Short definition: "BitTorrent is a peer-to-peer (P2P) file distribution tool".

Learn about this popular way of sharing files in the next easy steps. We will cover topics from torrent searching to the applications that manage them.

Bit torrent files are used to share all kinds of files in a peer-to-peer environment. Applications, movies, games, and music are examples of what can be downloaded/uploaded via torrents. First you need an application that manages them in order to establish a successful connection (think of Limewire or Kazaa, for example.)

Once you install the torrent application to your computer (such as Azureus), you will need a place where you can find the torrents (or files) you want to download. Note that unlike the P2P tools previously mentioned, torrent applications only manage the download/upload of a file; the files themselves have to be found separately on external links to begin with, such as torrent websites. 

Let's take Azureus, for example, which is one of the most popular torrent management tools. Once installed and ready to be used, go to torrent sites such as http://www.torrentscan.com to find the desired file you seek. The torrent files themselves take no more than a few KBs in size. The reason is simple: they only serve as a link to the host. In other words, they're the middleman to where the actual file you're looking for can be retrieved.

Download the small torrent file you need. Let's spice things up a bit.

Once the desired torrent file is downloaded, open it with the Azureus tool (or whatever torrent tool you may use.) Once this small file is launched, now Azureus will automatically start downloading the full file you looked for. Whether it is a movie, game, music, and so on, the torrent application will handle it beautifully.

This covers the basic use of downloading via torrent files. Refer to the tips and warnings below for more comprehensive information, and ways to troubleshoot a malfunctioning download.

 Overall tips and warnings:

• Usually, the more "seeders" you see on a torrent file, the faster your download could potentially be. Speeds often increase gradually, rather than immediately after launching a file for download. Give them time.
• Besides downloading, you can also contribute to the community with your own files by uploading as well.
• Refer to the external links below for more information.
• If you have a router or firewall installed, ensure you open the necessary port(s) to properly download via torrent. If left unchecked, your torrents might not work at all, or the download speeds can be very slow.
• Beware of copyright laws. Keep in mind that many files distributed via torrents can be illegally downloaded. Use at your own risk.

---