Step One – Select a Usenet Provider

Before you can start to enjoy the benefits of Usenet you’ll want to choose a good provider.  With plenty of services to choose from you’ll want to decide which provider best meets your needs.  We have some favorites.  There are several fine choices available.  You can compare all the options in our Usenet providers area.

After you decide on a Usenet service and sign up a welcome email will follow with the information necessary to log into their news servers.  The emails will differ by provider.  Some just list the username and password while others give additional log in details including news server addresses and default / alternate ports.

If terms like news servers and alternate ports seem confusing right now don’t worry about it.  We’ll walk you step-by-step through the process of adding the news server information to three popular newsreaders.  Using UseNetServer and NewsDemon in our guide.  Each offers unlimited Usenet access for $10 a month.

Step Two – News Server Addresses and Ports

After signing up for Usenet access you’ll receive an email with username and password.  Some will also contain news server information.  If not you can normally search the providers website or refer to our news server / ports table.  If all else fails follow up with the providers technical support.

Here are the news server addresses and port options for UseNetServer:

SSL news server address: secure.usenetserver.com
SSL ports – 563 (default), 443 or 8080
Standard news server address: news.usenetserver.com
Standard ports – 119 (default), 20, 23, 25, 3128, 7000, 8000 or 9000

UseNetServer will automatically route you to the nearest news server for the best performance.  So whether your in the U. S., Europe or elsewhere the server addresses listed above will connect you to the fastest servers.

Here are the news server addresses and port options for NewsDemon:

SSL news server address: us-secure.newsdemon.com or europe-ssl.newsdemon.com
SSL ports – 563 (default), 80 or 81
Standard news server address: news.newsdemon.com or europe.newsdemon.com
Standard ports – 119 (default). US 23, 25 or 80.  EU 443 or 8080.

As you might have noticed NewsDemon has separate news server addresses and standard port numbers for their U. S. and European servers.  You will want to connect to the nearest location for the best performance.

Step Three – Configure News Server Address and Port Number

Now that you have the information necessary you’ll want to choose a newsreader.  This is another area where there are many choices.  For this post we took screenshots from some of our favorite Usenet clients including Newsbin Pro, Newsleecher and Binreader.  All of which allow you to configure alternate ports if necessary.  Alternate ports help some members achieve better performance depending on your ISP.

Let’s start by taking a look at Newsleecher:

You’ll notice we’ve filled out a portion of the ‘Usenet Server Setup’ screen including the news server address and port number for UseNetServer.  We chose their secure server which supports 256-bit SSL connections.  By checking the ‘Use Encrypted Server Connections’ box and setting the port number to 563 we setup a secure connection to UNS.  Next you would just enter the username and password provided for login.

Next up let’s check out Newsbin Pro:

Again you’ll notice we set the news server address to that of UseNetServer’s SSL servers.  This will allow for encryption.  Those who want even more privacy online might also consider VPN service.  We also checked ‘Use SSL’ and ‘Set SSL Port’.  Technically we didn’t have to check the port box since we left the default SSL port.

Finally let’s take a closer look at Binreader:

Binreader is pretty straight forward.  Rather than giving you the option of entering an alternate port they allow you to select whether or not to use SSL.  For encrypted traffic it will set the port to 563 or you can choose port 443.  For those who want to try an alternate port we highly suggest port 443 for UNS.  As this is the same port number used to access other encrypted sites.  So ISP’s are less likely to throttle traffic on port 443.

That’s all there is to configuring the news server address and port information for connecting to your favorite Usenet service.  Take a look at our Usenet tutorials for more helpful guides.

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

We’re going to break out our newsreader recommendations into categories.  First covering clients we find the most useful for those new to Usenet.  Followed by some options for those more comfortable with the how Usenet works.  These typically have more options but also require more technical knowledge to fully take advantage of the benefits.  First let’s take a look at some good choices for new users.

Usenet Clients for those new to Usenet

For those who haven’t downloaded from Usenet before the task of choosing a client can be a challenge.  This guide will help you get set up quickly and fully enjoy newsgroups.  First consider your technical background and whether you want to install a newsreader or browse and download from within your web browser.

