Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: 33Vortex on July 15, 2014, 10:13:33 AM

Title: Torrent Software
Post by: 33Vortex on July 15, 2014, 10:13:33 AM
Never used this type of software so I was wondering if there are any good ones that are guaranteed to be free of malware?
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: rpm on July 15, 2014, 10:20:45 AM
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-woeVHHJK7So/UPxI5-nKdyI/AAAAAAAAJoA/8mK1EzmZhwA/s1600/arte-johnson-nazi.png)
Very INteresting.
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: Lusche on July 15, 2014, 10:22:17 AM
Very INteresting.

 :headscratch:
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: 33Vortex on July 15, 2014, 10:24:04 AM
Ya'll don't have anything better to do than trolling?  :D
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: FTJR on July 15, 2014, 10:44:55 AM
Transmission
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: 33Vortex on July 15, 2014, 11:48:32 AM
Up and running, thanks!  :aok
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: Rogue9Volt on July 15, 2014, 11:52:33 AM
Just a lil warning..  It's the not so much the torrent software that keeps malware off your system..  Gotta have good SA.  Make sure the files you download look like the right size, etc.  Run anti-virus often.  Check your system.  There's still bad stuff on the best torrent sites.

<S>
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: 33Vortex on July 15, 2014, 11:54:44 AM
Thanks for the heads up.
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: guncrasher on July 15, 2014, 08:04:37 PM
your next thread will be

"why do I keep losing connection to aces high.  please fix the dang game."


btw you do know that nothing is free right?  you will get viruses and hopefully that will be it.


semp
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: MrRiplEy[H] on July 16, 2014, 03:05:01 AM
Torrents are a virus vacuum plus you may get a nice letter in the mail. Don't worry, they'll only ask for 75000 bucks a song!
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: GScholz on July 16, 2014, 04:18:19 AM
Lots of paranoia in this thread...
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: 33Vortex on July 16, 2014, 05:32:08 AM
Only using it to get a critical file and applicaiton that I need. I know the risks and will scan the downloads. Stop being paranoid retards.  :D
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: ozrocker on July 16, 2014, 07:48:59 AM
 :rofl :noid?
You obviously don't know Torrent



                                                                                                                                  :cheers:Oz
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: Bizman on July 16, 2014, 08:25:50 AM
The torrent technology is not bad in itself, nor will it cause any harm. BUT if any of the seeders have a virus in their computer it may infect whatever comes through. Torrent isn't illegal either, downloading copyrighted or otherwise restricted material is. Actually many programs offer torrent as a download method on their sites. And while I was on a course, we used torrent inside the class to reduce load in the school network while downloading virtual machine images.
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: Skuzzy on July 16, 2014, 09:01:04 AM
Lots of paranoia in this thread...

It really is not baseless.

The torrent technology is not bad in itself, nor will it cause any harm. BUT if any of the seeders have a virus in their computer it may infect whatever comes through. Torrent isn't illegal either, downloading copyrighted or otherwise restricted material is. Actually many programs offer torrent as a download method on their sites. And while I was on a course, we used torrent inside the class to reduce load in the school network while downloading virtual machine images.

There are games which use a torrent mechanism to handle all their patches and updates.  If you are not careful, your computer becomes part of their distribution system.
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: Zerstorer on July 16, 2014, 09:17:23 AM
Torrent is simply a file transmission technology.  Like a gun it is not evil....but in the hands of the unwary it can be dangerous.  

All one needs to do is be cautious.

1.) Use a well-known torrent client (Transmission is fine).

2.) Virus scan anything you download (perferably with more than one AV program....use the free versions of Malwarebytes AntiMalware or Spybot Search & Destroy in addition to your primary AV program).  Make sure when you perform the scan the AV client has been updated with the latest virus signatures.

3.) Only leave the client on when you are downloading and make sure you are monitoring the client while it's doing so.  Shut the client down when you are done with the download.  Yes, it's bad manners from a "torrent community" perspective, but it's a smart system security practice.

4.) Don't use TOR or other obfuscation software.  Lots of people look at me funny when I say this...but to be blunt, using this software is like shooting a flare up to anyone who might be monitoring the traffic i.e.  "You don't know what I'm doing or my final destination....but you DO know I'm trying to hide what I am doing and where I am going!".  Where there is smoke.....there is usually a fire, yes?

