How to download virus/ Trojan free stuff off torrent sites :

My first experiences with torrent sites was very awkward. I ended up downloading an anti virus software archive, which itself had a Trojan embedded! Sure, torrent sites, have a lot to offer, but beware! There are things you should be careful about :

1. Don't download Anti Virus packages without first installing an antivirus! Yes, maybe your old antivirus is screwed up, but it can atleast help you overcome threats if they emerge from within the newly downloaded antivirus!
2. Download "Scene Releases". These are stuff released by groups, most of which are trying to make a name for themselves. So, theyd be most careful not to include any viruses/ Trojans. These are also the people who give out quality stuff. Axxo, dopeman, Toed just to name a few.
3. Never switch off your firewall when downloading. Use port forwarding if you're not getting speeds. Malicious hackers are everywhere and your PC just broadcasts its address into the bit torrent network whenever you put something for download.
4. Most torrent sites have a forum style comment system for each and every torrent. So be sure to view the comments, to see if every user using the torrent is satisfied. Dont expect to see hymns being sung about the uploader but see to it that all users who have written comments have atleast not commented about the torrent containing a Trojan or virus.
5. The above is also the case with video downloads. Sometimes you'll have to wait a lot for videos/ Large games, so make sure the torrent is worth downloading.

Downloaded an ISO/ MDF image(NO, NOT A PHOTO)? Dunno what to do with it?

What you're facing is a very trivial problem. The ISO / MDF are proprietary image formats. That is, these files have many files within them. The structure of the file is a replica of the CD / DVD that was used. As a result, you now have a complete dump of a CD / DVD in your Hard disk. Now, you have 2 options :

1. Burn the CD / DVD image onto a disc :

You can do this by using NERO or any other disc writing software. Simply select "Burn Image to disc" from the NERO menu and select the image you have. The image will be burnt onto a CD (image size < 700 MB) or to a DVD (image size >700 MB). This can be done if the image format is ISO. If it is in MDF format, you have to use Alcohol 120 % instead. The UI in A 120% is very neat, so you should have no trouble doing it.

2. Mount the CD / DVD image onto a Virtual Drive :

A virtual drive is a FAKE drive that is created by a software such as DEMON TOOLS(www.daemon-tools.cc/) or Alcohol 120%. The image you have, can be "mounted" onto such a fake drive, which is also called a "Virtual Drive". This means the software tells the OS that a CD / DVD is present physically even though it isn't. This is pretty useful, if you do not have a CD / DVD drive at all! Once you have "mounted" the disc onto a virtual drive, it should be available in your "My Computer" as a CD / DVD drives' icon. These images auto play, like any other CD / DVD ROM and thus you can disable this action too.

Some image files require other software. The image files in the format DAA require Disc Juggler. So, be sure to "Google" the image format in order to know, which software you need in order to get it working.

How to get maximum speed in bit torrent

Bit torrent works by basically opening ports for upload and download. These include TCP and UDP ports. If you have Windows XP or later, and not getting speeds, you're almost certainly having a firewall enabled. You have 2 options now:

1. TO disable the firewall, which I do not recommend.

2. To open the port so that it passes the information back and forth without hassles.

I would recommend the second method. For more information on port forwarding, visit www.portforward.com to get extensive information about your router and how to get bit torrents' port forwarding method.

A pirates guide to piracy terminologies

Bit torrent has become the weapon of choice for us pirates. Pirates of Cyberspace, that is. Heres a low-down on the tools, tips and tricks of the trade and everything you need to get started with torrents :

> Torrents are basically files that contain information on the "trackers" that they are connected to.

> Trackers are special services running on a website which will enable "tracking" of users' files/ bits of files that need to be sent to others.

> You need a bit torrent client such as utorrent , bit comet to use bit torrent.

> open the torrent files in one of these softwares to start downloading.

> Seeders are people who are sharing that particular file. The more seeders there are, the better the chance you have of getting the file fully.

> Leechers are people who are downloading the file...same as you.

> After completion of the download, you can become a seeder by letting it upload some more, so that others are able to get the file, and the file continues being circulated. This is considered ethical in the pirate world.

> Torrent files can be found on sites such as

http://www.thepiratebay.org or

http://www.h33t.com

> You almost always need to sign up in order to post torrents.