You don't need HBO to watch 'Game Of Thrones.' All you need to watch the most pirated show ever, or almost anything, is either to download it from a torrent site or to Google 'Game of Thrones streaming' and click one of the first links that comes up to watch it online.

Now, don't take that as an endorsement. These activities, especially streaming, can be illegal; risk exposure to viruses; and often involve poor quality, pop-up ads, and other annoyances.

'It's too complicated for most people,' Dan Rayburn, executive vice president for the streaming industry news site StreamingMedia.com, told Business Insider. 'With Netflix or whatever, you know what type of quality you're getting, what type of device [the content] plays on.'

Yet millions of people still use these methods to watch live and recorded TV, whether to save money or time.

In a new Business Insider/Survey Monkey poll focused solely on streaming, 14% of people admitted to streaming unlicensed content. Of the respondents who didn't stream unlicensed content, 23% said it was because they didn't know how, and 32% said it was because they think it is illegal. See full poll results here »

But is streaming unlicensed content online illegal? Jim Gibson, director of the Intellectual Property Institute at the University of Richmond law school, told Business Insider that streaming online content breaks the law in two cases.

When the user downloads even part of a file — called 'pseudo-streaming' — it counts as a copy of copyrighted material, which is illegal. And when the user streams content as a 'public performance' — namely, when it's shown to a substantial number of people outside the normal family circle and its close acquaintances — it also constitutes a copyright violation.

Outside of these cases, accessing unlicensed streamed content is generally legal.

On the other side of the screen, however, uploading or posting unlicensed streamed content is illegal — even if it's free, according to Gibson. 'That's the most basic part of copyright — protection of your work. When someone uploads a video online, they're literally making a copy,' he said.

Online streaming sites may try to avoid trouble by not hosting their own content, instead acting as a search engine for links to streamed content, usually embedded from a secondary site. In that case, determining accountability requires the 'inducement rule,' a test created in a 2005 Supreme Court ruling which states that a company or website can only be held accountable for distributing unlicensed content if it clearly encourage users to infringe a copyright.

'It does very much depend on the marketing and the uses [these sites] are encouraging .. You know, GM can make a car. You can use it as a getaway car in a bank robbery, or you can use it to get work. So we don't say that GM is on the hook just because it provides a technology that can be used illegally,' Gibson said. The same goes for streaming websites.

These secondary sites, however, where the content actually exists, do violate copyright law. But they're not usually as big as the primary sites, which aggregate unlicensed content. 'If you have to choose your battles, you're more likely to go after the bottlenecks. They give you the most access to infringing content,' Gibson said.

Just earlier this year, the Ultimate Fighting Championship organization took down cagewatcher.eu, an illegal site streaming UFC fights live online, and seized its records. 'Sites like that are shut down constantly,' says Rayburn, the CEO of StreamingMedia.com. 'It's not hard for law enforcement to find these sites. But it is hard to find out who's running them.'

Still, many unlicensed online streaming sites continue to operate. Here's a diagram of how most of them work:

As for the experience of using an unofficial streaming site, let's see how someone might find FX's 'American Horror Story' online. Instead of Googling 'American Horror Story streaming,' we'll go straight to ProjectFreeTV, a site we know, and search there.

Searching here will yield a bunch of links to embedded content, generally hosted on a separate site. Choose the link you want to watch, considering load time and any other factors. We picked season three, episode three.

The links will bring you to another screen with an embedded video. Psp genso suikoden english patch. When you press play, the first website, in this case, ProjectFreeTV, requests the file from the second website, allmyvideos.net.

From the time you type the website's name in the browser to the time you press play, three pop-ups as well as weird, sex banners interrupt the search. You'll also have to navigate the links carefully. Only the large, blue play button will start the video, while the others could take you to outside websites or even start downloading files or programs, which potentially contain viruses.

Finally, the server sends the episode directly to your computer, bypassing the ProjectFreeTV and thus potentially avoiding legal repercussions.

Of course, the video might not play on your computer, since the original file could require software that you don't have. Even if it works, the quality may well be terrible. If you can't watch the video or don't like what you see, then you can repeat the process with another link until you are satisfied.

This clearly is not an ideal video watching experience. But as long as it's free and immediately available and there isn't a serious government crackdown, a growing number of Internet users will continue to choose this option.

HBO has officially picked up one of its “Game of Thrones” prequels to pilot, the network announced on Friday.

The untitled project, from George R. R. Martin and “Kingsman” screenwriter Jane Goldman, is set thousands of years before the events of the current “Game of Thrones” series in the era known as the “Age of Heroes.”

According to HBO, the series will chronicle “the world’s descent from the golden Age of Heroes into its darkest hour.”

Also Read:'Game of Thrones' Spinoffs Are All Prequels With No Current Characters, George RR Martin Says

In the mythology of “Game of Thrones” and Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” novels, the “Age of Heroes” is the period when the First Men settled in Westeros and began to establish what would later become the Seven Kingdoms. The logline for the show promises: “From the horrifying secrets of Westeros’s history to the true origin of the white walkers, the mysteries of the East to the Starks of legend… it’s not the story we think we know.”

