Archives for 2010

In part one of our Mimo Usenet Guide we discussed how to install the Usenet browser.  Now in part two we’re going to cover Mimo’s top 10 features.  What really makes the Mimo newsreader shine!

All newsreaders have their good qualities and opportunities for improvement.  These two categories can intersect as well since we all have our own preferences in how we browse newsgroups and download binaries from Usenet.  We preface the list with that comment because our “Top 10” might not be the same as yours.  Please share your thoughts with us as we continue to learn about the new browser.

Unlike most “Top 10 Lists” we’re not going to count down from 10 to 1.  No need to keep anyone waiting.  We’ll cover what we think is the coolest feature right from the start and go into detail for each feature on the list.

Top 10 Mimo Newsreader Features

1. Built-in Usenet search engine

The Mimo browser includes two built-in Usenet search engines.  You can choose from the default Golden Frog engine or NZBIndex.nl engine.  We’re crossing our fingers for a future Binsearch engine.

When searching for binaries you have a number of options.  You can simply search by subject or add details like min/max file size, max age and whether to hide images or files.  Once you find what you’re looking for Mimo will take care of the download, repair and extraction of the files.

In addition to the Usenet search indexes you can also choose to “Find a Group” and search for newsgroups by topic.  For example if your interested in Corvettes you can search for the term “Corvette” and find the alt.autos.corvette group.  Then easily add it to your favorite groups.

2. Automated RAR assembly

We get questions from new Usenet users all the time asking what to do with the RAR files they download.  It can be difficult getting started with newsgroups if you don’t know the ropes.  Two of which are RAR and PAR files.  Using Mimo you don’t have to worry about what to do with the Rar’s because the newsreader will automatically assemble them for you.  Without the need for WinRAR or another third party application.

3. PAR2 recovery as needed

Assembling the Rar’s is only half the story.  At times you will need to repair the Rar archive with the use of PAR files.  Normally you would need a third party application like QuickPar.  With Mimo all you need are the Par’s which are typically included in large file sets.  If necessary Mimo will repair your download and extract it to the destination folder without your interaction.  Very cool!

It appears that Mimo downloads the full file set including all the PAR files and then uses them for repairing as needed.  Which is fine.  A cool future enhancement would be to only download the smallest Par to check and then just enough Par’s for the repair.  Since Giganews completion is very high you’ll find that many times you won’t need the Par’s at all.  When you do though they are a life saver.

4. Giganews Accelerator

Giganews Accelerator compresses header downloads.  With the GN Accelerator built into Mimo the newsreader can download headers up to 10 times faster than a normal Usenet client without the feature.  We offer a more detailed explanation of Giganews Accelerator on the main NGR site and Giganews offers a video tutorial in their Usenet University section.  Remember though the video guide walks you through setting up the Accelerator in other readers.  You will not need to do anything to use it in Mimo.

5. Image thumbnails / binary descriptions

When browsing a newsgroup you can simply click on any post that includes an image file and the image will show up below in the content pane.  A nice feature since you don’t have to open the download folder to view images.

Mimo does a very nice job of presenting information based on content type – text, image or binary for example.  Text posts are presented similar to an email which makes them easy to read.  For binaries the NFO contents will be displayed when one exists along with a list of included binary files.

6. Easily post to text groups

Let’s face it some newsreaders are just meant for binaries and don’t support text newsgroups.  Mimo isn’t one of those.  In fact if you can use popular email programs like Outlook or Thunderbird then using Mimo for text posts will be a piece of cake.

The first nice Mimo feature for text groups in threading.  Mimo will automatically thread related posts.  Clicking on any post or opening the thread will display the highlighted post in the content pane.  From there your email skills and instincts will kick in.

When viewing a text post you have options to reply to the newsgroup, reply via e-mail, forward via e-mail or block the poster.  Not than any newsgroup discussions ever get heated…

7. Filter text, binaries and images

If you subscribe to large newsgroups or look through a large set of Usenet search results then filtering is your friend.  It can really help narrow down the results and find what your looking for.  Especially considering Giganews holds around 2,700 days of text groups and well over 800 in binary groups.

Mimo has three images up at the top of the search pane, just beside the search box.  They allow you to hide messages (text posts), images (jpg, gif, etc) and files (binaries).  You can toggle each filter off or on at any time.

8. Import NZB files

Being able to import and associate NZB files with Mimo is important.  Especially if you have a favorite Usenet search engine other than Golden Frog or NZBIndex.  In our case we have a few favorites.  The folks at Golden Frog recognize that you might want to import NZB’s into Mimo.  Once you download the NZB file from any site simply double click it if you set the association during setup or click File – Open NZB File from within the browser.

9. Supports multiple SSL connections

Speed and security are always important.  We like to keep our connections capped as much as possible and know that all newsreader communication is encrypted.  Mimo makes both possible.

First for speed – Diamond customers can use up to 50 connections.  This is an area where some get confused.  By default Mimo is configured with 10 connections.  If that maxes your Internet connection then don’t increase the number.  It will only tie up more resources.  However, if you need more connections to max the speed click on Tools – Server settings and adjust the Maximum Connections until you find the right spot.

Security / privacy – all communication through Mimo is protected via 256-bit SSL encryption.  In addition as a Diamond customer you have free access to VyprVPN.  If you’ve not tried it yet you should.  It will help protect you outside of Usenet including web browsing and email.

10. Windows & Mac compatible

So many newsreaders are Windows-only.  Mimo coming out with Mac compatibility is a big win for Apple fans.  We’re slowly leaning toward Mac for web development so we appreciate the added support.  To be more specific Mimo is compatible with MAC OS X 10.6 or higher.

Stay tuned for part three of our Mimo Usenet Guide where we’ll cover tips and tricks to make your Mimo experience even more enjoyable.  If you’re not already a Giganews Diamond member sign up now and receive a 14 day free trial and 50% off your first month!