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NewsgroupDirect January Terabyte Tuesday

January 10, 2012 By

What better way to celebrate the beginning of 2012 with our friends at NewsgroupDirect than another edition of their popular Terabyte Tuesday promotion.  If you’re not familiar with the Terabyte Tuesday deal then here’s the scoop.  Today you can save 50% off 1 TB block accounts from NGD.  Making the price $50 rather than $100. Make sure to sign up before 12 AM EST on January 11th to take advantage of the Terabyte Tuesday special.

NewsgroupDirect block accounts are an excellent option for infrequent Usenet use and as a backup or fill account.  We especially like NGD since they offer non-expiring block accounts.  As do some other leading Usenet providers, but not for $50 a TB.  That’s an excellent price considering it works our to just $0.20 a GB.  NGD block members enjoy 1,242+ days of binary retention along with 50 connections and free SSL encryption.

Remember to sign up before 12 AM EST on January 11th to take advantage of the Terabyte Tuesday special.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest deals.

Filed Under: NewsgroupDirect, Usenet Providers Tagged With:

Newshosting Client : NZB Auto-Import

January 9, 2012 By

NZB auto-import is one of the new features in the latest version of Newshosting’s popular Usenet client.  Version 1.2.1 brought the newsreader out of beta and included NZB auto-import along with a new download scheduler and the ability to pause individual downloads.  Last Friday we talked about setting up the download scheduler.  Today we’d like to follow that up with a quick guide for configuring the NZB auto-import feature.

The Newshosting Usenet client is free to all subscribers.  You can download the latest version from their site.  If you aren’t already a Newshosting member we highly recommend you check out their special offer.  Enjoy unlimited newsgroup access with the newsreader and Usenet search for only $9.99 a month or $99 a year.

Newshosting Client : Configuring NZB Auto-Import

Setting up NZB auto-import in Newshosting’s client is a simple process.  Start by opening the client and focus on the menu options at the top of the screen.  Click on Options – Settings or press CTRL+, (ctrl comma).  After the settings box opens go down to the Inport icon on the left.  You’ll then see the following screen:

As you can see we’ve already configured the auto import folder in our screenshot above.  You’ll want to do the same.  First clicking on the Auto Import Folder checkbox.  Then choose the Folder to watch.  This is the folder the Newshosting client will ping for NZB files.  Anytime it finds an NZB file in the target folder it will automatically import it into the client.  Now you have two options.  You can let Newshosting delete the NZB file after import or move the NZB files to another folder after import.  Our preference was to move them to another folder.

That’s all there is to setting up Newshosting’s new NZB auto-import feature.  Enjoy downloading!

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to compare newsreaders and follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest offers.

Filed Under: Newshosting, Newshosting Client, Newsreaders, Usenet Providers Tagged With: ,

NewsLeecher Site and Client Validation Down

January 7, 2012 By

A few days ago we heard from a NewsLeecher user that the site was down for a short period of time.  We didn’t report it though since it appeared to be a short-term problem and all sites have technical issues now and then.  Today is worse though as users are reporting that not only the Newsleecher.com site is down but the newsreader is failing to work properly for some as the software key validation server isn’t responding.

Visiting the Newsleecher.com website returns a ‘Bad Request (Invalid Hostname)’ message.  We have been able to use NewsLeecher 5 beta 12 and SuperSearch features but understand some are having problems.  With the software reporting an error in response from the key validation server.  We’re not sure why some are having issues while others aren’t.  Perhaps NewsLeecher phones home at certain intervals.

Regardless of the reason behind the issue the outage points to a deeper challenge for software developers who choose to validate software keys on launch or at regular internals.  As in this case technical issues leave some users without access to the newsreader and SuperSearch service.

NewsLeecher has been one of our favorite Usenet clients over the years.  We admire the new features and pace of development over these last few months.  So we’re not changing our opinion of the software over this incident but also understand why some customers are frustrated by the outage.

NewsLeecher alternatives

Those having issues with their NewsLeecher client might consider these alternatives:

  • Newshosting offers unlimited Usenet with a client and Usenet search for $9.99 a month or $99 a year.
  • Newsbin Pro is another of our favorite newsreaders.  They offer an optional Usenet search service.
  • SABnzbd is an open source, web-based newsreader that runs as a web server with some cool add-ons.
  • Binreader is another great choice.  We enjoy running the Windows portable version from thumbdrive.

As we finish this post it looks like the NewsLeecher.com site has been down for over four hours.  We hope the site and validation server access is restored soon.  For future issues it would also be nice if NewsLeecher had a way to notify customers of outages.  Either via a Twitter account or another domain would work nicely.  As NZBMatrix does a good job of posting any planned maintenance or outages on nzbmatrix.info.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to compare Usenet clients and follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest deals.

