first, you'll need to install the BT client if you haven't done so already. windows users are in luck -- there is a windows installer that should work with all recent versions of the operating system. (ie, 98 forward. *maybe* 95 too, but i haven't tested it.) the install takes seconds. blink and you might miss the 'success' confirmation.

other operating system users -- i'm sorry, but you're on your own. ^^;;

there is nothing you need to do to 'launch' BT. once installed, it sits 'dormant' until triggered by a clicked link in your web browser. (in other words, it's a helluva lot less intrusive and troublesome than, say, kazaa.)

to begin a download, click the URL of the download 'torrent' file. it's a small file that tells your BT client where to find the actual download (which in this case will be a collection of files), as well as how to connect to downloading 'peers'.

the 'where do you want this damn thing saved anyway' box will pop up, looking thus:

pick the folder you want to save to. when complete, the download will create a new folder inside, containing all the SHN files.

instead of the usual download dialog, you'll see one looking something like this:

let it run. don't worry if you get the occasional red error message -- the download will usually recover by itself. so long as you a non-zero download OR upload rate, the download is working. it's usual for speeds to fluctuate as other users connect and disconnect.

after you've downloaded for a while, the dialog will look something like this:

ohh, look at that progress!

now, here's the important part: the dialog box will have a 'finished' message when the download is complete, but it WILL NOT CLOSE automatically. this is because keeping the box open is how you continue to share your upstream bandwidth, helping to re-weed the show. please leave the dialog box open for as long as possible after your download is complete, or until the upload rate sits at zero for a while.

if for some reason you lose the download before it is complete, you can resume it rather than starting over. simply start the download again, and save it to the same location you chose the first time. BT will verify the partial download and resume automatically.