Step 1: Register for the tracker and the forums. Try using the same username.

Step 2: Download a BitTorrent client. Try starting with one of these: Bittorrent or Bittornado Other clients are available in the Links section.

Step 3: Adjust the BitTorrent client's settings to the proper configuration. Generally, you just have to open up Ports 6881 through 6889, which can be done under the 'Prefs' tab if you're using BitTornado or the original BT client. If you experience problems or do not understand this step, please see the more detailed BitTorrent How-To Guide.

Step 4: If your computer has a firewall, make sure to grant access to the BitTorrent program. Most people should be able to do this quickly and move onto the next step. But for those using Windows XP firewall, see this guide on how to route BitTorrent through XP's firewall. If you're using a router, see this guide for more information to properly configure it. Using another type of firewall or having problems with this step? First try doing a Google search. Still confused? Ask for help in the forums. This website is also a good resource for figuring out you firewall or router.

Step 5: Ok, if you've made it this far, then the tough part is over. It's now time to pick a show to download. Go to the tracker and click on Browse. This will provide a list of shows that are currently active. If you're interested in seeing all of the shows available on the site, then change your search to 'Include dead torrents'. In order for you to download a show, there must be at least one current seeder. The Browse page will show you how many seeders each show has (just look at the seeders column on the page). When you begin downloading, you will become a leecher. When the download finishes, you automatically become a seeder until you close the program, or click the 'Finish' button.

Step 6: Find the show you want to download and click on it. This will open the shows's thread. At the top of the thread, you will see the torrent file. Click on it. If you have trouble opening it, then you can right- click and save the torrent file to your hard drive and then open it. Upon opening this file, your BitTorrent program will start automatically and you'll be prompted on where to save the show. Choose a spot and begin downloading.

Step 7: Downloading a show via BitTorrent on broadband takes an average of 6-7 hours to finish, much longer for DVDs. However, this can vary a LOT, depending on file size, the number of seeders, your own download speed capability, etc. Once your download is completed and you're a seeder, do your best to leave the program running until you upload as much as you just downloaded (your stats will be shown on the BT client's screen). For more information on this topic, please see the Sharing Guide.

Step 8: Ready to enjoy your download? The files you downloaded will be in one of several formats: FLAC or SHN for audio files; VOB, MPG, or BIN for video files. Video formats are immediately ready to watch or burn to disc. The audio formats require another small program.

If you want to burn the songs to disc, you must download a program that converts the files to regular audio (WAV) format.

For the FLAC program, go here.

For the SHN program, go here.

If you have trouble using either program, please see one of
these guides: SHN How-To or FLAC How-To

If you just want to listen to the files on your computer, download/use
WinAmp or Foobar.

To play FLAC files, go here.

To play SHN files, go here.

Other things to keep in mind:

- Questions about these topics should be directed to the forums, particularly Help Wanted or BitTorrent Discussion for BT-related help.

- Don't attempt to listen, watch, decode, burn, etc. the files until the downloads are completed (it won't work!). Also, don't do anything with them while you're a seeder unless you temporarily pause to the torrent.

- Just because a show is dead on the tracker doesn't mean it cannot be reseeded. If a show you want has no seeds, try asking for a reseed on the forums in the BitTorrent Re-Seeds forum. Complete instructions are listed at the top of this sub-forum.

- Always remember your manners and thank the tapers, seeders, and others who help you get the shows you want! These aren't servers providing these files, but actual people.