When you download torrents you open up a zillion ports on your computer to other computers, you share all your files with this zillion people you are connected too. The FBI and RIAA track that information and can find you. 1st they will contact your isp - tell them they want your information (IP at time of download to confirm) then they cut your internet connection and you get slapped with a fine. This probably wont happen to you for just downloading something then closing the program, but some idiots leave it on so your computer gets all fucked up and slow because a ZILLION computers are accessing your files, or if your closer writing little hash files to your pc to share with others. SO do your self a favor and look into newsgroups, they are up to 25 mb a sec, you dont share with anyone, you only open one port on your pc and its reliable for anything you want from pc games to xbox 360, wii, new release movies, tv shows, music whatever you want its there.