BitComet 1.42

Overview

BitComet 1.34 is the latest version of a BitTorrent client that has been highly popular in the past. For the uninitiated, a BitTorrent client is basically a tool that is used to enable peer-to-peer file sharing and is one of the more widely-used methods of downloading files nowadays.

Installation

Installing the software itself is a straightforward process but there are two options that you should keep an eye out for. The first of these is a tickbox to enable ‘browser integration’ for Internet Explorer, Firefox and Maxthon which will allow BitComet to download files from those browsers. The second option shows up after the installation - where you will need to select whether or not you want BitComet to open automatically when the computer is booted up.

BitComet comes in both a 32 bit and 64 bit version and supports all versions of Windows after Windows 2000, including the upcoming Windows 8.

Interface

Anyone who has used BitTorrent clients in the past will find the BitComet interface to be decidedly familiar. That being said, compared to most other clients out there, there are a lot of ‘extras’ in the form of links to various websites that house torrents, movies, music, games, and so on. The presence of these additional elements does make the interface appear cluttered.

Pros

On the whole BitComet fulfills its role as a BitTorrent client with ease – just as other similar clients do. However, there are a few areas in which this particular client distinguishes itself, such as:

• Support for HTTP/FTP downloads. Unlike other clients, BitComet will download from HTTP and FTP sources as well as BitTorrent peers.

• Access to ED2K Network. With the additional installation of a small plugin, BitComet can access the ED2K network used by file sharing clients such as eMule which will provide additional sources to download files from.

• Optimized caching for high speed downloads. The new Intelligent Disk Cache is supposed to cache data better when downloading at high speeds (more than 500 Kbps) which should avoid damage to the hard drive and slow down the PC less.

Additionally, it is possible to subscribe to the VIP Acceleration packages that will help boost download speeds. There is a free 30 day trial that comes with 10 GB worth of bandwidth, but subsequent bandwidth will have to be purchased piecemeal.

Cons

One of the major qualms regarding BitComet is the fact that compared to its competitors it is a fairly bloated piece of software. Add to that the cluttered interface and it is easy to see why many shy away from this BitTorrent client nowadays.

Also, being an ad-supported software, BitComet will display slightly intrusive advertisements in the corner of your screen from time to time.

Finally, it is worth bearing in mind that many private torrent sites ban users who utilize BitComet because of the belief that the client reports incorrect data about download/upload ratios and leaks information to DHT.

Alternatives

Right now the two most popular torrent clients out there are uTorrent and Tixati. Over the years BitComet has lost a lot of users to both due to the fact that they are more resource friendly and do not have as much controversy within the file sharing community.

Conclusion

On the whole it must be said that BitComet has worked hard to address many of the problems that have dogged it over the years and this current version does not come with many of the unwanted system changes and hidden adware that previous incarnations have gained notoriety for.

Even the former compulsory BitComet login is now purely optional.

That being said, compared to other BitTorrent clients it definitely is a bit of a resource hog and for all of its additional features, it does little to justify that.