Detect Open/Closed Ports & How to Open/Close them?

[UsernameTaken]

I would like to start using BitTorrent, but I don't know which port to use. I'm using a 3-4 year old Linksys router and I think it acts as a hardware firewall but I'm not sure. A Linksys VOIP router from Vonage is in the mail to replace it. I have McAfee installed otherwise. How can I tell what ports are open/closed and how can I open/close ports? I would prefer to keep the amount of open ports to a minimum and share them with applications such as BitTorrent and World of Warcraft.

 

[dhaynes]

This site should help you get started: http://www.portforward.com

 

[computerhakk]

First, which program are you using? Some randomize their ports, some stick with a set series or ports.

To open/forward your ports, once you know the ports to open, it's pretty simple.. usually start by typing in the ip.. linksys is usually something like
192.168.1.1
to access your settings, there you can open/forward the ports.

 

[UsernameTaken]

I will be using either Opera, uTorrent, or Azureus.

 

[UsernameTaken]

I installed the Vonage router and the internet works fine.

I still do not understand the whole port situation and none of the 3 clients will do anything. I downloaded the .torrent files and opened them up but nothing happens.