Content

• Steps
• Warning

Downloading torrents is one of the easiest ways to get any file you want. Unfortunately, the nature of torrent transfers is very susceptible to viruses or being found downloading illegal content. If you take some precautions, you can limit your chances of getting infected with viruses and being found downloading copyrighted content.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Preventing viruses

1. 

   Install an antivirus program. A good antivirus program will protect your computer from malicious torrents. Windows comes pre-installed with Windows Defender, which can prevent most viruses. You can enable Windows Defender from the Control Panel as long as no other antivirus program is installed. If you want, you can install a third-party antivirus program like BitDefender or Kaspersky. Whatever your choice, install only one program on your computer.
   • Refer to the anti-virus program installation instructions for more details.

2. 

   
   
   Find torrents with lots of seeders. More seeders means that the torrent is virus free. Because others have checked and found no viruses before proceeding to share. While not completely guaranteed, it can help you narrow down the list. Torrents have many seeders and the download speed will be faster.

3. 

   
   
   Check comments before downloading. This is not an absolute guarantee, but the comments can help you determine if the torrent contains viruses. If you do not see any comments related to the virus then most likely this torrent does not contain viruses. If there are a lot of reviews about viruses, you should not download this torrent.

4. 

   
   
   Avoid files prone to viruses. Do not download program files, such as executables (EXE, BAT) that are most susceptible to viruses. Cracked programs are the most dangerous files you can download through torrents.

5. 

   Join a private torrent community. If you are invited to a private torrent community, you will be less likely to encounter a torrent with a virus. Since these torrents are created and shared by community members, the credibility is higher. Joining this community is a bit difficult because you need to get to know someone in order for them to send you an invitation. The best way is to be active in multiple online communities and make friends with someone who has access to the torrent community. advertisement

Part 2 of 2: Avoid getting caught

1. 

   Find out how torrents connect. When you download a torrent file, your IP address will be visible to everyone sharing the torrent. This is essential for the torrent program to be able to connect with other users, but leaves you vulnerable to detection by organizations that hunt torrenting. Including internet service providers (ISPs) and copyright protection agencies. There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk and prevent your ISP from slowing down your connection.

2. 

   Install PeerBlock. PeerBlock is a program that blocks the IP address of a reputable torrent tracker. The program prevents your computer from connecting to those IP addresses, especially preventing them from participating in your torrent traffic. This is not the best solution as your ISP can still detect you are torrenting. But this is a simple and fast way to reduce the risk of receiving a warning letter from the RIAA or the MPAA.
   • You can download PeerBlock for free from the site. Follow the instructions to install PeerBlock and start it up. The program will run in the background and block connections with notorious IP addresses. Use the "P2P" list from Bluetack for basic torrent protection when first required to set up.

3. 

   Consider using a VPN service. For anonymity when downloading torrents, you can subscribe to a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service. You will pay a few dollars a month but get to surf the web in complete privacy.Your internet service provider (ISP) does not know that you are transmitting torrent data, so it cannot restrict the connection. The organizations tracking your IP address do not see your real IP, so they cannot send reminders.
   • VPN services have some limitations. First, these services are not free, you need to balance the service cost and the benefits it brings. The network speed will drop because the traffic is sent to the VPN server and then transmitted to your computer. Since you connect to the VPN in another country, the network speed will drop significantly. Finally, a VPN service can store records and make it available to law enforcement. However, you can find services that do not keep records.

4. 

   Select and subscribe to a VPN service. There are different VPN services with different prices, structures, and security policies. Remember to read the terms carefully, you should be wary of VPN services that store detailed records. Also, not all VPN services allow torrenting. Here are some popular VPN services, you can find tons of others on Google tool. Avoid using free VPNs and proxies as they are not secure. Many paid VPN services operate outside of the United States because of the laxity of data storage laws.
   • PrivateInternetAccess
   • TorGuard
   • IPVanish
   • IVPN

5. 

   Find VPN connection information. When you sign up for a VPN service, you are provided with connection information. This information includes the VPN server address, username and password. You may need to log into the VPN website to find this information.

6. 

   Open the torrent program. After signing up for a VPN service, you need to continue configuring your torrent program to connect to the VPN.

7. 

   Open the Options or Preferences menu. You can find this option in the Tools or Options menu at the top of your torrent program.

8. 

   Click the "Connection" tab. This tab allows you to adjust connection settings, including adding VPN connection information.

9. 

   Select the VPN type from the "Type" menu, in the "Proxy Server" section. Most VPNs use SOCKS5. Check the VPN connection information if you are unsure.

10. 

    Enter the VPN address and port. You can find connection information when logging into the VPN website. Many VPN services provide different servers for you to connect to, which can increase your internet speed.
    • Don't forget to check the box "Use proxy for peer connections".

11. 

    Start torrent downloads. After you have configured the VPN service, you can begin downloading torrents anonymously. There are no 100% anonymous VPNs, but they can help minimize the risk. advertisement

Warning

• Downloading copyrighted files without the permission of the copyright holder is against the law (unless it's protected by legitimate use).