bit-torrent help needed... 'cause I only know enough to be dangerous ;)

[amoeba_j]

so I figured out that the software on my old computer that I thought was a Bit Torrent program, well, isn't... and that's why none of the downloads I've tried have worked. now I have no idea which of the multitude of BT programs to choose. I can't even say that I fully understand what to do with it, so I'm looking for one that is user-friendly, no spyware, but it doesn't need lots of bells and whistles. (I use XP and dsl if that makes a difference.)

do any of you have any suggested programs and/or FAQ sites to help me please?