If you prefer web browser then look to Easynews as they have the best web interface by far.  Those new to Easynews can test the service free for 14 days.  Easynews offers both web and NNTP access.  So as you become more comfortable you can choose to connect via newsreader or the web interface.

Those who prefer a software client might consider services that include their own clients.  Our favorite is Newshosting.  The advantage being that the Newshosting client comes pre-configured and is very easy to use.  Search for content, preview and download.  The client even takes care of file repairs and extraction.

Newshosting is our favorite all-in-one Usenet service.  They offer unlimited Usenet access with free Newshosting client and built-in Usenet search for just $9.99 a month or $99 a year.  Definitely one of the best values around.  The Newshosting newsreader comes pre-configured and is available for Windows, Mac and Linux.  Read our Newshosting client tour to learn more about the browser.

Binverse is another all-in-one Usenet service.  Their accounts are more expensive than Newshosting and retention a bit lower.  Yet the client is quite good and is available for both Windows and Mac clients.  Those new to Binverse can test the service free for 3 days.  Including up to 60 GB of Usenet downloads.

Usenet clients for newsgroup novices

As you get more comfortable with Usenet the number of newsreader options widens.  Those listed above are still great choices but you also have some other quality clients to choose from.  These newsreaders typically take more knowledge to configure but also offer some pretty cool advanced features.

Newsbin Pro has been a favorite client of ours for years.  Newsbin is intuitive and let’s you configure your Usenet experience.  Set up multiple news servers, search for content using the Newsbin internet (Usenet) search feature and let the client take care of the rest.  Newsbin costs $20 and includes free upgrades for life.  You can download a free 10 day trial to test the client.

Newsleecher is another very good Usenet client.  We especially enjoy their SuperSearch Usenet engine.  The reader is full featured and includes a number of tweaks for advanced users.  You can download a free trial of Newsleecher and test the client free for 14 days.  Newsleecher costs $20-$30 a year based on whether you just get the client or add the SuperSearch feature.  SuperSearch makes searching Usenet very convenient.

Binreader is one of our favorite free binary Usenet clients.  The newsreader is simple to use and includes portable versions so you can run it from a thumb drive.  Having a portable Usenet client is a nice convenience.  Binreader is free to download for Windows, Mac and Linux.

Usenet clients for advanced users or highly technical

Some might skip straight to this category.  If you have lots of technical knowledge and don’t mind configuring scripts then these options might be for you.  You will find a lot of help in the SABnzbd forum from other members as well.  Since SABnzbd is free you can always run it in addition to one of the above clients for awhile.

SABnzbd is a favorite of many veteran Usenet fans.  The web-based client runs as a web server and allows you to download binary files.  With a number of very good add-ons available.  The free client is open-source and available for download on Windows, Mac or Linux.  This one takes some time to tweak and configure.

The power of SABnzbd doesn’t stop with the browser.  Since the client is open-source and insanely popular a number of add-ons have been developed.  You can check out some of the top choices including nzbdStatus, SABConnect and Sick Beard from the SABnzbd home page.  We also enjoy the SABMobile iPad app.

As you configure and tweak the various add-ons and scripts SABnzbd takes on a life of it’s own.  We know a lot of Usenet veterans who love the client while others find it difficult to configure.  For that reason we don’t always recommend it to first time Usenet users unless you have a strong technical background.

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

Here are some tips to help prepare for the Black Friday offers.  In addition to a strategy that will help you enjoy Usenet to it’s fullest.  A solid unlimited account plus a non-expiring block through a different back-end provider.

Tip #1 – Look for the right unlimited Usenet account

There are several quality Usenet providers that offer unlimited Usenet access for $10 a month or less.  We’ll get to the list in a moment.  First consider what you want in a Usenet provider.  Are you looking for extras like a newsreader, Usenet search or online storage?  Some providers like UseNetServer, Newshosting, NewsDemon and ThunderNews offer these types of extras for around $10 a month.  While Easynews and Astraweb offer Usenet-only accounts for around $10-$11 a month.  All plans listed below are special offers.