Filed Under: Newsleecher, Newsreaders Tagged With: ,

Newshosting Client : Download Scheduler

January 6, 2012 By

Newshosting released version 1.2.1 of their popular Usenet client a couple weeks ago.  Marking the first public ‘non-beta’ version of the newsreader.  They didn’t just remove the ‘beta’ tag though as version 1.2.1 included some nice new features including a download scheduler, nzb auto-import and the ability to pause individual downloads.  Today we’d like to walk you through setting up the new download scheduler.

Not a Newshosting member?  Enjoy unlimited Usenet with the free client for just $9.99 a month or $99 a year.

Newshosting Client : Configuring the Download Scheduler

Setting up the new download schedule in Newshosting’s client is a breeze.  Simply open the client and look to the menu options at the top of the screen.  Click on Options – Settings or press CTRL+, (ctrl comma).  After the settings box opens go down to the Scheduler icon on the left.  You’ll then see the following screen:

The first thing you want to do is enable the scheduler.  To do that simply click the Use Download Scheduler checkbox.  Then you can go through and select which hours you want the newsreader to download.  When your done making selections click Apply and then OK.  That’s all there is to setting up the download scheduler.  Stay tunes as next week we’ll take a look at the nzb auto-import feature and pausing individual downloads.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to compare Usenet clients and follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest deals.

Filed Under: Newshosting, Newshosting Client, Newsreaders, Usenet Providers Tagged With: ,

Giganews Dump Truck Online Storage Review

January 4, 2012 By

We’ve been waiting for WebDAV support to test Giganews new online storage service – Dump Truck.  Giganews partnered with Golden Frog to offer members Dump Truck online storage.  Golden Frog also developed their Mimo Usenet client and VyprVPN service.  They had a strong end of the year releasing a VPN client for VyprVPN along with Dump Truck access for all Giganews members and most recently adding WebDAV support.

Before jumping into our hands-on review of Dump Truck we’d like to first share some of the features we observed along with future updates and the base storage offered with each Giganews account type.

Dump Truck Features

Here are some of the features we noticed while testing the Dump Truck service:

  • Simple web user interface
  • Easy to create folders and navigate
  • Drag and drop files (under 200 MB)
  • HTML uploader for files over 200 MB
  • SSL file transfer plus AES encryption
  • We tested Dump Truck with Air Sharing WebDAV app via iPad
  • For a full list of features visit the Giganews Dump Truck page

Giganews also mentions the following features to come:

  • iOS and Android Apps (WebDAV apps already available)
  • Windows and Mac clients
  • Public and private sharing
  • Personal encryption keys

The sharing features along with personal encryption key will add a new dimension to the service.

Dump Truck Storage Pricing

Here is a list of Giganews base storage and add-on storage prices:

  • Diamond members – 30 GB free
  • All other members – 5 GB free
  • 50 GB extra – $9.99 a month
  • 100 GB extra – $19.99 a month
  • 500 GB extra – $69.99 a month
  • 1 TB extra – $99.99 a month

Hands-On Dump Truck Review

We started by testing the Giganews Dump Truck online storage service via Firefox on a Windows 7 system.  First uploading an Umphrey’s McGee concert (nugs.net purchase) which amounted to 282 MB.  The upload took about 14 minutes to complete.  Here’s a screenshot of the music being uploaded to Dump Truck.

As you can see there is a progress bar at the bottom that shows how far along you are in the current upload.  Along with a usage bar to the left showing how much storage you have used along with how much free storage is still available.  You might also notice up top that we created an Umphreys folder for the songs.

The first test went well.  It took some time to upload but everything worked just fine.  Next we tried to upload a Ubuntu distro of 712 MB.  We tried via drag and drop but received a message that files larger than 200 MB needed to be uploaded through their HTML uploader.  Here’s the HTML upload screen:

After browsing out to the Ubuntu file we set it to upload.  The status showed uploading with the file name at the bottom of the screen but the progress bar never budged.  We gave up after two and a half hours and cancelled the Ubuntu upload.  The files up to 30 MB in size uploaded well but the 712 MB file appeared to hang.

Dump Truck WebDAV Testing

We were especially interested in testing the new WebDAV support for iPhone and iPad.  Since the Air Sharing iOS apps are sold separately (iPhone vs iPad) we decided to test on the iPad for the larger screen.  The Air Sharing app was easy to download ($3.99) and setup was a breeze using Giganews Air Sharing guide.

