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Giganews Offers VyprVPN Free to Diamond Customers

December 22, 2009 By

Giganews just announced a new VPN service for all Diamond customers. The service (called VyprVPN) helps ensure your privacy online.  VyprVPN is free for all Diamond account customers through June, 2010.  Giganews has partnered with Golden Frog to offer VyprVPN and is promising more new and innovative products to come.

The VyprVPN service extends the same privacy, security and speed you enjoy from Giganews Usenet access to the rest of your Internet experience. We had a chance to test the VPN during the initial beta and were impressed with both the speed and reliability of the service.

VyprVPN allows you to privately and securely browse the web, e-mail, instant message, browse newsgroups and more by encrypting the traffic.  The setup is very simple.  You add a network connection for the VPN, replace your IP address with a VyprVPN IP and browse securely.

With VyprVPN you choose from a US or European IP address and can switch between the server clusters if necessary.  The applications for VPN services are varied and include providing security for hotspot users, enabling VOIP applications and unlocking websites while abroad.

VyprVPN is available for several operating systems including Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone and Windows Mobile.  We tested the PC and iPhone versions last month.

Giganews will be offering VyprVPN access to Diamond customers free of charge through at least June 30th of next year.   A very good deal considering VyprVPN and similar services cost around $15 a month.

Sign up for a Giganews Diamond account today and save 50% on your first month of service along with free VyprVPN access.  To learn more read our Giganews review.

Filed Under: Giganews, Usenet Providers Tagged With: , ,

ThunderNews Spacial – Save 50% Off Usenet Access

December 21, 2009 By

ThunderNews is currently offering NGR visitors 50% off your first two months of Usenet access.  The discount is good on the first two billing cycles of any monthly newsgroup account.  Please note it can not be stacked with long-term discounts.

To sign up for the 50% off special visit Thundernews.com and enter ngr50for2 into the discount coupon code field during the sign up process.

Let’s take a look at some of the compelling features ThunderNews has to offer along with the discounted pricing.

Thundernews features:
- 465 days binary retention
- 1,265 days text retention
- up to 20 connections
- 256-bit SSL excryption
- US and Eoropean servers
- free News Rover client
- 24/7 live chat support

Here are a few of their most popular premium plans with discounted pricing:
- unlimited access, 20 connections, SSL – $21.99, $10.99
- 75 GB a month, 20 connections, SSL – $16.99, $8.49
- 50 GB a month, 20 connections, SSL -$13.99, $6.64
- 25 GB a month, 20 connections, SSL – $9.99, $4.99

If you don’t need the full retention, SSL, max connections or access to the European servers then Thundernews is offering the same 50% discount on standard accounts with 425+ days of retention and up to 8 connections:
- unlimited, 425 day retention, 8 connections – $19.99, $9.99
- 75 GB a month, 425 day retention, 8 connections – $15.99, $7.99
- 50 GB a month, 425 day retention, 8 connections – $12.99, $6.49
- 25 GB a month, 425 day retention, 8 connections – $8.99, $4.49

To learn more about the Usenet service read our ThunderNews review or visit Thundernews.com.

Filed Under: ThunderNews, Usenet Providers Tagged With: , , ,

Help Fixing Usenet News Server Connectivity Issues

December 17, 2009 By

It can be very frustrating when you pick up the phone, turn on the TV or try to hit the Internet and have issues.  The same holds true for Usenet service but there are a few simple steps you can take to fix common news server problems.

Here are 7 easy steps to help troubleshoot news server connectivity issues:

1. Confirm login information – if this is your first time trying to login then make sure you follow the provider’s setup instructions.  This normally consists of an email with username, password, news server addresses and ports. Visit our newsreader guides section for help setting up popular Usenet clients.

2. Confirm the news server address – some Usenet providers will use a single news server address and dynamically connect to the fastest server farm.  Others will provide different addresses based on location and whether or not you connect via SSL.

3. Confirm the port number – this is where a lot of people get confused.  When connecting to newsgroup servers you specify both a news server and port.  The port number is very important. Default port numbers are 119 (standard) and 563 for SSL connections. We offer a news server address / port list to help in this effort.