5.) Use common sense before you download anything. Music and movies are not (typically) free.  The fact someone has posted a torrent for the latest Summer hit doesn't mean its legal to download it....and you might be looking at a big fine and/or jail time if you do so.  There are legitimate things distributed via torrents....it's best to stick to downloading them (e.g. I use it to download Linux distro ISO images).

Are the above steps a bit paranoid?  Absolutely.  But if you assume anything you do on the Internet is untraceable and/or not monitored at one point you are being foolish.

Hope that helps...
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: 100Coogn on July 16, 2014, 10:08:27 AM
I would also add:

1. Read the reviews from people. (Are others reporting any issues with the download?)

2. Usually, uploads are marked 'verified' by others in the community. 

3. Don't jump on a file, because it's brand new.  Wait until it has been verified.

4. Check the size of the file.  Say you're downloading a video/movie and the file-size is something like 258KB.  (way to small to be a video, so it's probably something not good.)

Coogan
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: Zerstorer on July 16, 2014, 10:52:22 AM
Excellent additional precautions..
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: GScholz on July 16, 2014, 12:45:11 PM
It really is not baseless.

As with everything Internet you shouldn't download torrents unless you know a little about internet safety.


There are games which use a torrent mechanism to handle all their patches and updates.  If you are not careful, your computer becomes part of their distribution system.

That's kinda the point with distributed downloads. World of Tanks uses it for updates, as does Blizzard, but the distribution is only active while you're downloading an update. It is much more efficient than a typical FTP update scheme.
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: Skuzzy on July 16, 2014, 01:59:37 PM
As with everything Internet you shouldn't download torrents unless you know a little about internet safety.


That's kinda the point with distributed downloads. World of Tanks uses it for updates, as does Blizzard, but the distribution is only active while you're downloading an update. It is much more efficient than a typical FTP update scheme.

I agree it is more efficient than FTP, but it can also be invasive, if you are not familiar with the options you are supplied with.

As far as safety goes, most people do not have a clue about that and it does not occur to them they should have a clue about it.
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: Lusche on July 16, 2014, 02:32:33 PM
I stopped using the internet many years ago for safety reasons  :old:
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: Zerstorer on July 16, 2014, 02:59:26 PM
As far as safety goes, most people do not have a clue about that and it does not occur to them they should have a clue about it.

 :furious Shhhh!   I bring in extra spending money cleaning viruses off their PCs!!!  :D


Before anyone starts calling my a damned capitalist...I don't charge much.  $25 to $50...sometimes $0 if it doesn't take a lot of my time...and I do a damned better job than those damned "Geek Squad" idiots for a lot less! 

I also try to teach people good safety practices....but sadly many keep doing the same dumb things....so I keep charging them! 

Works for me!  :aok
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: DREDIOCK on July 16, 2014, 07:33:13 PM
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-woeVHHJK7So/UPxI5-nKdyI/AAAAAAAAJoA/8mK1EzmZhwA/s1600/arte-johnson-nazi.png)
Very INteresting.

Always a great bit that in todays PC world would never fly today

Sad thing is I bet there arent but a handful here who know who he is or what classic show it was from.

And none of them probably know any good chicken jokes
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: Zerstorer on July 16, 2014, 10:17:50 PM
Always a great bit that in todays PC world would never fly today

Sad thing is I bet there arent but a handful here who know who he is or what classic show it was fnone of them probably know any good chicken jokes

Arte Johnson

Rowan & Martin's Laugh In

I barely remember my parents watching it...they let me stay in the room because I was too young to understand the more adult jokes.
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: Cthulhu on July 17, 2014, 12:26:33 AM

As far as safety goes, most people do not have a clue about that and it does not occur to them they should have a clue about it.

Amen to that.  :aok
 
If you download "questionable" stuff often, you would be wise to use a virtual machine or a sandbox. An ounce of prevention...
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: Cthulhu on July 17, 2014, 12:36:17 AM

4.) Don't use TOR or other obfuscation software.  Lots of people look at me funny when I say this...but to be blunt, using this software is like shooting a flare up to anyone who might be monitoring the traffic i.e.  "You don't know what I'm doing or my final destination....but you DO know I'm trying to hide what I am doing and where I am going!".  Where there is smoke.....there is usually a fire, yes?

I disagree. TOR is fine. But if you're really that concerned about drawing attention to yourself, simply use a MAC address changer and connect thru your neighbor's WiFi.   :D

j/k  That would be wrong. Funny, but wrong... Bad Cthulhu... Bad Bad Cthulhu.  :rofl
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: nrshida on July 17, 2014, 12:42:51 AM
simply use a MAC address changer and connect thru your neighbor's WiFi.   :D

 :rofl :rofl :devil

Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: Lusche on July 17, 2014, 05:50:25 AM
4.) Don't use TOR or other obfuscation software. (...).  Where there is smoke.....there is usually a fire, yes?


