Downloading torrent in Mac

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Hi everyone! Newbie here!

I want to know how safe/dangerous it is to download torrent files in mac?

I know Mac has a reputation for its impregnability against viruses/spyware/malware but I want to know when it comes to dling torrent.

btw, my unit is 2011 macbook pro, the latest one.

thank you!
 
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chas_m

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Almost all malware* found to date has been propagated primarily through pirated software (often distributed via torrents) or fake "porn codecs" (again, sometimes distributed by torrents).

Macs don't have viruses (at all) and are pretty resistant to malware but of course dumb users and promises of free software can open up a door.

To the best of my knowledge, the act of simply downloading a torrent file doesn't, in and of itself, pose any risk. But as I say -- trying to obtain illegally pirated software is one of the leading causes of problems on both platforms. On top of that, it's illegal (and we observe US law very strictly on this forum).

So my advice is to stay away from pirated software torrents at the very least.
 

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Not much that I can add to what Chas posted - but just to build on his point regarding illegally pirated sw being a leading carrier of viruses and malware; this can't be overstated. The fact is - to install those applications you have to enter your master password, one of OS X's primary defense mechanisms against rogue code, and it's that process of installation that exposes your system to bad things that you would otherwise be able to fend off.

Moral of the story - stay away from illegal SW because A. it's illegal B. you'll more than likely pay a steep price in other areas.
 

vansmith

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If you're looking to get legally distributed software through torrents, getting them from the distributor/maker/designer will help to ensure that you get quality and "clean" ones.
 
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Agreed there. It's a major problem , when you get them from the distributor (or software designer) you are actually supporting their software and company.

My ex-girlfriend downloaded a torrent once and it ended up backfiring it in her face. She wanted some latest crazy music album and it turned out it was an exe file which was infected with a virus and it completely trashed her system as soon as she opened up.

Not worth the effort if you ask me. (and in that experience I had with my ex girlfriend and that torrent , I never did it again)
 
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Torrent is a valid and legitimate methodology for legal content distribution. Some linux distros as well as radio programming is distributed via torrent. The OP did not indicate what would be obtained via torrent, your assumption the content is illegal is not correct.

Before we get to the whole "most people use torrent for illegal things" argument, we need to remember one of the leading causes of death in industrial nations is motor-vehicle related. Does this mean anyone who uses a motor-vehicle is a murderer?

The negative connotation regarding torrenting is one of the driving forces that leads to violations of civil liberties such as SOPA. It is a slippery slope my friends.

To answer the OP, if you are using torrent for valid and legal purposes, then you have nothing to worry about. Otherwise, the above posts are valid.
 

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Torrent is a valid and legitimate methodology for legal content distribution. Some linux distros as well as radio programming is distributed via torrent. The OP did not indicate what would be obtained via torrent, your assumption the content is illegal is not correct.

Before we get to the whole "most people use torrent for illegal things" argument, we need to remember one of the leading causes of death in industrial nations is motor-vehicle related. Does this mean anyone who uses a motor-vehicle is a murderer?

To answer the OP, if you are using torrent for valid and legal purposes, then you have nothing to worry about. Otherwise, the above posts are valid.


Your analogy above is as flawed as flawed can get. It's not even worth deconstructing because it's so far off the mark.

People here have already acknowledged that torrent can have legal and even useful purpose - but let's not delude ourselves. Torrent has proliferated because of its popularity for ...less than above board uses. The negative connotation towards torrents was rightfully earned.
 
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Guilty until proven innocent, I see?
 

BrianLachoreVPI


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Guilty until proven innocent, I see?

What are you talking about? Advice given was in line with the question asked. The fact that you have a clear agenda that involves bristling at any negative connotation directed at torrents is immaterial to this discussion.
 
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How else am I supposed to pad my post count?
 
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Guilty until proven innocent, I see?

What kind of statement is that? I'm sorry but it's pretty cut throat. Linux distros don't really use torrents (unless you can provide otherwise) they're more inclined to provide downloads of their OS's through their websites or various medias, not torrents.

It's when you start downloading software or music illegally through torrents, because you can't be bothered going out and paying for it. That's what I believe is the issue and hence why bit torrent's earned the bad reputation it so deserves.
 

dtravis7


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There are some linux distros and Haiku and other small OS's that use Torrents for download. BUT that does not change the fact that most people use Torrents for illegal Software, Music and Video downloads.

There is nothing wrong with Torrents themselves as long as they are legal. We are just warning people to be careful and only download legal torrents.
 

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This conversation is going nowhere productive anytime soon so I'm going to close it. The question has been answered - stick to legal torrents from the distributor/creator and you should be fine.
 
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