4. Test the news server connection – you can use a tool like Simple Little Usenet Test to test the connectivity to your Usenet provider.  The tool is simple to use and allows you to verify account settings and test basic functions.

5. Analyze error messages – sometimes you can learn a lot from an error message.  Common connectivity issues include failed logins, connecting from multiple IP addresses simultaneously and misconfigured server / port information.

6. Download the latest newsreader updates – make sure you have the latest version of your newsgroup client software. We provide a list of the latest newsreader versions and download information.

7. Ask for help – if you are still unable to connect to the news server then ask your Usenet provider for help.  The email you received after signing up should point you in the right direction.  If not visit their site and look for a support section.

Conclusion – hopefully this list helps you quickly resolve any news server connectivity problems.  If not consider an all-in-one Usenet service.  Some providers offer their own newsreader which simplifies setup.  Especially for those new to Usenet.  For more information on these services along with the latest free trials and special offers visit our Usenet providers section.

Filed Under: Usenet Tutorials Tagged With: , , , ,

College Football Newsgroups – Teams & Conferences

December 6, 2009 By

Why not follow your favorite college football team with other Usenet enthusiasts?  Does your team have its own newsgroup?  If not get one started.  Newsgroups are a great way to share your opinion and hear from other college football fans who follow the same team or conference.

Read our Beginnier’s Guide to Newsgroups to learn how to connect with other college football fans to discuss your favorite teams.

In a second we will list a number of popular teams and conferences along with newsgroups associated with each.  If your team isn’t on the list then use Giganews newsgroup search to see if the team has a group.  If a newsgroup doesn’t already exist then feel free to request one.  Once added let us know and we’ll help you promote your team’s newsgroup.

College football team newsgroups:
- Alabama Crimson Tide – alabama.sports.alabama
- Auburn Tigers – alabama.sports.auburn
- Cincinnati Bearcats – uc.bearcats
- Florida Gators – alt.sports.football.college.fla-gators
- Kansas Jayhawks – alt.sports.college.big12.kansas
- Kentucky Wildcats – alt.sports.college.sec.kentucky
- LSU Tigers – alt.sports.college.lsu
- Michigan Wolverines – alt.sports.college.michigan
- NC State Wolfpack – alt.sports.college.nc-state
- Nebraska Cornhuskers – alt.sports.college.nebraska
- Northwestern Wildcats – alt.sports.college.big10.northwestern
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish – alt.sports.college.notre-dame
- Ohio State Buckeyes – alt.sports.college.ohio-state
- Purdue Boilermakers – alt.sports.college.big10.purdue
- Syracuse Orange – alt.sports.college.syracuse
- Tennessee Volunteers – alt.sports.college.sec.tennessee
- Texas Longhorns – alt.sports.college.utexas
- UCLA Bruins – alt.sports.college.pac10.ucla
- UNC Tar Heels – alt.sports.college.unc

College football conference newsgroups:
- ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) – alt.sports.college.acc
- Big 12 – alt.sports.college.big12
- Big East – alt.sports.college.big-east
- Big Ten – alt.sports.college.big10
- Conference USA – alt.sports.college.conference-usa
- Ivy League – alt.sports.college.ivy-league
- MWC (Mountain West Conference) – alt.sports.college.mwc
- PAC 10 (Pacific 10 Conference) – alt.sports.college.pac-10
- SEC (Southeastern Conference) – alt.sports.college.sec
- WAC (Western Atlantic Conference) – alt.sports.college.wac

Filed Under: Usenet Tutorials Tagged With: ,

Google Groups vs Traditional Usenet Newsgroups

December 3, 2009 By

We get the occasional email asking which is better - Google Groups or traditional Usenet newsgroup access.  Should you join Google Groups  or look at traditional Usenet providers?  The answer really depends on what you are trying to accomplish.

