Transmission, Little Snitch, and Security

[phased]

hi there,

relative mac noob, absolute torrent noob here – with a few questions about getting torrents up and running, safely, on my MBP.

from what i can tell, it's easy enough to get transmission (utorrent is the other program i'm looking at; but that's another story) working but what i'm most concerned about is leaving my computer open to the world / infections / etc. i know macs are no where near as susceptible to nasties as PCs, but i've had such bad experiences on windows that i'd prefer to exercise a deal of caution here.

i now have the inherent mac firewall turned on (is 'stealth mode' worth enabling?), but i've also been told little snitch is another worthwhile program i should have in my arsenal. mind you, i don't really know how it works, let alone in unison with torrents.

to be frank, i don't even know the questions i need to be asking here, but if anyone could point me in the right direction, or better yet, list some steps, i'd be greatly appreciative 🙂

i've been putting off getting into torrents for a good year or so now, but figure it's time to take the plunge.

 

[Intell]

I'm not sure how much advice you'll get here. As there are a good number of illegal torrents.

 

[phased]

Well, I guess I'm talking more about the programs themselves and less about the torrents.

If anyone still wants to help, i'd appreciate it.

 

[sadcamper]

Users downloading torrents only have access to the files you're uploading...not your whole computer.

IMO, Little Snitch is a pain...if you're not comfortable with your software sending information back to the host, then it may be worthwhile.

If you're concerned about the files you're downloading via torrent, get a virus program (ClamXav is free) and scan them prior to opening.