In order to download a file from a .torrent, you need a BitTorrent client.
Nowadays, you have many choices; I listed a few of the best clients here,
as well as some warnings :)
BT is a P2P program. This means that you will automatically be uploading
the file you download. This starts as soon as you have the first chunk
(which is usually about 0.25 Mbyte in size)
First up, the one that started it all, the original BitTorrent client
by Bram Cohen. It runs on any
platform Python runs on (practically
everything) and features a text-only mode. Get this if you just want
to get a file without much fuss.
| Homepage | http://bitconjurer.org/BitTorrent/ |
| Main Author | Bram Cohen |
| Language | English |
Next, BitTornado by TheShad0w; it´s the descendant of
TheShad0w´s experimental
client, which itself was based on an
experimental build of the original BitTorrent. This client features
an enhanced GUI, lots of new features under the hood, and is generally
one of the most advanced clients out there. Get this if you need to
limit your bandwidth or generally want more control. It runs on the
same platforms the original BitTorrent runs on, and also features a
console mode.
| Homepage | http://www.bittornado.com/ |
| Main Author | TheShad0w |
| Language | English |
Azureus is a BitTorrent implementation in
Java (and, as such, runs wherever Java runs). It easily supports
multiple concurrent BitTorrent downloads, can be tweaked to your
heart´s desire, and is constantly updated. Get this if you need a
powerhorse, but make sure you have a reasonably recent Java Virtual
Maschine installed.
| Homepage | http://azureus.sourceforge.net/ |
| Main Author | Nolar |
| Language | Many |
ABC is a client based on TheShad0w´s experimental
BitTorrent client. It features handling of multiple torrents, as well
as a GUI to go along with it; It should run everywhere Python runs,
but has only been tested on Win32 and Linux. It remains a popular
choice amongst users ...
| Homepage | http://pingpong-abc.sourceforge.net/ |
| Main Author | Dustin Pate, Choopan Rattanapoka |
| Language | English |
Another fan favourite, burst! has existed for a long time. It builds on
top of a version of TheShad0w´s experimental client, adding
management of multiple downloads, a decent .torrent creation-tool, etc.
| Homepage | http://krypt.dyndns.org:81/torrent/index.phtml |
| Main Author | kRYPT |
| Language | English |
For Mac OS X users, Tomato Torrent delivers a more OSX-like feel than Bram´s client (which
this is built on).
| Homepage | http://sarwat.net/bittorrent/ |
| Main Author | Sarwat Khan |
| Language | English |
There are other BitTorrent(-capable) clients as well; if you know of particularly good ones, drop me a line and I might add them here.
Please do not use any clients that fake the statistics sent to the server in any way; not only does doing so not help you in any way, but it also screws up statistics for the rest of us.
Specifically, it is discouraged to use g3torrent, BitSpirit, or any
other client that either tries to spoof being another, disables or
severely limits uploading by default, or generally behaves irresponsibly.
You should also avoid clients that come with spy/adware-baggage (such
as the "Unify Media" packaged version of BitTorrent, etc.) (note that I previously
listed TorrentStorm here in error. It seems to be a fine client and will
be put in the above table once I have time to test it more.)