In 2001 Google purchased Deja News and in doing so acquired a search engine to access archived newsgroup posts.  The Usenet search has had some technical issues of late but Google is still offering access to newsgroup articles.  However, Google Groups does not offer access to certain content and groups including the alt.binaries hierarchy.

Google Groups provides two types of groups.  One being traditional Usenet newsgroups and the other non-Usenet groups.  If you want to create your own group then non-Usenet is your only option.  The non-Usenet groups can be created as public or private.  They offer mailing list features along with the ability to create web pages, share documents and allow member comments.  Google Groups is web-based making it easy to access but doesn’t offer the enhanced features of some newsgroup readers.

If the goal is to promote a group or organization (email members, share documents, comment, etc.) then Google Groups is a good option.  If you are looking for newsgroup access then traditional Usenet providers are the way to go.

For more information on Google Groups visit http://groups.google.com/.

Here are some resources to learn more about traditional Usenet newsgroup access:
1. Newsgroup Reviews
2. Usenet University by Giganews
3. Getting Started with Usenet by Newshosting
4. Usenet Charter Directory by NewsDemon
5. Usenet for Mac Users by NewsgroupDirect
6. Open Directory Project / DMOZ
7. Wikipedia – Newsgroups

Filed Under: Google Groups, Usenet Providers, Usenet Tutorials Tagged With: , , , ,

Newsguy Christmas Giveaway : Give the Gift of Usenet

December 2, 2009 By

With Thanksgiving just finishing up we’re all in Christmas shopping mode.  Newsguy says “Why not give the gift of Usenet?” with their Christmas Giveaway Special.  Purchase any Newsguy newsgroup account (including deeply discounted term plans) and receive a second identical account free.  Give the free account to a friend or treat yourself to double the fun.  Better yet stack this deal with their term specials and get unlimited Usenet access for $7.90 a month or 50 GB for around $4.00 a month.

The Newsguy Christmas Giveaway special launched last week and will run through the holidays.  It is unique in that you can gift the second Usenet account or double the term of your own account.

Here are a couple examples that take full advantage of the offer:

1. Sign up for a year of unlimited newsgroup access for $189.95 (already discounted 20%) and receive a second year free.   That means you get two years of unlimited Usenet access for $189.95.  That breaks down to under $8.00 a month.

2.  If you don’t need unlimited Usenet then look at the Newsguy Extra account which includes 50 GB of downloads a month.  You can sign up for a year of Newsguy Express for $99.95 (already discounted 40%) and receive the second year free.  That brings the cost to just over $4.00 a month. In addition to newsgroup access the Newsguy Extra account also includes web hosting and email.  Not to mention the web interface and rollover gigs.

Read our Newsguy review to learn more about the service or visit Newsguy to take advantage of the Christmas Giveaway special.

Filed Under: Newsguy, Usenet Providers Tagged With:

SABnzbd+ 0.5.0 Newsreader Beta Released

December 2, 2009 By

SABnzbd+ 0.5.0 newsgroup reader is now in public beta.  We had the opportunity to try it out a couple months ago and were impressed with the new enhancements and improved skins.  For those not already familiar with SABnzbd+ the free Usenet client is open-source, web-based,  cross-platform with support for Windows, Mac OSX and Linux.

Whether you already use SABnzbd or not the beta is definitely worth downloading.  Drop by our SABnzbd+ 0.5.0 preview page to learn more about the new features and screen shots of the new quick start features.  To learn more about the beta visit SABnzbd.org or download the 0.5.0 beta from Source Forge.net.

