There are a couple of linux distributions that you could use.. all of them are really good.. you could use Ubuntu or Kubuntu, Mandriva, Debian and so on. If you are a beginner then you wont go wrong with Ubuntu or Kubuntu. When it comes to torrent downloads all linux torrent software is good. like Ktorrent for kubuntu and mandriva. They work well. In terms of downloading speed it actually depends on how you do your torrents. If you want to torrent make sure that you don't Leech, as leeching causes you to get penalties.. thats why your download becomes slow. Make sure that you leave your download online for a good 6 hours or so.. so that you wont be tagged as a leecher. Also make sure that you choose the download well. look for the ones that have a lot of Seeders.