Exatorrent is a self-hosted BitTorrent client developed using Node.js, React and Redux. It is optimized for performance and has a modern UI with a wide range of features. In this tutorial, we will be learning how to install Exatorrent on Arch Linux.
Before installing any software on your system, it is always a good practice to update the system to the latest packages. Use the following command to update your Arch Linux system:
sudo pacman -Syu
Exatorrent is built using Node.js, so we need to install Node.js and NPM (Node Package Manager) on our system. Use the following command to install them:
sudo pacman -S nodejs npm
To download Exatorrent, you need to clone the software’s repository. Use the following command to do so:
git clone https://github.com/varbhat/exatorrent.git
Now go inside the cloned repository using the following command:
cd exatorrent
Next, install the required packages using the following command:
npm install
Before starting Exatorrent, you need to create a configuration file. Use the following command to copy the default configuration file:
cp config.example.yml config.yml
Next, edit the configuration file using your preferred text editor. You need to set up your default download and upload directories, listen port, and IP address.
nano config.yml
Once the configuration file is edited and saved, it's time to start Exatorrent. Use the following command to start Exatorrent:
npm start
By default, Exatorrent web interface listens on port 3000. So, open your web browser and type the following address:
http://localhost:3000
You should now see the Exatorrent web interface, where you can start adding torrents and manage your downloads.
To start Exatorrent as a system service, you can create a systemd service file. Use the following command to create a systemd service file:
sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/exatorrent.service
Copy the following lines into the service file:
[Unit]
Description=ExaTorrent BitTorrent Client
After=network.target
[Service]
Type=simple
User=<USERNAME>
Group=<GROUPNAME>
WorkingDirectory=/path/to/exatorrent/folder
ExecStart=/usr/bin/npm start
Restart=always
[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target
Make sure to replace <USERNAME> and <GROUPNAME> with your Linux username and group respectively, and replace /path/to/exatorrent/folder with the path to the Exatorrent folder.
Save and exit the file, then reload systemd with the following command:
sudo systemctl daemon-reload
Start the Exatorrent service using the following command:
sudo systemctl start exatorrent
To ensure that the service starts automatically on boot, use the following command:
sudo systemctl enable exatorrent
Congratulations! You have successfully installed Exatorrent on Arch Linux. You can now access the web interface, start adding torrents and manage your downloads.
If you want to self-host in an easy, hands free way, need an external IP address, or simply want your data in your own hands, give IPv6.rs a try!
Alternatively, for the best virtual desktop, try Shells!