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Here are the extended release notes from the SABnzbd wiki:

Core Upgrades

  • New Quick-Start Wizard – If you don’t have any servers set you’ll get a neat little five-page wizard allowing you to change all the config settings you really need to worry about. Stuff like “How should SABnzbd be accessible? Remotely or locally?” and “What’s your server address”, in a step by step manner. Features a button on the server page to test the connection to the news server, to make sure you have entered your details correctly.
  • HTTPS Support – The Web-UI now supports HTTPS and has a standard login window (if you use a login/pass). The URL no longer requires the /sabnzbd/ part, though the old URL is still supported.
  • File Quick-Check – We can now skip par2 verification altogether in some cases by performing a quick-check of file hashes before post-processing. If quick-check passes, then all the files are complete and we can proceed without doing the lengthy par2 verification step.
  • Localization System – We now ship with five localizations, English, French, Dutch, German and Swedish, and have a rather simple system for implementing new translations. If you’d like to contribute one, please inquire on our forums.
  • More Indexing Sites – SABnzbd now supports more than just Newzbin. See the support list for full details. Highlights include the RSS feeds for NZBMatrix and Nzbs.org
  • Revamped Config System – The configuration backend was overhauled in 0.5. Many of the config pages have been changed around to make more sense, you can now easily enable/disable servers, you can turn servers on and off with schedules and in general all server interaction is much faster than before. You also only have to restart SABnzbd for major changes to take effect.
  • File Association – .nzb files can now be associated with SABnzbd in Windows, so you can just double click them to load the file into your queue. You can set this up manually on other operating systems by launching SABnzbd with arguments containing a path, or multiple paths to local nzb/rar/zip files.
  • Password Support – Basic support for password protected rar-files is now in. It’s limited, but it works.
  • .TS filejoining – The file joining system now supports merging .TS files.
  • New Sorting Options – Date and Custom sorting options have been added, so downloads with a date can be sorted as such, and further customized sorting options can be developed by users.
  • Email Templates – You can now design custom email templates to report whatever information you want, including multiple recipients.
  • OSX Status Icon – SABnzbd now embeds itself in the menubar to give you some basic functions (no more Dock icon).
  • OSX Growl Notifications – SABnzbd now display Growl notifications (e.g. pause, resume, downloads start and finish…).

The API

  • 0.4 introduced our API, 0.5 expands it to cover everything SABnzbd is capable of. Why does this matter? It means if you know any programming language and understand how to parse XML/JSON and POST data to an address, then you can write some application which can communicate with SABnzbd almost as easily as a template can.

The Queue & History

  • Per-Item Pause – Now, in addition to being able to pause the whole queue, you can also pause individual items in the queue. You can also force downloads to start while the whole queue is paused.
  • Temporary Pause – 0.5 also brings the ability to pause the queue temporarily. So if you just want to pause for 30 minutes while you use your internet connection for something else, you can. This is nice, as it means you don’t have to remember to go back and unpause SABnzbd.
  • Priorities – The queue now has four priorities, Normal, High, Low and force. Think of this as an easy method to move things around your queue, or to insert things into specific areas of your queue. One use case is to set everything to “normal” by default, so it works like 0.4.x. However, you can then add a new post or RSS feed as high-priority to have it be inserted to the top of the queue, or add one as low-priority to have it inserted at the bottom of the queue and keep below normal downloads that are added. Forced items will go straight to the top of the queue, and will continue to download even if the queue is paused.
  • Renaming – You can now rename items in the Queue, SABnzbd will use the new name as the completed directory name.
  • New History Backend – The history is now stored in a database, so we can handle larger histories better, and store more information about downloads. It also now survives between having the queue cleared.

Templates

  • New Default Template – With 0.5, the “smpl” template is now the default. The old basic template is still there, but is now called “Classic”.
  • SMPL – Has been reworked to be much faster and friendlier to use. The default page now shows the top 5 items from the queue and history. The queue and history are also now paginated to stop loading a massive number of items.
  • Plush – Complete backend rewrite to work almost exclusively off the API [so it's MUCH faster], and a reorganized (and more accessible!) main menu. The Queue and History also now have pagination built in, so you can have hundreds of items in both, and only ever have to deal with a manageable number of items on any given page.
  • Mobile – Thanks to the new API and the jQTouch Framework, we’ve got a brand new mobile theme. It’s full featured (save for config options), and gives you the ability to add new nzbs, reorder existing ones, manage the queue, etc. “Mobile” replaces the old “iPhone” template.
Filed Under: Newsreaders, SABnzbd Tagged With: , ,

Thanksgiving Usenet Specials – $5 Unlimited Access

November 25, 2009 By

Update – here are the links to each special.  The links will be active beginning at 5:00 AM EST Thursday morning. Until then you will see retail pricing.