Goldman will write the pilot, based on a story she developed with Martin, and will also serve as showrunner. Vince Gerardis and Daniel Zelman will serve as executive producers. “Game of Thrones” creators D.B. Weiss and David Benioff are not involved with the series.

Goldman’s project was one of five “Game of Thrones” prequels HBO put into development last year, with the others written by “Thrones” alum Bryan Cogman, Max Borenstein (“Kong: Skull Island”), Brian Helgeland (“Legend”) and Carly Wray (“Mad Men,” “The Leftovers”).

Also Read:'Game of Thrones' Is Going to Kill Off Just About Everyone 'One by One,' HBO Exec Teases

“Game of Thrones,” HBO’s most-watched show in history, is set to end in 2019 with a truncated six-episode season, and the network has been actively searching for a series to replicate its success.

The status of the other prequels is currently unclear, though HBO programming boss Casey Bloys told reporters in January that it’s possible more than one could make its way to air. He also said none of them would premiere until after the conclusion of “Thrones” next year.

“They didn’t start at the same startlines, so we’re at different stages, but I’m very encouraged by what we’ve seen,” said Bloys. “I don’t have a timetable when we’re going to make decisions on anything. I could make between zero and five. Probably more likely around one.”

14 Most Savage TV Character Deaths of 2017, From 'Game of Thrones' to 'The Walking Dead' (Photos)

• Television characters are a dime a dozen, but sometimes when we lose one it can pack a pretty hefty punch. Especially if they go out in a totally epic way. In 2017, we watched more than a few good men and women kick the bucket on TV (though a couple we were honestly glad to be rid of). Here are the ones who went out as total badasses — or maybe were killed by a total badass. Beware of spoilers!

  Also Read:13 Biggest TV Cliffhangers of 2017, From ‘Riverdale’ to ‘Stranger Things’ (Photos)

  TheWrap

• Bob, 'Stranger Things' -- Bob was a nice guy. A great guy. Too good to live, maybe? Yeah, we had our suspicions that Sean Astin's adorable new character wouldn't make it to the end of 'Stranger Things 2' -- and he didn't. Luckily, he went out making sure everyone else survived.

  Also Read:‘Stranger Things’ Star Joe Keery Vows to Shave His Head If David Harbour Wins Golden Globe

  Netflix

• Olenna Tyrell, 'Game of Thrones' -- Lady Olenna died in the most vicious way someone can: after having the last word. The matriarch of the Tyrell dynasty told Jaime Lannister she was responsible for his son Joffrey's death before committing suicide by poison (per his instructions). She also wanted to make sure his mother Cersei knew she killed him. What a savage last wish.

  Also Read:Emilia Clarke Is Starting to Get ‘Really Annoyed’ by Fans’ Obsession With ‘Game of Thrones’ Nudity

  HBO

• Frank/Black Jack Randall, 'Outlander' -- Losing 'Outlander' star Tobias Menzies meant watching one character we really loved die and another we hated bite the dust, all at the same time. The cruel Captain Black Jack Randall and Claire's loving husband Frank were both killed off in the Season 3 premiere when Jamie took out his long-time tormenter. We'll miss you, Frank. Uh, not so much, Black Jack.

  Also Read:‘Outlander’ EP Explains Jamie’s ‘Poetic’ Black Jack Showdown, Teases Reunion With Claire

  Starz

• Carl, 'The Walking Dead' -- Viewers closed one eye in solidarity after this fan-favorite character met his demise in the Season 8 winter finale. After a knock-down, drag-out battle at the Alexandria Safe-Zone, the Grimes Gang made it to safety in the sewer. But everyone would come to find out Carl had actually been bitten by a walker days earlier, while trying to save a man's life. It was a tough pill for fans to swallow, though it was also a pretty baller way to go.

  Also Read:‘The Walking Dead’ Star on the Moment He Learned of His Character’s Death: ‘It Was Devastating’

  AMC

• Walder Frey (and his entire family), 'Game of Thrones' -- You can never have enough 'Game of Thrones' character deaths on a list like this, especially when they have been a long-time coming. In the Season 7 opener, Arya finally gave Walder Frey and his kin the thank you note the Starks owed them for the Red Wedding. She slaughtered the patriarch and his entire family for killing several members of her own, seasons earlier. The scene was deeply cathartic for fans who had been waiting to see Arya get her revenge for years.

  Also Read:‘Game of Thrones’ Star Maisie Williams Cannot Wait to Be ‘Free’ of Hit HBO Show

  HBO

• Littlefinger, 'Game of Thrones' -- Littlefinger was one of the most hated, yet beloved, characters in all of “Game of Thrones.” He spent the majority of his life manipulating everyone around him, including the people he loved most, like Catelyn and Sansa Stark. So when he died at the hand of Arya, on her sister Sansa’s orders, it was definitely a most-fitting end for such a conniving character. And it didn’t hurt that the knife Arya used to kill him with was the Valyrian steel blade he gave to Bran’s would-be assassin in Season 1.

