I've been using Ubuntu for a while and I am a proud noob GUI addict (unlike some CLI user geeks).
But some time ago aditya shevade reviewed a Command Line torrent client on his blog, I used command line and since then I am addicted to it.
So here are 3 clients I've tried so far and how to use them properly (in my opinion.).
1.)
Transmission :- Its multi-platform (not available for windows though) and has a cli version (GUI version is cool too). You can download it from Ubuntu repositories, or compile yourself.
To download torrents just following command @ Shell Prompt :
Code:
transmissioncli <path of .torrent file>
Example :--
Code:
transmissioncli /home/quizmaster/Desktop/ubuntu_8.10_alpha_3.torrent
You can control the download/ upload speed by -d & -u switches.
This is a great client but CLI version lacks some features rTorrent offers.
Uses less ram and is fast enough. Must try for experienced Linux users. Newbies.. stay away for a while till all bugs gets fixed.
2.)
rTorrent :-- This is the easiest CLI torrent client I encountered (really!). Just do a "apt-get install rtorrent" in ubuntu or Debian and you are ready to go. To download a torrent simply type @ shell prompt:
Code:
rtorrent <location of torrent file>
DONE!!! Its as simple as that. rtorrent can be customized to your needs pretty easily (easy from a linux user's perspective
).
By editing the configuration file located in ~.rtorrent.rc by default you can make rtorrent bow to your will.
All common configuration changes can be read
here.
To enable scheduled downloading of torrents (for BSNL/ MTNL Night UL users) you can add following code to config file :
Code:
schedule = throttle_1,08:00:00,02:00:00,download_rate=0
schedule = throttle_2,02:00:00,08:00:00,download_rate=60
This will allow rtorrent to download torrents only between 2:00 AM to 8:00 AM.
For the geeks - rtorrent has Peer Exchange, Initial Seeding and DHT features.. Neat na?
3.)
ctorrent :-- Now some people will bash me for using ctorrent.. Its pretty old. Development stopped in sometime in 2004 (or 2006, i forgot
). But still does the basic job. Not as efficient as Transmission and nor as much customizable as rtorrent, ctorrent is just a no frill CLI torrent client (Dunno why but I still use it instead of new
Enhanced ctorrent.).
To download torrents just issue command same as Transmission for example :
Code:
ctorrent /home/quizmaster/Desktop/Blobb.iso.torrent
Here torrent path depends where you put that .torrent file.
4.)
hrkTorrent :- This one I've never tested but seems its pretty popular among Gentoo users. People at #gentoo IRC channel suggested me this. Couldn't try but they say its pretty powerfull and have features similar to rtorrent like DHT, ipFilter, Peer Exchange etc etc.
Just a little review of clients I've used.
Verdict : I will choose Transmission over rtorrent. (Its more geeky
)
Downloading Torrents : CLI way
.
appreciate 
Linear Mode