Newshosting – $5 unlimited Usenet access
- unlimited downloads
- 450 days retention
- 60 connections
- free SSL

UseNetServer – $5 unlimited Usenet access
- unlimited downloads
- 450 days retention
- 20 connections
- global search
- free SSL

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If you’ve been following our Usenet Black Friday post then you know there are some great deals coming just around the corner.  We have been very happy with the response from Usenet providers this year and think everyone will enjoy the savings.

To get a jump start on the festivities Newshosting and UseNetServer are going to offer $5 unlimited Usenet accounts starting at 5:00 AM EST Thanksgiving day, November 26th.  Come back or visit Newsgroup Reviews in the morning to take advantage of either deal.

Here are the details of the Thanksgiving Day Usenet specials:
- Newshosting NHXL unlimited account – 60 connections, free SSL – $5 for the first month and then $19.95 a month thereafter.
- UseNetServer High Speed Plus unlimited – 20 connections, free SSL- $5 for the first month and then $17.95 thereafter.

Thanks to both Newshosting and UseNetServer for getting the weekend Usenet celebration started early.  Also make sure to visit Newsgroup Reviews at 12:01 GMT on Black Friday, November 27 for lots more deals!

Filed Under: Newshosting, Usenet Providers, UseNetServer Tagged With: , , ,

Usenet Black Friday Deals – Newsgroup Reviews (NGR)

November 24, 2009 By

It’s time to launch the Usenet Black Friday deals.  Enjoy some of the best deals of 2009 courtesy of several top Usenet providers.  We’ve got some great holiday specials along with a few NGR exclusives.

We will start from the top and cover the top 10 Black Friday Usenet deals of 2009.  Click on any provider below or visit the Newsgroup Reviews home page for sign up details.

1. NewsDemon – $9.95 unlimited Usenet access for life!

Enjoy a NewsDemon Unlimited Plus Usenet account for $9.95 a month for the life of your account.  No term commitments.  Pay monthly and keep the great price as long as your account is active.  This discount is over 55% off the normal retail price of $22.99.

The Unlimited Plus Newsdemon plan is their premier account.  It includes unlimited downloads from over 450 days of binary retention across some 107,000 newsgroups.  The plan includes all the extras – up to 20 connections, SSL encryption and a free newsreader.  They also offer news servers in both the US and Europe for the best speed and reliability.

2. Binverse – 155 GB Free Trial + 20% off your first month

Binverse is offering NGR customers a two part special.  First you will receive a 14 day free trial with up to 155 GB of downloads.  If you decide you like Binverse (and we think you will) they will also discount your first month of unlimited access by taking 20% off the price.  A win / win.

Binverse has a lot to offer newsgroup customers.  Especially those new to Usenet.  They include their own free newsreader which allows you to easily search for content, download, repair and extract.  The service boasts 400+ days of binary retention, thumbnail picture previews, Usenet search engine, file previews and SSL encryption.

3. Supernews – $9.99 unlimited Usenet

NGR visitors can enjoy unlimited Supernews Usenet access for $9.99 a month.  There is no long term commitment required for the discount.  Enjoy unlimited downloads from over 350 days of binary retention, 1,000 days of text posts, 99%+ completion rate, up to 30 connections and server farms in the United States, Europe and Asia for the best performance.

4. Thundernews – 50% off lifetime discount on any monthly plan

Thundernews is offering a great Black Friday Usenet special including 50% off all monthly accounts.  By monthly they mean accounts that are billed monthly with no long-term commitment.  That means you can enjoy unlimited Thundernews access for $10.99 a month or if you don’t need quite that much you can grab a 75 GB a month account for $8.50 a month which is a great deal.  Thundernews accounts offer 395 days retention, 20 connections, SSL encryption, free News Rover newsreader and 24/7 live chat support.

