A Guide to Using a BitTorrent Client (uTorrent)

To download using BitTorrent, you will need a client. You can get one from here: http://www.utorrent.com/downloads
During the installation process you’ll have the choice of downloading the Ask.com toolbar. Whether you install it or not, it’s your decision but keep in mind that it’s not mandatory. Furthermore, you can visually tweak the client by choosing a skin from the website (http://www.utorrent.com/skins). The file must be saved under the following path: C:\Users\name\AppData\Roaming\uTorrent – where name is the user account. Notice that show hidden files option must be checked.

Let’s go to preferences now. Hit Ctrl+P or go to Options>Preferences and click the General tab. Choose a language that fits your needs. If you leave System Default, it will use the primary language of your operating system. Be sure to check the following boxes for a better use of your hdd space and of the program:

- Check associations on startup
- Check for updates automatically
- Pre-allocate all files
- Prevent standby if there are active torrents

Now move to the Directories tab in order to establish where to save your downloaded files (the bigger the allocated space, the better).  If Put new downloads in is unchecked, you will have to browse to the location manually.

Next we need to establish the speed of our connection. To do that, go to http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/ and pick the closest city to your location. Divide the final number of the upload speed by 10 and this will be the final figure. If you don’t live in the United States, visit the following link: http://www.dslreports.com/speedtest?more=1.

The Connections tab is also important as you choose the listening port of your peering. You can either enter the port manually (not recommended) or press the Random Port button. Leave the other options checked. It would be wise to verify for known port vulnerabilities here: http://www.commodon.com/threat/threat-ports.htm.

As we move down to the Bandwidth tab, unselect Automatic from the Maximum Upload Rate and manually add the number found before (upload speed divided by 10). Global Download Rate Limiting should be left at 0 (Unlimited).

Global Max Number of Connections can be tricky. If you add a number like 400 you might slow-down your internet connection or crash your router (it all depends on your internet connection). The safer choice would be somewhere between 150 and 200. Last but not least leave the number of upload slots to 4.

The final step consists in setting up the BitTorrent tab. If you’re using a private tracker, you’ll need to uncheck all DHT boxes, otherwise leave them untouched.

Most important: If you want your downloads to be encrypted enable the Protocol Encryption and also check the Allow incoming legacy connections.

You’re done with setting up the client.

Firewall rules:

If you’re behind Windows Firewall, you have to make sure uTorrent is checked as an exception. This is a mere verification because on the Connection tab you have Add Windows Firewall exception (active).

In case you’re using another firewall, read its info about adding new rules to incoming/outgoing connections and ports.

Router rules:

Visit http://portforward.com/ and follow the steps.

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