Here are some suggestions for unlimited Usenet accounts with extras:

1.  UseNetServer : $10 a month for unlimited Usenet + UNS Global Usenet search
2.  Newshosting : $9.99 a month for unlimited Usenet + newsreader with Usenet search
3.  NewsDemon : $9.99 a month for unlimited Usenet + newsreader and online storage
4.  ThuderNews : $10.49 a month for unlimited Usenet + newsreader

Here are some suggestions for unlimited Usenet-only access:

1.  Easynews : $9.95 a month for unlimited Usenet (NNTP-only, without web access)
2.  Astraweb : $11 a month for unlimited Usenet
3.  MaximumUsenet : $9.99 a month for unlimited Usenet

You might also consider these annual specials for additional savings:

1.  UseNetServer : $95 a year for unlimited Usenet + UNS Global Usenet search
2.  Newshosting : $99 a year for unlimited Usenet + newsreader with Usenet search
3.  Astraweb : $96 a year for unlimited Usenet

Here are some new Usenet providers to keep an eye out for on Black Friday:

1.  theUsenet
2.  theCubeNet

Note:  We are recommending services based on their tier-1 providers.  Meaning the back-end servers used by each service.  As you will want the block account to have different back-end servers than the unlimited account.  For that reason we left Ngroups, UseNetNow and FastUsenet off the list.  If you don’t plan on purchasing a block account from the list below as a backup then these services are also fine choices.

Black Friday tip – last year saw some great BF specials.  The best was ThunderNews with $5 unlimited Usenet access.  A deal we haven’t seen matched since.  Keep an eye on our Black Friday Usenet specials post and the Newsgroup Reviews home page for the latest updates.  Last year the deals started early Thanksgiving night.

Tip #2 – Look for the right block Usenet account

Once you choose an unlimited account you’re most the way there.  Purchasing a block account as a backup is kind of like buying car insurance.  You may not use it often but when something happens you’ll be happy you have it.  Luckily block accounts are fairly priced as opposed to most insurance.

There are a couple things to look for in a block account.  The first of which is making sure the block is non-expiring.  If you stick to our list that won’t be an issue as we only recommend non-expiring blocks.  However, if you decide to look around at other options make sure to pay special attention to when the block expires.  As some providers call monthly accounts blocks or expire block accounts every 12 months.

The other thing to consider is who the service uses as their teir-1 provider.  You won’t normally find this information on their site.  Again if you stick to our list and choose an unlimited account from above and block from the upcoming list you’ll be fine.  The reason is you want the block to be on different back-end servers.

We recommend you consider these providers for block accounts:

1.  Usenet-News : block Usenet accounts ranging from 2 GB up to 1 TB
2.  Blocknews : block Usenet accounts ranging from 5 GB up to 3 TB
3.  Astraweb : 180 GB block for $25 (skip Astraweb if you chose them for unlimited access)

That should do it.  We would suggest focusing on the unlimited accounts first.  Then pick up a block plan for fills and as a backup.  Stay tuned to our Black Friday newsgroup deals post for the latest sale updates and please help us spread the word.  Enjoy the savings!  You can also follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest offers.

Those new to Usenet can find the associated terms confusing.  With NNTP being one of the most common terms this seemed a good starting point.  With more helpful posts to come.  For now let’s take a closer look at NNTP and see just how the protocol works in terms of Usenet.  Remember that we’re not trying to get too technical.  Our goal is to explain NNTP in a way that shows just how simple Usenet can be.

Most everyone is familiar with HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) which is the protocol you used to access this blog post.  Most Usenet providers don’t offer a web interface to newsgroups.  With the big exception being Easynews.  If you want to download from Usenet through your web browser then Easynews is the answer.  The same is true for mobile devices like iPhone, iPad and Android phones / tablets.

How about NNTP (Network News Transfer Protocol) – just how does NNTP work?  Again staying away from the technical aspects of the NNTP protocol.  Basically to access newsgroups via NNTP you will want a newsreader.  Also known as Usenet client, Usenet browser or Usenet downloader.  I’m sure there are more terms used for newsreaders but you get the idea.  Just know you’ll want a software client.

