Artemis

Artemis 2.6.9 is a free utility for sharing all sorts of files via the BitTorrent PRO peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing protocol. It's one of many similar free BitTorrent clients, each of them claiming unique features that set it above its peers. BitTorrent dramatically reduces bandwidth and increases download speed and reliability. It hosts large files in small bits called "torrents" on participants' computers via a decentralized network. Users, called "peers," can access and download your torrent when you're logged on. You can transfer immense files like HD video, ripped DVDs, whole directories of photos, or huge applications quickly with very little bandwidth. As with all P2P networks, you're responsible for the safety and legality of what you download.

Artemis is based on the Azureus P2P software, which is optimized toward sharing HD video. It's fairly easy to use, as BitTorrent clients go, which means you really should know what you're doing before you do it. The main interface is a dialog in classic Windows style. Artemis boasts a Configuration Wizard that makes it easy to download torrents and set up P2P connections. A Fast-Resume feature automatically resumes interrupted downloads, and the software compiles the bits into a finished file automatically, too. A 6GB file took mere minutes to download via a standard broadband connection.

Artemis 2.6.9 is freeware. Unlike many file-transfer utilities, it installs and uninstalls cleanly. We tested it in Windows Vista as well as Windows 7 Ultimate and Home Premium, and it worked like a champ in each.