After downloading the app and adding the Dump Truck storage as a new server we were able to access our Umphrey’s tunes on the iPad.  We tested playing a song which quickly downloaded and started playing on the iPad.  The process of setting up and using the iPad for Dump Truck to play our music was seamless.

Dump Truck Review – Conclusion

We enjoyed testing the Dump Truck service and look forward to the future updates.  Especially the Windows / Mac apps and file sharing options.  The only issue we had was trying to upload the 712 MB Ubuntu file.  Something we’ll test again once the Windows client is released.  All in all though we were impressed by the service.  It’s simply a place to store files for now along with the WebDAV support.  Soon though the service will take on a new life with the public / private file sharing features.  Stay tuned for more Dump Truck coverage.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest news.

Filed Under: Dump Truck, Giganews, Usenet Providers, Xtra Tagged With: ,

Binsearch.info Site Down : What Caused the Outage

January 1, 2012 By

Earlier this week we had several readers question what had happened to Binsearch.info.  As the site was down for a time on Tuesday.  We didn’t try to hit Binsearch during the outage but saw the results as the data was rebuilt.  Binsearch had hard drive failures that led to the site being down followed by some time to rebuild the index after an older restore point.  Now users are once again enjoying the full benefits of Binsearch.

Those familiar with Binsearch know that it’s one of the best Usenet search engines.  A clear favorite among NGR editors and highly recommended for the quality and performance of the site.  Covering some 1,100+ days of retention with a very simple interface.  The site is very easy to use and best of all free to all Usenet fans.

In the past we’ve recommended temporary alternatives when sites like Binsearch go down.  It appears the site is 100% but just in case you can always visit our Usenet search area for recommendations.  Binsearch is our top pick along with their sister site NZB.cc and other leaders like Nzbmatrix, Newzbin, Nznindex, etc.

Head over to Binsearch to find the latest Usenet content along with posts from 3+ years ago.  Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet. Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest news and offers.

Filed Under: Binsearch, NZB Sites Tagged With: ,

Nzb Leech – Free Android Usenet Downloader

December 27, 2011 By

Thanks to to Mark, an NGR regular for sharing his impressions of a new Android downloader called Nzb Leech.  The Nzb Leech app is available free on the Android Market and is getting rave reviews.  With an average of 4.5 stars after 36 reviews.  That along with Mark’s comments got our attention and in turn we’d like to share the Android app with you.  Nzb Leech is described as a simple Usenet client for Android.  Import NZB files and download on the go.  Download the latest version free and learn more from the Android Market page.

Here’s some more NZB Leech information from their Android Market page:

What’s in this version:

  1. New version, in time for the holidays:
  2. fix ssl for certain devices
  3. downloads saved to separate folders
  4. delete nzb file on successful download
  5. skip par2 files from downloading
  6. file download list sorted on load
  7. ability to test your server settings in settings
  8. I have a full time job and only works on this app whenever I have some spare time, but I do hope to extend this app to include par2 and unrar support!

Download Nzb Leech and test it out for yourself.  Please let us know what you think of the app.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to compare Usenet and follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest offers.

Filed Under: Newsreaders Tagged With: , ,

Newzbin Christmas Sale : Save 50% off Newzbin

December 21, 2011 By

December 21st update:  the Newzbin Christmas sale is officially underway.  Enjoy 50% by topping off your Newzbin account between now and January 4th.  Visit Newzbin.com for more details.

Newzbin will be offering their annual Christmas sale again this year.  This time around the sale will last 14 days.  Beginning on December 21st and ending January 4th.  So for those interested in topping off their Newzbin accounts this is the time to purchase.  As the price will be 50% off the normal fee.  Which works out to £0.15 a week.  Previous xmas promotions have allowed users to purchase up to 12 months of premium credits.

The normal cost for Newzbin is £0.30 a week plus s £0.50 transaction fee per purchase.  So those wanting to save the most will want to pick up a year of premium access during the Newzbin Christmas sale.  Bringing the total cost to £8.30 for the year.  At £0.15 a week * 52 weeks plus a £0.50 transaction fee.  Of course as always you can also make a donation.  As we’re sure many Newzbin users will do to help support their efforts.

Read our Newzbin review to learn more about the Usenet search engine or visit Newzbin.com between December 21st, 2011 and January 4th, 2012 to take advantage of this year’s 50% off Christmas sale.

Filed Under: Newzbin, NZB Sites Tagged With:

Newshosting Usenet Client Version 1.2.1

December 20, 2011 By

The Newshosting client v 1.2.1 comes with several enhancements.  We’ve enjoyed the newsreader since the first beta was released in August and are excited to share that it’s now out of beta.  You can read our Newshosting client review to learn more about the Usenet browser.  Better yet download it for yourself.  The new version 1.2.1 is freely available for new and existing members.  Those new to the service can enjoy unlimited Usenet access with the free client and search functionality for just $9.99 a month or $99 a year.

