safe bit torrent?

Question

i am keen to start using bit torrent as i have used limewire but find the content limited
however as a paranoid security freak,i am allways dubious about opening my firewall to any other users,and with so many other users not using adequate security i am also concerned about potential infections through bit torrent
10 points will go to the answer that can convince me that its safe to use torrents and also to advise me on the best form of security and defence for my p.c
thanks guys!

Answer 1

Good Question,
If you are considering using any Bittorrent I STRONGLY recommend using peerguardian to protect you from peering eyes because it blocks your IP address so you are virtually invisible in terms of the best bittorrent well its a matter of personal preference. Me personally I use Bitcomet and ISOHUNT for my searches. Good Luck and remember get Peerguardian 2

Answer 2

I have been using bitTorrent and Limewire for literally years. My computer has not once been infected simply because I am careful about what I click on. If you browse Limewire for instance you'll find untold amounts of "mp3's" that are just a few K in size - you know this is not an mp3! Torrent's are similar - I'll look at it's size and ensure that the size is right for the description. You won't get a box-set of DVDs into 1meg for example! People randomly click away downloading whatever taking it for its face value and that's where they come unstuck crippling there computer with whatever these imitation files are. You sound like the cautious type (well, in fact you said you were) so just be wary of what you're clicking on. Not once has my computer been "accessed" either. Millions upon millions use these packages and the chances of someone trying to "hack" little old me or you is miniscule. Should I ever acquire a dodgy file my AVG Free (anti virus software) picks it up and deals with it straight away. and like the previous guy says you can scan any zip file before opening it - or any file for that matter. Keep being cautious but go for it on the torrents!

Answer 3

Hey, i`m also a paranoid security freak - so i know the concerns. (and i make my living that way)

The protocol as such is safe.
The "weak point" is your firewall / router.
I`d advise to set it up to use a non-standard port (50000 and up) and set up 'port forwarding' on your router / cable modem. (see www.portforwarding.com)
This way you will allow that type of traffic ONLY over that port, and you can block any other type of traffic.

A good virusscanner is also a necesity, with or without BT, but considering you say you are as paranoid as i am, that would be a given.

Also, get info / downloads from 'good' sources only.
That means, torrent sites with large userbases (Demonoid) and therefore a lot of 'social control' in regards to viruses, dupes etc.

I have been moderator on a BT site, and i have been using BT for at least 2 years now. No virus has breached my security, and no malware has gotten hold on my PC.
Sometimes you do find a virus, some people think it is funny to 'share' a virus, but my virusscanner (Avast) has caught them all.

If you have more questions / doubts - feel free to contact me.
If you want an invite to Demonoid - i can give a couple a month away - contact me for that as well.

Answer 4

I am yet to see a BitTorrent software that is free of potential risks.
To start with, even if you are only opening a port or two on your firewall for it, you are allowing a software to handle file sharing and to every software there is a trick out there.
If I must, than make sure you have a More than good Antivirus running and fully up to date, with a Permanent SpyWare protection running, Do not use a software that needs multiple Ports opened on your firewall, and use a good source of torrents with feedback from users about their torrents.
Beyond the illegality points, if you wish to use such software, you take a risk and you should assume as much protection as possible. There is no safe and secure torrents down loader if the torrent is infected itself.
I would avoid such things if you are a paranoid security freak, mind you Limewire would have more breaches of security as well.

Answer 5

no torrent is safe bit torrent as you are relying on someone not sending you a virus some idiots hide a virus in a file for you to down load just get a good anti virus and hope for the best you take the chance if you download a torrent

Answer 6

I use bitcomet to download and Isohunt to search. All I can warn you about is the .rar file that when you extrcat them they require a password from bit grabber, bitgrabber will try and install spyware every time, and most of the files are corrupt anyway. If you use bitcomet you can check for user comments on any file you are downloading, this can save a lot of time and misery by filtering out those files that others have had problems with.

Answer 7

hi i have used bit torrent about 2 years and i never had any problem is one of the best website for downloading a movies music software and if you use AVG security
but if you want to download any thing form bit torrent just cheack the feedback befor you download it all the best

Answer 8

I use Utorrent and have never had a problem. Also my AVG antivirus lets me scan a folder before it is opened. However I have never had a virus returned from anyhting I have gotten off of utorrent.

Answer 9

you can set utorrent to use 1 port for tcp/udp i have used it for years and never had a problem for u torrent.

like others have said get peerguardian 2
i never go online without it.
and my mates don't either

Answer 10

the best one i know of is www.supertorrents.org but u have to sign up and u also have to seed or else u get kicked from usin the site i also use www.isohunt.com which u do not have to sign up u dont have to seed either