Downloads

If you're looking for an all-in-one tool for downloading and playing files using the popular BitTorrent file-sharing protocol, give Ares a try. It's a simple-to-use BitTorrent client that also includes its own built-in media player and chat capabilities.

The built-in audio and video player is particularly useful, because it allows you to preview files while they're still downloading. That way, if the file is not what you wanted, you can halt the download. The media player also makes it simple to organize playlists. And a library organizer allows you to easily manage your media, and includes a helpful quick search feature.

The included chat client is surprisingly full-featured. Not only can you join chat rooms that others have created, but you can create rooms of your own. And despite the many features packed into the program, it's cleanly designed, with all its features near at hand. Note that you'll need to open a port in your firewall in order for Ares to work.

--Preston Gralla