Torrent File BAsics

[Ivy]

So basically is using utorrent etc safe?

Your computer queries the server for a list of all the computers that have parts of the file you want, and gets the other computers IP addresses in return. Your computer starts getting information from all those other computers, they are passing information to you.

[Broni]

If you're careful...yes....same goes for any P2P program.

[Ivy]

And what does being careful include?

[Broni]

Firewall up, AV up to date. Whatever is downloaded through torrent, has to be scanned with AV, before use.

[Calum]

I use torrents extensively for large files such as game patches and Linux distributions, I find the error checking and (personally) fast download speeds to be very useful, as well as the ability to queue downloads.

Torrents are often used for illegal purposes . . . you're treading on thin ice, squall, check the copyright of this TV show you're downloading . . . I'd be surprised if downloading it is legal . . .

Let me impress once more, illegal downloads, whether through torrents or not, are NOT to be discussed here.
http://www.computerhope.com/under.htm

[Zylstra]

So basically is using utorrent etc safe?

Your computer queries the server for a list of all the computers that have parts of the file you want, and gets the other computers IP addresses in return. Your computer starts getting information from all those other computers, they are passing information to you.

Since torrents are in small bits, even if someone had purposely infected the file, it wouldent work, since other people have clean versions. The entire file would have to be infected (as in, all the computers would have to be sending an infected file), not just bits of it, for it to hurt you in that aspect. Your less likely to get an infected file using Torrents than you are through a regular website downloading something, or through another P2P network.

As for your IP address, if you have ever visited my website before, I have your IP address. If you have ever modified a Wikipedia page, the public can look at your IP Address.

My IP Address is 66.172.101.250

Its public information anyways. Your IP address can tell this about you:
Your Internet Service Provider
The Node you are getting your connection off (this can reveal your approximate location, but, its not accurate at all)
Who to contact if you abuse your connection (eg: if you started causing complete havoc on ComputerHope, the administrator could look at your WHOIS information, find the company who manages your internet, and the phone number to call to report you)

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Another point about safety (example = UTorrent)

When you're downloading torrents on UTorrent, the program opens ports on your computer. A very experienced user may be able to gain access to your computer via these open ports, but i've never seen this happen to me or my friends. Just something I picked up on my travels. 

[Broni]

Wait a second. I know about router port opening (forwarding), but I never opened any ports in my computer firewall.

[Ivy]

When you're downloading torrents on UTorrent, the program opens ports on your computer. A very experienced user may be able to gain access to your computer via these open ports, but i've never seen this happen to me or my friends.

Thats scary!!

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

It's just something I heard. I don't know if it's true or not but it seams seems plausible.


Edit: Yes Dias, I found the spelling mistake       

[Broni]

It must be some urban legend.

[Zylstra]

When uTorrent is opened, it opens a local port. When its closed, it closes it.

The problem occurs when a port goes to nothing (no program is opened to accept a port)

But, I am not an expert here..

A bigger problem would moreover be if you set up your router to forward a port to your computer. Local software ports usually arent a problem.

[squall_01]

You mite want to remove you IP, possibly get hacked.  Not sure whats wrong with it hasnt started download an its almost been an hour.

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

You mite want to remove you IP

How?

Not sure whats wrong with it hasnt started download an its almost been an hour.

Should I tell him why this might be?

[squall_01]

I was talking about Zylstra he has his IP posted, You could thought I dont know why I stopped it an tried to do it fresh from the same torrent an know it wont start.