Roskomnadzor began a large-scale purge in the Runet. The copyright protection program affects many: it is impossible to download books or audio recordings on torrents, online players block content on the site, online libraries are being converted into bookstores.
It was in such difficult times that the concept of “magnet link” appeared. What is it and how can ordinary users use it?
What is a magnet link?
A magnet link is an additional layer of security for torrent trackers and users who download prohibited content. But for many, this is still an incomprehensible phrase: a magnet link - what is it and how can it help download files?
Downloading from torrents a file that starts downloading the client, the user transmits information about himself, that is, leaves a digital footprint. The magnet link leads directly to the content and its content, without passing on information about who downloaded the file and from where.
There is no rating system on sites that use magnet links. You can download atunlimited quantity. On trackers, magnet links are marked with a special icon - a magnet.
Software for working with magnet links
Besides the standard torrent client, magnet links are used in D++ format directories, where they are stored along with a detailed description.
Plugins can be used to open a magnet link:
- GreyLink.
- FlylinkDC++.
- Eisk altDC++.
In the first two plugins, go to the "File" menu and select "Insert Magnet Link". Or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+M for the first two plugins and Ctrl+I for the third one.
Setting up a torrent client
It is not necessary to use external programs to open a magnet link. A standard torrent client can easily handle this task. Setting up the program is a matter of a few minutes, and this will forever save the owner of a personal computer from the question of how to open a magnet link in a torrent.
To set up a torrent client, you must force the program to associate the magnet link code with the application. To do this, you need to launch the client and select the "Settings" menu. Next, go to the BitTirrent section. Here you will need to check the boxes for such items as "Enable DHT network", "Enable DHT for new torrents" and "Enable peer exchange". Then you need to confirm the changes by clicking the "Apply" and "OK" buttons.
The second step in setting up a torrent client is the "General" tab. Here you will needconfirm the app's association with the magnet link.
Further work of the program follows the standard parameters. When using the link, you will also need to specify a folder to save the data and wait for the download.
Configuring browser settings
Some users, in addition to the question "Magnet link: what is it and how to set up the client?", there is a desire to additionally configure their favorite browsers.
When opening a magnet link through the Mozilla Firefox browser, the application will display an additional window in which the user will be prompted to select a program to work with the downloaded file. In order to avoid the constant repetition of this action, it will be enough in the pop-up window to check the box next to the sentence "Remember my choice".
Setting up a magnet link in Opera will require going to the Settings menu. Then, from the proposed options, you must select "General settings" - "Advanced" - "Programs" - "Add". For the browser to work correctly with links, it is recommended to add the word magnet. to the "Protocol" line
Google Chrome browser settings are identical to working with Opera. When you open the link, a pop-up window will appear in which you will need to select the appropriate program. Then "Remember my choice" and click on the "OK" button.
The browser built into the Windows operating system also needs additional settings. Internet Explorer will require the user's consent to use a magnetic link torrent client. In order not to repeat this action, you will need to removeicon from "Always ask when opening these addresses".
Dealing with a problem like "Magnet link: what is it and how does it work?" is quite simple. Setting up a torrent client and browsers does not take much time, but downloading your favorite books, movies or music will become much easier.
It is worth noting that downloading via magnet links is slightly slower than via a regular link.
