Can I safely download torrents or online content?

The idea is to have some type of "safe box" container folder or program that will let me download torrents and any other content from the web eg, (mediafire) in such a way that will protect my computer from being infected from potential threats.

I know the answer will seem as easy as virus protection software. But I’m wondering if there exist something that will almost create a virtual folder. Kinda like a virtual pc. hope this makes some sense..