5. UseNetNow – $8.99 unlimited Usenet for life

UseNetNow is offering unlimited newsgroup accounts for $8.99.  While UseNetNow isn’t quite as well known as some of the others on our list we have had the opportunity to review the service and get to know a representative that frequents DSL Reports forums.  The service is fast, reliable and at $8.99 a great value.  Enjoy unlimited access to over 365 days of binary retention (growing to 400), 20 connections, free SSL and servers in both the US and Europe.

6. NewsgroupDirect – $1 unlimited Usenet for two months

We debated on where this deal would fall in the list.  NGD is letting new customers enjoy their first two months of unlimited Usenet access for only $1 a month.  Then the plan reverts back to regular price which is $20 a month.  It is a great deal.  Especially for those new to Usenet or to NewsgroupDirect that want time to try it out.  Otherwise we prefer the $9-$10 a month lifetime deals.  NewsgroupDirect is also offering $5 off all block accounts for Black Friday.

7. Newshosting – $5 unlimited Usenet for the first month

Newshosting is offering new customers a 75% discount off the first month of unlimited Usenet access.  Sign up for an NHXL account which includes unlimited downloads, 450 days of binary retention, up to 60 connections, free SSL and access to news servers in the US and Europe.  After the first month the account will revert to regular pricing which is $19.95 a month.

8. Alt.Binaries – 50% off all plans for first 6 months

AltBinaries offers some really good pricing on metered Usenet accounts.  Meaning a set amount of bandwidth each month.  With the 50% discount you can really save a lot.  For example 80 GB a month of downloads would only cost under $6.50 a month for the first 6 months.  AltBinaries offers customers 170 days of binary retention, 20 connections, SSL, free header downloads and web access to picture newsgroups.

9. UseNetServer – $5 unlimited Usenet for the first month

UseNetServer is offering new customers over 70% off the first month of unlimited Usenet access.  Sign up for a High-Speed Plus account which includes unlimited downloads, 450 days of binary retention, up to 20 connections, free SSL, global search and access to news servers in the US and Europe.  After the first month the account will revert to regular pricing which is $17.95 a month.

10. Newsguy – Buy One Get One (BOGO) Usenet Accounts

Newsguy just launched what they are calling their “Christmas Giveaway” which is basically a BOGO Usenet sale.  Buy any Newsguy account and get the second one free.  It applies to all accounts including annual terms which are already discounted quite a bit.  Newsguy offers 300 days of binary retention to some 107,000 newsgroups, web Usenet access, up to 32 connections, a newsgroup search engine and free SSL.

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A sincere thank you to all the Usenet providers for offering holiday specials.  We hope this will become a yearly tradition and appreciate your efforts and consideration in making the deals available.

To our NGR visitors we hope you enjoy the Black Friday Usenet specials.  Save some money and enjoy the newsgroup access.  For those new to Usenet we welcome you to the community – enjoy!

Filed Under: Alt Binaries, NewsDemon, NewsgroupDirect, Newsguy, Newshosting, Supernews, ThunderNews, Usenet Providers, UseNetNow, UseNetServer Tagged With: , , ,

Newsguy Doubles Retention and Offers a Free Month

November 23, 2009 By

Newsguy recently upgraded binary retention from 140 days up to 300.  The increase brings Newsguy close to a year of retention.

Along with the increased retention, Newsguy is offering a free month of Usenet access.  Anyone who signs up for a Basic or Extra account will receive their 2nd month free.  The BOGO Usenet deal.

Here is a breakdown of the accounts that are being offered as part of the special:

- Newsguy Basic – 15 GB a month for $8.95 (2nd month free)
- Newsguy Extra – 50 GB for $14.95 plus email & web hosting (2nd month free)

Newsguy also offers a web interface and carry over gigs.  Any unused downloads get rolled over to the next month.  Kind of like those unused cell minutes with some carriers.  Just don’t make me watch another AT&T commercial…

To learn more about the service read our Newsguy review or sign up for their BOGO free month offer.

Filed Under: Newsguy, Usenet Providers Tagged With: , ,
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