Here’s a full list of new features and enhancements in the Newshosting client v1.2.1

New Features

• Downloads can be paused individually

• NZB Auto Import. Monitors a folder for NZB files, imports and deletes or moves them afterwards.

• Download Scheduler. The download scheduler can be enabled in the settings dialog. It’s configurable based on time-of-day for different types of downloads, normal downloads, previews and images. This will help you take advantage of your bandwidth when you’re not using it for other purposes.

 

Enhancements

• Download scheduler can now be disabled on a per-download basis.

• Additional default window sizes.

• If a download is paused due to the download scheduler it now shows when the download will resume.

• New RAR version.

• Drop support for NZB files. Dropping an NZB over the main application window imports the NZB.

• An alert message is displayed if a user tries to close the settings dialog without having saved the changes made.

• Reorganized the settings dialog because of the new features included.

Bug Fixes

• Previously used window size and position wasn’t restored on Mac OS X.

• In some situations the download scheduler prevented some downloads to start although they should have started.

• Windows XP now remembers the the path that was used in the open file dialog.

• In some situations the previous window size wasn’t restored properly in Windows.

Cheers to the Newshosting client developers for their latest innovations to the popular newsreader.  We look forward to their continued efforts in the year ahead.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to compare newsreaders and follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest offers.

Filed Under: Newshosting, Newshosting Client, Newsreaders, Usenet Providers Tagged With: ,

NewsLeecher Releases Version 5 Beta 9 and 10

December 16, 2011 By

The developer of NewsLeecher continues to innovate the popular newsreader at a fast pace.  We remember a time not too long ago when some wondered whether or not NewsLeecher would continue with new versions.  In the last year that question has been answered with a final release of version 4 and the steadfast development of version 5.  With ten beta versions released so far.  Including the beta 9 and 10 versions released this month.

Head on over to NewsLeecher and download the latest version 5 beta 10 beta.  Existing members have free access to all the beta releases.  If you’re currently running the final release of v4 we highly recommend you give the v5 beta a test drive.  As there are several advantages.  Those new to the client can try it free for 14 days.

Here is a list of features in the NewsLeecher version 5 beta 9 and 10 releases.

NewsLeecher v5.0 Beta 10
Release Date: 2011-12-06 16:43:42

+: (Re)implemented shortcuts for navigation subscribed Usenet
groups. Next Group = Alt + Right Arrow, Prev. Groups = Alt +
Left Arrow, Next Virt. Group = Alt + Down Arrow, Prev. Virt.
Group = Alt + Up Arrow.
+: Added ‘Create New Folder’ button to the NewsLeecher File
Explorer toolbar.
*: Smaller fixed and improvements.

NewsLeecher v5.0 Beta 9
Release Date: 2011-12-01 14:23:39

+: Added ‘Append to SuperSearch Search Query’ input box. The box
can be used for inputting a string that should always be
appended to the query sent to the SuperSearch server.
This can be useful for, for example, permanently excluding
articles containing certaing keywords, such as language
specific articles.
+: The width of the main filter boxes in NewsLeecher are now
automatically adjusted, depending on the space available on the
NewsLeecher toolbars.
The max width of the boxes can be changed here:
Settings -> Adv. Nerdy Tweaks -> Search Filter Max Pixel Width
+: Implemented a Quick Link feature, that can be used to quickly
execute a program or open a URL, by clicking a shortcut.
The links can be accessed and edited from:
Tools -> Quick Links
The links can also be accessed by keyboard shortcuts, Ctrl+1,
Ctrl+2 and Ctrl+3.
*: Vastly reduced the CPU cycles used by NewsLeecher, when lots
of articles were present in the Download Queue.
*: Fixed and enhanced the “Download to Groupname Subfolder”
feature, so only one groupname is used when creating the
subfolder, in case the article comes from multiple groups.
NewsLeecher now matches the article groupnames against the list
of local group subscriptions, to find the best suited name for
the subfolder.
*: Redesigned the two Articles Broweser toolbars, and re-arranged
some buttons on the final toolbar.
*: Redesigned the SuperSearch view, so it uses less pixels. A
major redesigned of the SuperSearch view in on the todo list.
*: XMas there performance improvements and lots of other smaller
improvements.
!: F8, F9 shortcuts are working again. The “Run Command Line on
Empty Queue” works again. Other smaller fixes.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to compare newsreaders and follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest offers.

Filed Under: Newsleecher, Newsreaders Tagged With: ,
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