9 of the Best Free Linux BitTorrent Clients

BitTorrent is an open source peer-to-peer file protocol for sharing large software and media files. It is a well established protocol which accounts for a significant proportion of internet traffic.

A file provider initially makes a file (or group of files) available to the network. This is called a seed and allows others, named peers, to connect and download the file. Each peer that downloads a part of the data makes it available to other peers to download. After the file is successfully downloaded by a peer, many continue to make the data available, becoming additional seeds.

Unlike other download methods, BitTorrent maximizes transfer speed by gathering pieces of a file and downloading them simultaneously from people who already have them. This enables multiple concurrent downloads of the same file, and at the same time minimises the load on centralized servers.

Over the years BitTorrent has received a considerable amount of bad press, mainly because the protocol is seen as a convenient way of facilitating mass illegal downloads of music, movies, games and software. Consequently, it is disliked by some content producers and industry and trade groups such as the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). However, the protocol also plays an important role in the legal distribution of software and files.

For example, many Linux companies rely on BitTorrent as a key method of distributing their software, relieving the bandwidth burden on their servers. Downloads get faster when there are lots of users downloading and sharing at once, which has meant that BitTorrent is very popular when a new version of a Linux distribution is released. Even with many simultaneous downloads, the upload burden on the central server remains quite small, since each new downloader introduces new upload capacity.

To provide an insight into the quality of software that is available, we have compiled a list of 9 polished Linux BitTorrent clients. Hopefully, there will be something of interest for anyone who wishes to share software and media files. Whilst not included in the list below, Opera warrants a special mention. Although Opera is not released under a 'free' license, it is a no-charge download which provides a competent BitTorrent client (as well as an impressive web browser and internet suite).

So, let's explore the 9 BitTorrent clients at hand. For each application we have compiled its own portal page, a full description with an in-depth analysis of its features, screenshots, together with links to relevant resources and reviews.

Last Updated Sunday, August 09 2009 @ 01:22 PM EDT