating system distribution.

After the torrent file has been opened the torrent application will start downloading the file, the time will vary depending on file popularity, size and of course your connection/computer speed. When complete the file will be saved where you choose to or in a default directory under My Documents>Downloads (C:\Documents and Settings\Username\My Documents\Downloads).

Let's review on how to download using torrents:

1. Download and install a torrent program (like UTorrent)
2. Search and download the torrent files from websites (like isohunt or thepiratebay)
3. Open the torrent files which then will start download the desired file

4. Play/Install/Burn completed torrents and enjoy!