How to download anything you need using open source tools

BitTorrent file-sharing

When it comes to BitTorrent file-sharing, Vuze (formerly Azureus) is probably one of the best open source multiplatform applications available ^[1].

These are some of Vuze’s main features and strengths:

• Ease of use : the program’s user interface is simple, uncluttered, and it’s very easy to use. This can be an important bonus for those less familiar with the way BitTorrent works (they won’t be bothered with useless details or the need to tweak every possible setting in order to get a decent download speed). However, the power users won’t be let down: the configuration panel lets you fine tune almost every aspect of the application.
• Integrated search : Many BitTorrent clients have been offering search capabilities for some time, so that you don’t have to find torrents through websites. Vuze implements the search feature in a very simple and powerful way, letting you search through sites like Mininova, YouTube or Vuze’s own HD Network, all with a single query and without leaving the program. The results are presented very neatly, and it takes just one click to start downloading any of the files shown.
• Broadcatching : this is one of Vuze’s best features.
  

Caveats

• Ads : when you use the program’s search feature, you’ll be shown some ads.
• Translations : although the user interface is available in multiple languages, some of the translations seem to be works in progress, and you’ll end up with half of the program in your selected language and the other half in english.
  

Other options

In case you don’t like Vuze, here’s a list of almost 50 BitTorrent clients (three out of four are covered by GPL or similar licenses).

I can suggest you the following options:

• KTorrent : if you’re using the KDE environment, KTorrent can be a good choice for you. It’s a very lightweight program, and being a KDE application it plays nice with your desktop environment.
• Opera ^[2] : this is the most simple way to download torrents, and all you need is a web browser. Opera has an integrated BitTorrent client, so when you click on a torrent link, it will let you download it just like any other regular file. It can’t get any easier. Opera’s BitTorrent capabilities may not satisfy the power users, but for those downloading torrents once in a while, it can be good enough.
• rTorrent : if you prefer working from a command-line environment, then rTorrent is probably the best BitTorrent client in its class. Here you can find a very good article on how to use rTorrent, which also shows some of it most interesting and advanced features.

¹ Please note that even when Azureus is an open source program, it doesn’t have a GPL license. If you’re concerned about that, then have a look at the list of BitTorrent clients so you can choose another program.

² Opera is completely free (as in free beer), but it’s not open source