  Also Read:‘Game of Thrones': An Ode to Littlefinger

  HBO

• Perry, 'Big Little Lies' -- We don't think fans have ever been more OK with a character's death then they were with Perry's. When Bonnie shoved Celeste's husband down the stairs at an elementary school fundraiser in the final episode of this limited series (which was recently renewed for a second season) viewers were actually a little relieved that his abuse would finally come to an end. Bonnie also rose to the occasion after being a super chill and quiet character the entire season.

  Also Read:‘Big Little Lies’ Loose Ends: 6 Questions Left Unanswered in the Finale (Photos)

  HBO

• William, 'This is Us' -- If you say you didn't grow fond of Randall's biological father William during the first season of NBC's powerhouse drama you are lying to yourself and everyone else. William died of complications due to cancer at the end of an episode centered around his past, as well as the beautiful relationship he'd built with his adult son since meeting him in the pilot. However, his death was a peaceful one and actually forced Randall to reexamine his life and even quit a job he hated. That's a pretty powerful mark to leave on your way out.

  Also Read:Ratings: ‘This Is Us’ Grows With Drama, Drama, Drama-Filled Fall Finale

  NBC

• Crowley, 'Supernatural' -- Everyone on this long, long-running CW series has died at least five times. At least. But Mark Sheppard made it clear he was leaving the show for good at the end of Season 12, so fans were ready for one last big Crowley death scene. The King of Hell delivered with a moment in which he sacrificed himself to close a rift between two worlds. He literally saved two worlds with his death. Mic drop.

  Also Read:‘Supernatural': Fate of Dean and Sam’s Mom Stirs ‘Problem’ in Season 13

  The CW

• Stefan Salvatore, 'The Vampire Diaries' -- Stefan sacrificed himself in the series finale to not only save Mystic Falls, but straight up destroy hell. Yeah. He also took his brother Damon’s place in all this and gave him the gift of humanity before leaving him. Now go ahead and tell us a more heroic way to die — we dare you.

  Also Read:‘The Vampire Diaries’ Sinks Teeth Into 1-Year TV Ratings High With Shocking Finale Death

  The CW

• The Black Fairy, 'Once Upon a Time' -- There are few times when a character's death precipitates a change that leads to the reboot of an entire series. This was one of them. Rumpelstiltskin killed his mother, the Black Fairy, in the Season 5 finale of the fairy tale-centric, giving everyone their 'happy endings' and allowing for a reboot and the chance for more stories to be told. If that's not an epic death, especially for a villain, we don't know what is.

  Also Read:‘Once Upon a Time’ Creators on Whether Fans Enjoy Season 7: ‘Depends Which Website You’re On’

  ABC

• Ragnar Lothbrok, 'Vikings' -- King Ragnar truly died a warrior's death on 'Vikings.' Ragnar turned himself in to the English kings Ecbert and Aelle and used his death to send a message to his people. He died in a snake pit after threatening vengeance -- a promise that was soon fulfilled when his enemies joined him.

  Also Read:‘Vikings’ Lands Early Season 6 Renewal From History

  History

• Mrs. S, 'Orphan Black' -- Siobhan Sadler was shot in the chest by Ferdinand in the fifth and final season of 'Orphan Black.' Luckily, she was able to take him out with her dying breath, as she sent a shot right through his throat. It also didn't hurt she had already leaked the Neolution’s secrets to the public with Rachel's help. RIP Mrs. S. You went out in a blaze of glory.

  Also Read:‘Orphan Black’ Showrunner Credits ‘Six Feet Under,’ ‘The Sopranos’ for Show’s Existence

  BBC America

• Viserion, 'Game of Thrones' -- When Daenerys Targaryen lost her beloved dragon in a serious battle beyond The Wall, we thought we'd be crying for days. But then he was reanimated -- as the Night King's personal pet. Uh-oh. Now Viserion is a white-walking creature who was last seen helping the bad guys journey into Westeros after burning down The Wall with his icy blue flames.

  Also Read:‘Game of Thrones’ Stars Jason Momoa, Emilia Clarke Reunite (Photos)

  HBO

• We can't know who is going to meet a savage end in 2018. But what we can say with almost full certainty is that next year's gallery will not be littered with 'Game of Thrones' characters. Mainly because the final season is reportedly not coming till 2019. Ugh.

  Also Read:Jason Momoa Teases ‘Amazing’ ‘Game of Thrones’ Season 7 Spoilers: ‘It’s Going to ‘F— up a Lot of People’

  HBO

Review the baddies who went down in flames and the heroes who died epically this year

Television characters are a dime a dozen, but sometimes when we lose one it can pack a pretty hefty punch. Especially if they go out in a totally epic way. In 2017, we watched more than a few good men and women kick the bucket on TV (though a couple we were honestly glad to be rid of). Here are the ones who went out as total badasses — or maybe were killed by a total badass. Beware of spoilers!

Also Read:13 Biggest TV Cliffhangers of 2017, From ‘Riverdale’ to ‘Stranger Things’ (Photos)