Traditionally, running Windows XP as a "computer administrator" was an unfortunate necessity. It used to be the only way some programs would work, with games as the most notorious example. However, because of rising occurrences of identity theft, the need to limit system access to essential functions is significant. Users are advised to have two accounts: a "limited account" for daily work and a "computer administrator" account for system functions, such as hardware installation and maintenance. However, if you borrow the privileges of your computer administrator account, you can install software while logged on with a limited account.

  • Traditionally, running Windows XP as a "computer administrator" was an unfortunate necessity.
  • Users are advised to have two accounts: a "limited account" for daily work and a "computer administrator" account for system functions, such as hardware installation and maintenance.

Log on with the limited account name and password. Open a browser and navigate to the "Download BitTorrent" page. Click "Free Download."

If a "File Download-Security Warning window appears, click "Save," and assign the download to a folder such as "My Documents\Downloads." Open the downloaded file. If "Open File-Security Warning" windows appear, click "Run."

Select "the following user" radio button in the "Run As" dialogue box. Select your administrator account name from the drop-down box. Enter the account password and click "OK." The installation can now use administrative access privileges as necessary.

Complete the installation wizard. It should take a couple of minutes. The wizard includes destination folder and Start menu item assignment pages, plus options to install the Ask.com toolbar and to make Ask.com your default search engine and home page. NONE of the Ask.com options are required to use BitTorrent.

  • If a "File Download-Security Warning window appears, click "Save," and assign the download to a folder such as "My Documents\Downloads."
  • The wizard includes destination folder and Start menu item assignment pages, plus options to install the Ask.com toolbar and to make Ask.com your default search engine and home page.

Confirm that the "Start BitTorrent" option is checked before you click "Finish" on the last wizard screen. Click "OK" when the "Windows Security Alert" appears to adjust Windows Firewall to work with BitTorrent. BitTorrent opens and a new icon appears on your system tray.

TIP

You may need to change firewall and router settings before sharing files with BitTorrent, especially if you use a firewall other than Windows Firewall in your system or embedded in your router. Use the computer administrator account to change firewall settings on your system; the router has its own administrator account name and password. See "Port Forwarding" in "Chapter 02 Basic Guides" of the BitTorrent User Manual. You'll be able to run BitTorrent from any system to which you have access without rerunning the installation, after adjusting the associated firewalls and routers.

WARNING

You are responsible for legal issues associated with using BitTorrent or any file-sharing program. The BitTorrent User Forum maintains a Legal Torrent Collection post.