New 2 Torrents. How do I protect myself?

[Yourrid]

Hey guys got a n00b question for you all...

Recently ive been downloading a whole lot of files for MS Flight Simulator 2004 on Limewire and Invision, but now ive switched to torrents and am now using uTorrent (which is AWESOME!) But, ive read a few posts, on this forum, about people getting letters in the mail telling them to stop what they are doing. From what I gather not many take this extremely seriously (unless im just way off, and please tell me if I am).

But, in any case, what do you guys feel are necessary steps in reducing your risk of getting caught?

Many have said don’t use this site, or run this program to block your IP... but what sites, and what programs? I really like uTorrent (it’s a hell of a lot better than Limewire in my opinion) but Id like to stay "safe" when I share programs.

Right now im still learning the basics of torrents, so im no where near "mass seeding" or downloading mass quantities of files....

Any tips or tricks for a "torrent n00b" would be extremely appreciated!

[ghurka]

There are lots of things you can do to try to be "invisible".

First is make sure you have a decent firewall. I use Sygate.

Next get an IP blocker like PeerGuardian 2.

You will also be safer using private trackers rather than public ones so if you're not already on a private tracker it may be worth thinking about. Have a look at the invites section in these forums or check the list of open sign-up trackers.

[zak2210]

I use & recommend:

Peer Guardian 2 this program protects you from MPAA;s and all that sort of stuff

And a decent firewall, I use Mcafee but I guess any will do.

[citizenblue]

utorrent is compatible the wins ip filter.
It is a simple text document in the form of a .dat
it is updated all the time and i trust it very much.
I have been using it for over a year, must have up'd and down'd a total of 2 Terabytes, and have yet to recieve any letters or notices.

Get it here:
http://okwel.info/ipfilter.dat
and refer to the utorrent faq on how to apply it.

[dazza]

Yeah Peer Guardian 2 is the way to go, other than not downloading of course.

[gazal]

So which one is actually better ipfilter.dat or peergaurdian?
Or should one use both...

[citizenblue]

So which one is actually better ipfilter.dat or peergaurdian?
Or should one use both...

Both can't hurt, but like i said, i have done fine w/ just the ipfilter.

[Yourrid]

Ive heard that there are certain web sites that log your ip if you download torrents or something of that nature... ive heard that pirate bay does this, or poeple have been caught by going there... anyone know about this? or which web sites to steer clear of?