Some one here suggested it as a good source of open source software but how the heck do you use it?

I don't know if that is allowed here. I'll PM you the details.

Not a problem as long as the conversation sticks to the open source realm and stays out of the warez talk.

very good p2p client. I recommend Azureus

Azureus is the best although it is a resource hog because its a java program.
i also like BitTornado

for most stuff i use azureus but if im playing a game while dling i use bittornado.

It's interesting (and unfortunate) that you even have to mention that there is a difference.

open source = this is free and legal to distribute and use

warez= this is obtaining software illegally, a felony conspiracy in most countries

Just a bit of CYA medicine.

Isn't that why I spelled it out?
Thanks gang, I'm going to try BitTornado first.

Just being written in Java does NOT mean it is a resource hog. That is the function of retarded programmers.

also, I would be VERWY VERWY CAHFUL with those clients. Trojans and ther Virrulent programs lurk to kill and/or infect your system

Okay... now remember this is the "Newbie" section so be kind.

After I install the client - what's next?

download your favorite worms and trojans

never had a virus downing from these clients...

Well, keep trying, you'll get there.
this is a good place to use an old computer with no LAN right's to download and virus/trojan/spyware scan the files before sneaker netting to your other computer (and rescanning) Bittorrent is a great idea, but distrubited peer to peer has the potential to send almost anything to everyone, and most of the clients are in a constant beta state.
If someone wanted to, (and almost certainly some idiot does) spend the time to spoof the hash code, they could seed something bad worldwide in a few hours.

yup, JAVA can be, as advertised, cross platform, clean and small, you just rare see it used that way. (The well written apps work so well you barely notice them)
perhaps now that MS and SUN have a truce, MAYBE more effort will go towards helping make tight code.
Programers can get sloppy, and code mills run by bean counters seem to value volume of code in apps rather then quality. Why write a thousand lines if you can do it with 20?

BitTorrent&Emule don't have as much viruses as other networks, and a good AV scan it while you download it anyway

bit torrent is not a typical file sharing program. you need t find a site that is displaying the items available and to seach for you. then simply click the links.

Now to find some sites...

i do program in java. compared to C++, java is slower. its just the nature of the language. regardless azureus is more of a resource hog than bittornado is but the trade off is better speeds (usually).

Java is Just in time compiled or JIT

Then the bytecode is executed. That is why it runs slower but THAT DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN IN IS A RESOURCE HOG

C++ is compiled and then linked into a final EXE. Trust me, there are plenty of C++ programs out there that are huge resource hogs.... like Window ME specifically.. now that is a HUGE collection of resources hogging C++

Thread officially hijacked! start you own piss contest thread hehe.

What a good point!!!