how do I use bitdefender to scan torrents before I download them

I would like to scan downloads first, I am trying to understand the processsof viruses in downloads. On my computer I have spydoctor,and bitdefender 9. Do you download and save a download to your computer first. If you do that, and a virus is attached to the file, is it on your computer hard drive. Or is it that a virus can not " takeover" until you actually OPEN the file, whether directly, or after saving it.

2) How do I scan the torrents to be sure they are free of viruses. What is the reccommended software? Someone mentioned a virus scanner software, but is that what bitdefender is, or something different.

 

Torrents 99% of the time dont have viruses,torrent sites remove virused torrents basicly instantly. Ive downloaded over a couple of hundred torrent files and ive never got a virus from them. So theres no real point scanning them.

 

Thanks, that's good to know, so if I get any viruses, I guess they probally come from downloading codecs. I'll be sure to download the codec from an apporved site. Thanks.

 

The only reason i get viruses is because i leave my computer connected to the net all night, coz i got dialup. Just the fact that im connected normally gives me viruses, none are actually got from bittorrent.