Yahoo Web Search

Download a torrent client. Torrent files are opened in a torrent client, and don't actually contain the file you want. Instead, it points you to other users who are sharing that file. The torrent client manages connections and downloads the file for you. It's always important to download a legitimate torrent client to keep your computer safe. Popular torrent clients include:

qBittorrent (Windows, Mac, and Linux) - qbittorrent.org

Deluge (Windows, Mac, Linux) - deluge-torrent.org

Transmission (Mac and Linux) - tansmissionbt.com

uTorrent (Windows and Mac) - utorrent.com

Install the torrent client. The installation process will vary depending on your system. Typically you just need to double-click the setup file and follow the prompts to install. Be aware that if you're installing uTorrent, it will try to install extra software during installation. Read each screen carefully and decline any extra offers.

Visit a torrent tracking site. Torrent trackers are listing services for torrent files. They will tell you how many people are sharing the torrent file. They also provide the torrent file to load into your client. Because of their dubious legality, torrent sites change on a regular basis. Oftentimes, the site will keep the same name but change domains. It is highly recommended that you use an ad-blocking extension when visiting torrent trackers. Some of the more popular public torrent trackers include:

Search for the file you want to download. Most torrent trackers offer many different types of files. You can find programs, games, movies, television shows, music, and more. It is illegal in most areas to download content that you do not own.

Find your downloaded file. Your finished file (s) can be found in the folder you set when setting up your torrent client. For most clients, the default is your Downloads folder. Many torrents will create their own folder after downloading. Some will download as single files.

Examine the extension. Torrents allow you to download any type of file. Different files will require different programs. The extension or file type can help you determine what program to use.

Run EXE files to install programs. EXE files are Windows executable files. Double-click an EXE file to run it. Take extreme caution when running EXE files downloaded through torrents. This is the main way that viruses are transferred.

Open MKV, MP4, and other video files in a universal video player. MKV is one of the most popular video formats. It can easily include multiple audio tracks and subtitles in one file. To play MKV, MP4, or virtually any other video format, install the free VLC Media Player ( www.videolan.org) or MPC-HC ( mpc-hc.org ). If you're using Linux, there's a good chance that VLC is already installed.

Scan the files for viruses. Most virus scanners run automatically, and will attempt to detect viruses in new files. Still, you should run a virus scan on your downloaded files, especially EXE or BAT files. These are the most common formats for sending viruses.

Click here for a guide on installing an antivirus program.

Only download highly-rated torrents from trusted websites. Nearly all torrent trackers have a rating system that allows users to apply a rating to the torrent file. Use these ratings to your advantage; if 1000 people have rated a torrent highly and only a few have rated it poorly, it is likely virus-free.

Be sure to check the comments section for the torrent as well. Oftentimes, users will report problems with the torrent in this section. This is another good way to check for potential viruses.