"If you want to talk about "unsupported references," perhaps Carl_OH's reference to The Pirate Bay should be removed."
The vast majority of OS images available by torrent or direct download have unwanted spyware in them. Whenever a file is downloaded of any type the hash should be verified if possible
but none of that touches on the fact that distribution of those ISO's is illegal and therefore should not be discussed HERE.
"There are plenty of (legal, not-virus-infected) torrents available on TPB."
I am sure there are, but I also know for a fact that there are many files that are infected, just read the comments on the files themselves. Again, this is MS's forum and even
the people who pirate the software intentionally respect the job MS does in developing it (or why would they pirate it), seems pretty blatant, bold and stupid to try to have a philosophical debate on the merits of software piracy on this venue.
"Whether users (such as Carl, probably) received viruses after downloading (and not hashing) software is not indicative of the total content of such a massive network."
The only virus, spyware or malware I have ever downloaded was done so on purpose, as for the second part, downloading from the vendor has an almost absolute zero chance of infection
with a virus, however I still hash check for corruption, I use hashcalc and it works great. Someone with knowledge and the proper tools can avoid with absolute certainty getting a virus from a torrent, however that combination of knowledge and tools is sadly
lacking and every infected computer connected to the internet degrades the security, reliability and speed of the internet as a whole. That said I feel 100% justified in making a blanket statement warning against the dangers of sites like that. Those with
the knowledge and skill and a bit of maturity will realize the message inherent in my statement and let it pass, those with the knowledge, tools but lacking the maturity may try to attack the veracity of my statement.
"If you want immature, condescending censorship, these forums are great! Look at Darin Smith unmarking the OP's choice of 'answers."
That statement warrants no response.
Finally I would like to say this; it is called the pirate bay for a reason.
