To make it clear, torrent is a file-sharing protocol that is based on peer-to-peer sharing (P2P), in the end, it allows users to download files and content without depending on a fixed source. Believe it or not torrent is very popular among Internet users who are mostly looking to download stuff. 3.35% of the total Internet traffic is dedicated to BitTorrent. Not only that but its monthly traffic reaches 250 million people. The more users are, the faster the exchange rate will be since torrent is where users exchange content with each other.
What is torrent exactly?
In the simplest possible explanation, we can consider the torrent itself as a type of file that contains information about the files and folders you want to download. For example, if you want to download the latest version of the Ubuntu operating system, the Ubuntu torrent file contains information about the files and folders you need to download Ubuntu. In addition, the torrent file also includes information about where to receive the files and the relevant folders.
Other information that is present in a multi-kilobyte torrent file is the hash values that are used to verify the information of a file.
The ability to download large files and manage them is one of the best advantages that users get by using torrents. Much free software that makes it possible for users to download torrents have its advantages and benefits that make each of them acceptable and attractive for a specific group of users.
When downloading large files normally, being dependent on a single host or server causes download speed and instability; But free torrent software can receive the same fable in several parts from the owners of that file all over the virtual space and make it available for users to download. The use of this method will be associated with a faster download speed, and all tasks of receiving and connecting different parts of the file are easily done by the software itself.
Torrent Terms and concepts
Before we enter the fascinating world of torrenting, it is better to get acquainted with some of its terms. These terms are used in torrenting software, forums, and groups, and knowing them helps the user experience.
- Indexers: Indexers are websites that collect torrent files and function like a content search engine. Services such as Pirate Bay, Extratorrent, and RarBG are included in this category.
- Trackers: Trackers are servers that act as a bridge between torrent users. When you upload or download a file, these servers streamline and structure the entire process.
- Torrent Client: The client refers to software that is used to connect to torrents. After connecting with the help of these clients, you can download files and connect the files downloaded by yourself. A Torrent client or software can be considered a bridge that takes over the task of transferring a file from one system to another. Without having a torrent client, you cannot download any torrent file. Currently, BitTorrent is the most well-known client available, on which the uTorrent client is built for the BitTorrent protocol. Some of the top torrent clients include Deluge, uTorrent, and Transmission.
- Seeders: People who upload a file to a torrent network are known as seeders. The important point for normal users is that it is better to keep the downloaded files inside the client so that they also remain active in the network as a seeder of that file. In short, you cannot download a file on the torrent network without siders.
- Leechers: Leechers are people who download a file without seeding it. This is an unethical operation in the torrent network. These people have received their desired file but do not allow another person to download a file from their side. Leechers take the file they want from others but do not return anything.
- Ratio: The rate of upload (seed) to download (leach) of each user is determined by Ratio. The ideal ratio for downloading any file should be more than 1.0. This means you are uploading as much as you are downloading.
- Magnet link: In addition to making it possible to download the file, these links specify other resources and files and allow your client to download them quickly.
- Peer: Peer is someone who has only parts or bytes of a file that you are trying to download and has not yet managed to download the full volume of that file. As soon as you start downloading a torrent file, you have become an old person with bytes or parts of that file. As soon as you get parts of the file in your system, you become a source from which others can get the desired files from you.
How to use Torrent?
Torrent technology may seem complicated at first glance, But it is very simple to use. Of course, downloading on this network is not as easy as downloading from a website, and you need to spend more time finding suitable content, especially movies and series. Of course, with a little patience and by finding the right sources, torrenting will open a new world of the Internet before your eyes.
Follow the steps below to connect to this network and use its potential:
- Install a torrent client (software). For example, you can use Deluge software, which is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Dedicated clients have also been released for Android and iOS operating systems, But it is suggested to use a personal computer or laptop to use this network.
- Look for the desired torrent. Use an indexer (search engine) to find the content you want. Examples of these websites are given in the indexer introduction section. With a simple Google search (best torrenting sites) you can also find a list of other service providers.
- Download the desired file. Run the command to download the file by direct download or by connecting to magnet links.
- If the torrent software does not run automatically, run it manually and enter the link in it.
- Wait until the download starts and file pieces are received from different users.
- When the download is finished, you can open the file.
- After receiving the file, do not close the client to act as a seed for other downloaders.
Is torrenting legal?
Every new technology has its obstacles, and BitTorrent is no exception. Since the beginning of this technology, many users have used it to share illegal content, including copyrighted works such as movies and series. These behaviors caused public opinion to see torrenting as illegal behavior, which is somewhat unfair.
BitTorrent has many legal uses; For example, you can share files without the need for a server, as well as easy sharing of information between classmates and employees. Finally, we conclude that torrenting is inherently legal; But like any other tool, it can be used illegally.
The thing that keeps torrenting alive is that torrent websites don’t host any files. By torrenting, you get files from other users and nothing is stored inside trackers or indexers. As a result, this whole society will remain in a gray area in terms of law and correctness of operation.
Is it safe to use torrents?
Torrent users should keep in mind that the torrent space, like normal use of the Internet, has risks such as receiving viruses or malware. Depending on the indexer you’re using, you’re more or less likely to be infected with these. Another danger is that files will have wrong names either intentionally or by mistake. All these things mean that downloading files from torrents requires caution.
Torrenting and torrent service websites are generally safe, But there are always potential dangers on the Internet. Viruses, malware, information theft, and other problems threaten users if they do not follow safety tips. To increase security when using torrents, it is suggested to keep the following things in mind.
- Always use the IP Changer tool. This tool is recommended for maintaining security and privacy on the Internet. But it is needed more than ever when torrenting. Connecting to other users means showing your IP address to the whole world, which is not a wise thing to do in this day and age. Don’t forget to never open your torrent client without using the IP changer tool.
- Use antivirus software: Antivirus acts as your computer’s front line against internet threats. Always keep your antivirus active while searching, downloading, and running torrent files.
- Do not download illegal content: Downloading copyrighted content such as music and movies puts you at risk. Of course, in different countries with different copyright laws, the risk of this case varies.
- Choose public trackers carefully: Where you get your torrent from is very important. Reputable and popular sources are safer than underground versions. Of course, no source can ever be fully verified.
- Use private trackers: Requiring registration and authentication keeps private trackers away from dangers and intruders. If you can join these trackers, your security will be more ensured.
Conclusion:
Torrent files are a sharing protocol where both legal and illegal activities are happening. Overall, it is recommended not to look for illegal content inside torrents but if you do please take caution.
Despite being a haven for digital thieves and infringers, torrent sites can be helpful for syncing big files and sharing media you own the rights to. In fact, in order to save bandwidth, social media behemoths like Facebook and Twitter upload large files to their servers using a similar protocol. A game may incorporate a torrent client to distribute software updates, as Starcraft did. Additionally, some government organizations use torrents to distribute to the public large images and documents that would otherwise tax their servers.