No.
I don't live in a glass house either just because "I got nothing to hide"
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: Skuzzy on July 17, 2014, 06:28:03 AM
The other downside to using TOR is the NSA has targeted people using it, and labeling them as "extremists".  Just saying.

The best way to get attention, from those you do not want attention from, is to make sure you do everything you can to piss them off.
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: Zerstorer on July 17, 2014, 07:25:25 AM
Amen to that.  :aok
 
If you download "questionable" stuff often, you would be wise to use a virtual machine or a sandbox. An ounce of prevention...

Ahhh...another best practice I should have mentioned.  I use a Linux VM on my Proxmox server at home to torrent as well.

I disagree. TOR is fine. But if you're really that concerned about drawing attention to yourself, simply use a MAC address changer and connect thru your neighbor's WiFi.   :D

j/k  That would be wrong. Funny, but wrong... Evil Cthulhu... Evil Evil Cthulhu.  :rofl

Fixed!  But "evil" and "Cthulhu" (the name, not the person) should always go hand in hand. :D

The other downside to using TOR is the NSA has targeted people using it, and labeling them as "extremists".  Just saying.

The best way to get attention, from those you do not want attention from, is to make sure you do everything you can to piss them off.

Like I said....if you walk around thinking someone isn't watching you are being foolish.

Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: MrRiplEy[H] on July 17, 2014, 03:16:02 PM

There are games which use a torrent mechanism to handle all their patches and updates.  If you are not careful, your computer becomes part of their distribution system.

*cough* WOT *cough*
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: Dichotomy on July 17, 2014, 07:10:09 PM
The other downside to using TOR is the NSA has targeted people using it, and labeling them as "extremists".  Just saying.

The best way to get attention, from those you do not want attention from, is to make sure you do everything you can to piss them off.

as numerous have learned on this board
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: guncrasher on July 18, 2014, 12:20:35 AM
*cough* WOT *cough*

good thing they give you the option to not use it.  I never use it
 


semp
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: MrRiplEy[H] on July 18, 2014, 01:27:44 AM
good thing they give you the option to not use it.  I never use it
 


semp

I wouldn't even notice the torrent option unless it crashes when trying to run WOT on linux. I'm sure most players haven't checked what's behind the options in the loader.
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: -ammo- on July 18, 2014, 10:57:21 AM
The other downside to using TOR is the NSA has targeted people using it, and labeling them as "extremists".  Just saying.

How so? I have read a few instances where several agencies -  not just the 3 letter Intelligence ones - are doing "questionable" things to investigate U.S. citizens and non citizens alike but I have not read/heard anything about what you reference.  Not a loaded question -  I am very curious.  After all, I used to work for the NSA.
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: Lusche on July 18, 2014, 11:55:15 AM
How so? I have read a few instances where several agencies -  not just the 3 letter Intelligence ones - are doing "questionable" things to investigate U.S. citizens and non citizens alike but I have not read/heard anything about what you reference.  Not a loaded question -  I am very curious.  After all, I used to work for the NSA.

For example this is a recent article/documentation http://daserste.ndr.de/panorama/aktuell/NSA-targets-the-privacy-conscious,nsa230.html

This topic is one of the very rare cases where I wished there was no #14 here.
But then, it's probably better there is  ;)
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: -ammo- on July 18, 2014, 12:00:57 PM
For example this is a recent article/documentation http://daserste.ndr.de/panorama/aktuell/NSA-targets-the-privacy-conscious,nsa230.html

This topic is one of the very rare cases where I wished there was no #14 here.
But then, it's probably better there is  ;)

Rule# 14 keeps me from posting all the time.  The issue is there are too many that can't keep their emotions in check and have a great discussion.
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: Cthulhu on July 18, 2014, 05:42:40 PM
After all, I used to work for the NSA.
Enough reason to connect to the forum w/ TOR.   :D
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: MrRiplEy[H] on July 19, 2014, 10:58:15 AM
Enough reason to connect to the forum w/ TOR.   :D

With a face like that no wonder!
Title: Re: Torrent Software
Post by: 33Vortex on July 20, 2014, 04:48:44 PM
Only used it to dl one file and now am done with it. So far so good. I don't venture into deep water without good reason or a good inflatable.  :D