She must have had all the protection shut off (gates,firewall,etc.) Windows Vista and 7 are -what we call- "idiot-proof-systems" meaning everything is set up automatically, all the security, everything you need. So things like that can't happen to you. Even when you install your torrent programme it automatically adjusts to your security system. Now, if you're an idiot and you start mucking around with the settings and you have no clue what you are doing, that's another thing. Golden rule of ANY electronics: "If you don't know it, leave it!" Meaning leave the settings on default, don't open any ports (it will NOT make your downloads faster). If you have problems, go to a computer specialist. I mean a real one, not the cool kid from next door who downloads so much and is a "hacker". The problem was not the torrents, they are actually pretty safe. I have used torrents for years, never ever had a problem, never got a trojan. One more thing how you CAN get a trojan, virus, etc. is if you are using a bullsh*t anti-virus programme (like for ex. Kaspersky). Use NOD32. It detects, warns and quarantines automatically. Tells you where the malware came from and what was done with it, without you even lifting a finger. And don't mess around with stuff if you don't know what it is.