Illegal downloads: how to do them

July 6, 6:26 PMCleveland Technology ExaminerJamie Gletherow

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Pieces of Eight (Bits)
(Image: Eugene Zelenko)

I would never encourage anyone to do something illegal. That would be wrong.

However, because we are all concerned how the misuse of internet communication could adversely affect our rights as consumers to vastly overpay for small plastic artifacts like CDs and DVDs, it’s important for us to learn how this misuse occurs. Without knowledge, how can we defend ourselves against the folly of ignorance?

The recent furore surrounding the sale of The Pirate Bay made me wonder how many internet users are not aware of BitTorrent and how it is used. So, in the interest of education, here’s how to download stuff illegally.

First, what is BitTorrent?

BitTorrent is a method of communication (a protocol) that allows one computer to share its files with another computer across the internet.

BitTorrent is super-clever because it allows your computer to split one file into small chunks, download each chunk separately from different computers, and then reassemble them into a whole. This service is like several Star Trek transporters beaming bits of you from different spaceships to planet Earth, where you are reassembled into one piece. The benefit is that no single computer has the burden of serving everyone wanting the same file.

Boring. Just tell me how to use it.

If you are really interested in how people conduct these illegal downloads, from an educational perspective of course, then do this:

1. Download and install a BitTorrent client from here http://www.utorrent.com/downloads. A BitTorrent client manages the download for you.
    
2. Find a torrent you like from a torrent search engine. Try this one: http://isohunt.com.
    
3. Download the torrent you like, double-click it, and away you go.

There are several configuration options you might want to consider, but the above steps will get you started.

Remember, always use Bit Torrent responsibly and never download any of the really cool free stuff available online.

After all, multi-billion dollar companies like Time Warner and EMI need to keep those big bucks rolling in. How will they buy mansions in Bel Air and send their spouses on shopping trips to Rome if you stop giving them your cash?