17 replies to this topic

[LuLu]

Probably a very stupid question, but does anyone here use BitTorrent? As far as privacy goes, how safe is it? Anything I should know before attempting to use it? Help/advice would be greatly appreciated.

[rridgely]

Bittorrent is one of the most easily tracked P2P protocols. You can hit "peers" or something similar and see everyones IP address who is using it.
Does this mean your going to get busted if you use it? Maybe.

I only use it to get linux distros to try out. Its way faster than their crappy bandwidth.
The only downside to bittorent is that sometimes their are a lot of downloaders and few seeders(people with the file sending it to everyone else)

[metalj]

BitTorrent uses a "peer to peer" network, which means that every user is responsible for its security.

1- If you are entering the torrents world, you better have a good antivirus (like Avast).
2- Read the comment's, some people post comments if the files are bad or good.
3- Use the logic, don't download weird stuff or files that look suspicious.
4- After you download, scan stuff. You can upload to Jotti which is pretty useful.
5- What? There's no 5.

Remember that hackers like to mess with people, so be careful.

[Tunerz]

I do use BitTorrent for downloading HQ animes, for linux distros, and game installers (if they use torrent). BitTorrent protocol can be easily tracked, no wonder some ISPs can throttle the torrent bandwidth if they see their subscriber/s using the BitTorrent protocol. Your IP is shown in the peers you are downloading to, or uploading to. Like rridgely said, BitTorrent relies on the ratio of seeders vs peers.

[LuLu]

Hey thanks for the responses.

Another question I have is since IPs can be seen/tracked, can something like Peer Guardian and ipfilter.dat help with security issues?

[Andavari]

Some people are able to hide their IP's on there and you'll only see this: . (yes a period, or dot).

You do have to be careful what you download though and malware scan everything! If you're in particular looking for songs (who isn't) I'd recommend checking the artist website since some aren't greedy toads and will give you many free MP3's, and also check the record label websites as most give away free MP3's.

[LuLu]

Oh I scan everything I download...even if it comes from a trusted site. lol I'm paranoid I guess, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

I'm not really looking to download music (though now that you mention it I might if I actually give this a go...lol), I'm just on a search for some videos for a friend of mine (and for myself). Will ipfilter.dat hide my IP address or do I need to install something else to do that? Obviously I don't know much about these sorts of things and want to cover all my bases before diving in.

[1984]

For a bittorrent client, use Utorrent. Its easy to use and you can install the ipfilter.dat. Don't go to the piratesbay or sites like that....notorious for infected files.private trackers are best but you have to keep your ratios up.

if you are looking for rarer or odd files, emule is way better. files stay on the network for years and you can find hard to find stuff.

peerguardian (or protowall) are simply programs that import block lists (lists of blocked addresses). some recommend them, i find them useless as they simply block out a large percentage of net addresses, many of which are good clients. and those that want to see what you are downloading can simply change addresses anyways. if you are worried about security, use a proxy. set up a static ip address, forward your ports to it.

and check the laws in your country. in the US they have the DMCA which is a draconian copyright law. here in Canada, it is perfectly legal to download music so there are no need for programs like peerguardian and such. and always scan your files before unpacking, etc.

[Talldog9]

Patching your maximum amount of half-open connections may help your speeds. (XP)
TCPIP.SYS patcher (XP)

If you use µTorrent be sure to set protocol encryption to Enabled in the preferences. Only use Forced if you seem to be getting throttled.

And forward the port you set in the preferences. Very important.

[LuLu]

Great info guys, thanks!

How do I set up a static IP and then forward ports to it? Again, I'm illiterate with this stuff so I do apologize for dumb questions.

Also, what is the difference between Bit Torrent and UTorrent?

[Andavari]

LuLu, on May 28 2009, 08:11 PM, said:

Also, what is the difference between Bit Torrent and UTorrent?

uTorrent is a BitTorrent client.

[LuLu]

Oh ok. So they kinda work together then?

[Tunerz]

uTorrent is a BitTorrent client that uses the BitTorrent protocol to upload/download stuff.

[LuLu]

Gotcha. See, I told you guys I didn't know anything about this stuff. I really miss the days of free Napster and AudioGalaxy.

[Corona]

Sounds like it'd be easier just to learn an instrument, form a band, record some music and copy that, than to go through the whole rigmarole of learning peer to peer.

[LuLu]

Corona, on May 29 2009, 01:58 PM, said:

Sounds like it'd be easier just to learn an instrument, form a band, record some music and copy that, than to go through the whole rigmarole of learning peer to peer.

It would be if I was using it for music, but since I'm not that won't really work.

Besides, dipping my toes into this will prove to be a learning experience, and I'm all about learning things. So yeah, I think I'll be giving this a go thanks to everyone who's been offering help and tips.

[1984]

This is the premier site for forwarding your ports. It will show you how to do it by router and software:

http://forum.portforward.com/

Heres another one:

http://www.simplepor...ding.com/node/1

And if you need router default passwords these sites are good:

http://www.routerpasswords.com/

http://www.phenoelit...rg/dpl/dpl.html

If you need your ip:

http://www.ipchicken.com/

For a proxy (privacy) go here:

http://www.vtunnel.com/

And something else helpful:

http://www.your-freedom.net/

[LuLu]

1984, you're awesome. Thanks!