You download .torrent files, which identify the files you are looking to download and where to get information on who you can download them from. Using an application such as BitTorrent, uTorrent, etc, you can then use the .torrent file to locate and download those chosen files from a number of different peers. It can be a quick way to download large files and spread your work, whatever it may be. However, there are two main issues:
Problem #1: These are usually nameless individuals you're downloading from, not a trusted company. Thus, there is an increased risk of downloading malicious or infected files.
Problem #2: It's estimated that over 90% of all content on P2P and torrent networks is pirated, and therefore illegal to upload or download. Thus, you must investigate the legality of the download before accepting it.
Personally, I'd avoid using torrent networks unless there is a specific file you know is legal, you can't quickly download elsewhere, and you're prepared to scan it thoroughly before executing.
John
What Is Bit Torrent?? If you are somebody that is familiar with my threads, you know that I have been downloading games, many of them are very old. Malware often disables them, and last year they started working again. Then I had to replace my hard drive, and started downloading them again. Then the games, along with the install files, stopped working. I recently added more user accounts, moved all the files and settings, and deleted the account I have been using for several months. And now those files are working again, so I am continuing to download and install the files. And so far there aren't files to download...there are "Torrents". Any more information about these slow annoying inconvienent things?? Is this the new way to download software??
Chowhound
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