135 lines
4.4 KiB
Markdown
135 lines
4.4 KiB
Markdown
---
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title: "Torrenting"
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date: 2023-01-16T14:48:14-03:00
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draft: false
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weight: 70
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summary: Everything you need to know about safe and effective torrenting with YAMS
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---
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# Advanced Torrenting with YAMS 🌊
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While [Sonarr](/config/sonarr) and [Radarr](/config/radarr) handle most of your downloads automatically, sometimes you might want to download something manually. Let's explore how to do that safely!
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## Manual Downloads 📥
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### Adding Torrent Files
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1. Open qBittorrent at `http://{your-ip}:8081`
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2. Click the "+" icon or "Add torrent file" button:
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[](/pics/advanced-torrent-1.png)
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3. Select your .torrent file and click "Upload Torrents":
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[](/pics/advanced-torrent-2.png)
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4. Watch your download progress:
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[](/pics/advanced-torrent-3.png)
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### Finding Your Downloads
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When your download finishes, find it in your media folder under the "downloads" directory:
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```bash
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/srv/media$ tree downloads/torrents/
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downloads/torrents/
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└── your-downloaded-file.iso
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0 directories, 1 file
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```
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## Safety First: IP Leak Testing 🛡️
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Even with a VPN, it's good practice to verify that your real IP isn't leaking. Here's how to do a thorough check:
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### Using the IP Checker
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1. Visit [whatismyip.net's Torrent Checker](https://www.whatismyip.net/tools/torrent-ip-checker/index.php) and grab their test magnet link:
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[](/pics/advanced-torrent-4.png)
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2. In qBittorrent, click "Add Torrent Link":
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[](/pics/advanced-torrent-5.png)
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3. Paste the magnet link and click "Download":
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[](/pics/advanced-torrent-6.png)
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4. You'll see a new torrent called "Torrent Tracker IP Checker" in your list. Don't worry - it won't actually download anything!
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[](/pics/advanced-torrent-7.png)
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5. Back on the checker website, you'll see your torrent client's IP:
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[](/pics/advanced-torrent-8.png)
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### Verifying the Results 🔍
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For proper privacy protection, check that:
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1. The reported IP is **different** from your real IP address
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2. The IP matches what `yams check-vpn` reports
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3. The country shown matches your VPN server location
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## Pro Tips for Safe Torrenting 🎯
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1. **Always Verify VPN First**
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```bash
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yams check-vpn
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```
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Do this before starting any downloads!
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2. **Use the Kill Switch**
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YAMS configures qBittorrent to only use the VPN network interface. If the VPN drops, downloads stop automatically.
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3. **Regular Testing**
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- Run the IP leak test monthly
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- Check VPN status before large downloads
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- Monitor qBittorrent's connection status
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4. **Download Organization**
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- Use labels for different types of content
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- Set up category-specific download folders
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- Remove completed torrents regularly
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5. **Enable Port Forwarding**
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- Check our [Port Forwarding Guide](/advanced/port-forwarding/)
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- Significantly improves download speeds
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- Works automatically with ProtonVPN
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## Troubleshooting Common Issues 🔧
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### Downloads Won't Start
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1. Check VPN connection:
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```bash
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yams check-vpn
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```
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2. Verify tracker status in qBittorrent
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3. Try a different VPN server
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### Slow Speeds
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1. Try a VPN server closer to you
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2. Check if your VPN provider throttles P2P
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3. Verify you're not hitting VPN bandwidth limits
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### Connection Drops
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1. Check VPN provider status
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2. Try a different VPN server
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3. Monitor system resources
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## Best Practices 📚
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1. **Keep VPN Active**
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- Always check VPN status before downloading
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- Use `yams check-vpn` regularly
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- Monitor qBittorrent's network interface
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2. **Regular Maintenance**
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- Clear completed torrents
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- Update qBittorrent when YAMS prompts
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- Run periodic IP leak tests
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3. **Download Management**
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- Set reasonable ratio limits
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- Use categories for organization
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- Monitor disk space regularly
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## Need Help? 🆘
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Having issues with torrenting? We've got you covered:
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1. Check the [Common Issues](/faqs/common-errors/) page
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2. Visit the [YAMS Forum](https://forum.yams.media)
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3. Join our [Discord](https://discord.gg/Gwae3tNMST) or [Matrix](https://matrix.to/#/#yams-space:rogs.me) chat
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Remember: Safe torrenting is good torrenting. Always verify your VPN is working before downloading! 🛡️
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