One of the most controversial topics on the internet today is probably how to use torrents safely. Torrenting is the best way to download large files and share copyright-infringing content.
But, torrent is not without their risks. Even one of the most famous torrent platforms, the pirate bay, also poses certain risks when you attempt to download movies from it. But, if you use a VPN, it becomes alright.
It proves that The Pirate Bay and all the other torrent sites also require some safety measures. You can’t be sure that unprotected torrenting will not lead your safety astray on the web. That’s why, in this article, we will identify the best practices of torrenting for beginners.
Torrenting Best Practices
You probably already know that torrent keeps all its files decentralized. It means you have to connect to a seeder to access the other individuals who have the file instead of a single server that sends you files. Let’s find out the best practices of torrenting here;
1: Use A VPN
Yes, you might have already guessed it, but using a VPN is essential for indicating safe practices on the internet. For example, since torrenting is banned in many countries worldwide, a VPN will change your IP address so that anyone who intercepts the torrent traffic won’t be able to link it back to you.
Many internet service providers explicitly block torrent sites, so even if your download is legal, you may not get it without a VPN. VPN lets you bypass the geographic barriers and will unblock these torrent sites so that you can download your file without any interruption.
2: Check The Comments
On almost every torrent aggregator, users can add comments on the download page of every file. So, for example, if the file you want to download is in any way malware-laced or doesn’t contain what one expects from it, previous users may have left comments regarding that.
We are not saying that all these online comments are trustworthy, but if multiple torrent sites say the same thing, that’s probably a fact. That’s why you must verify the source of those comments. You can check numerous torrent sites, and if you get the same review from all of them, maintain a safe distance from that site.
3: Use A Reliable Torrent Client
A good torrent is where the number of seeders is higher than the number of leechers. It denotes a healthy torrent client, and choosing the right one is pretty essential if you want to use the torrent the right way. You can only get away with torrenting if you use a reliable torrent client.
There are several reputed torrent clients such as Tixati, Xunlei Thunder, Deluge, Transmission, Vuze, BitComet, qBittorrent, and uTorrent. Some of these clients offer tons of extra features, so we suggest you do your research before you select your torrent client. The best torrent clients are free, safe, and are compatible with OS like Mac, Windows, Android, Linux, and iOS.
4: Download From Trusted Uploaders
Someone has to upload the files on the torrent server for you to access them. Some users have the reputation of uploading reliable content, and they are known as trusted uploaders. So, whenever you download something, make sure you download it from these verified uploaders.
You may notice that these uploaders often have more seeders and fewer leechers, which means your download will be completed fast enough. You can also be sure that these files are legitimate because that’s the only reason so many people have downloaded them and chosen to seed them for you.
5: Use An Antivirus Software
No matter how reliable your source is, the torrent files could always be laced with malware. Take precautions beforehand if you don’t want to go through the hassle of cleaning your computer after a virus has already infected it. Install antivirus software alongside the VPN to ensure utmost safety.
If you plan to use torrent a lot, we recommend you use a premium version of the antivirus because it will guarantee you a safe download. However, installing a free antivirus will do the job if you plan to use it casually.
Conclusion
Let us tell you that we don’t condone downloading illegal files from torrent, but even if you download the legal files, torrenting can put you at risk.
That’s why in this article, we have recommended so many ways for beginners to use torrents in the safest way possible. Even if you can’t follow all the practices at once, make sure you install a VPN and antivirus software.
Once you imply all these safety measures, you can let us know how your torrenting goes in the comment box.
