Use Magnet Links When "Torrenting"

Magnet Link VS .Torrent Files

A .Torrent is a small file that has info about the actual bigger file (i.e. a movie, a CD, etc.) you want. The file tells your download program all kinds of techy stuff and also calculates a hash code, unique to that CD or film you want to download--think of a bar code. With that code it finds other people uploading those files, so you can download from them all at one time.

A magnet link is a hyperlink containing the hash code for that torrent, so your program uses it right away to start finding those shared files. Simple.

Using a Magnet Link

Go to Pirate Bay (or other torrent site) and click on the magnet link. Your browser should automatically open up your default BitTorrent client and start downloading. It's that easy.

WARNING! ABOUT TORRENTS!

Many people (including me until recently) thought that just having a Firewall protected you when downloading torrents. It does, but your ISP will still be seen by others who are hired by media companies to monitor the swarms (i.e. you and others after a popular file). They contact your ISP then your ISP sends you a letter (that's how I found out!) to cease and disist or risk losing your connection or even worse--getting sued! To prevent this you need a program that essentially hides your IP.

You can find more info about that HERE. IMHO I think everyone needs to heed this because the letter I got scared me!.