Newsreaders / Usenet clients bridge the gap and allow you to download directly from Usenet via NNTP.  Some readers are easier to setup than others and features vary by client.  We have a full list of Usenet clients along with reviews of each.  To simplify the process here are some of the best newsreaders to get started:

• Newshosting client – Windows, Mac, Linux
• Binverse client – Windows, Mac
• Binreader – Windows, Mac, Linux
• Newsbin Pro – Windows
• NewsLeecher – Windows

We recommend the Newshosting client which is pre-configured and included free for all members.  Enjoy unlimited, secure Usenet access along with the Newshosting client for $9.99 a month.  With the Newshosting client you can search for Usenet content, preview and download directly from within the reader.  It also takes care of file repairs and extraction.  Tasks that often require additional software.

The most important thing to remember about NNTP and other Usenet terms is not to let them discourage you from using newsgroups.  As with anything new it just takes time to familiarize yourself with the terminology.  The newsreaders listed above will get you well on your way.

Here are some additional links for those who night want a better technical understanding of NNTP:

• Network News Transfer Protocol – Wikipedia explanation
• Phil Lapsley – author of NNTP specification
• RFC 977 – A Proposed Standard for the Stream-Based Transmission of News
• RFC 3977 – Network News Transfer Protocol (NNTP)
• RFC 2980 – Common NNTP Extensions

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

According to the Trend Micro post:

the said exploit (detected as TROJ_RDROPPER.A) arrives as a malicious .RAR file. Once the said file successfully exploits the WinRAR flaw, it proceeds to drop the file %User Temp%WINRAR.EXE, which is detected by Trend Micro as BKDR_DARKMOON.AH. The dropped backdoor, in turn, opens a random port and allows remote code execution by a malicious user.

So again please check your version of WinRAR to ensure you are running a version higher than 3.50.  If not upgrade or consider alternatives.  Some of the leading newsreaders like the Newshosting client, SABnzbd, Newsbin, Newsleecher, Binreader and a few others take care of the unRAR process for you.  Without the need for WinRAR.  Visit our newsreader section to learn more and compare Usenet clients.

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

Josh, an NGR regular suggested we start including some ‘fine tail’ with our blog posts.  Here you go Josh!  Not quite what you had in mind?  We’ll see what we can do…in the meantime browse Usenet.

Not too long ago this guide would have included sections on Usenet providers, newsreaders, Usenet search engines and helpful tools.  All of these are still available.  With some excellent options to choose from.  However, those new to Usenet or who would rather save the time and energy can use an all-in-one Usenet service to handle searching, previewing, streaming, downloading, repairing and extracting files.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Compare all the providers, newsreaders, NZB sites and utilities.  With helpful guides for setting up third-party newsreaders.  This guide is meant to skip all of that.  Without further delay here are some great options to quickly and easily access Usenet.

#1 Newshosting : Newsgroup Client + Usenet Search

Newshosting recently launched their own newsreader.  New members can download and install the free client for Windows, Mac or Linux.  The Newshosting client has everything you need to easily access newsgroups.  Starting with a selection of built-in Usenet search engines (Newshosting, Binsearch.info, Nzbindex.nl and Nfonews.com).  Once you find the desired Usenet content the Newshosting newsreader makes it simple to preview and download.  No need for additional file utilities as the Newshosting client will repair (if necessary) and extract the resulting files.

Newshosting is the best all-in-one Usenet solution.  We prefer their newsgroup client over several more expensive alternatives.  Plus the Newshosting client comes pre-configured.  With Newshosting you can enjoy unlimited Usenet downloads, the Newshosting client, free SSL and high-speed access to servers in the US and Europe for $9.99 a month or $99 a year.

#2 Easynews : Web Interface + Usenet Search

There is no other Usenet provider to compare to Easynews.  They were the first service to offer web Usenet access and continue to offer the only full-featured web interface.  Members simply visit the Easynews site, sign in and enjoy the advantages of Usenet.  Search for content, preview, stream audio and video files, queue downloads and much more.  Try Easynews for yourself to see how simple it is to use.  Enjoy a 14 day free trial which is plenty of time to test the web interface.

Easynews web access plans range from $9.98 to $29.94 a month based on how much you want to download.  The Big Gig account is a nice value because it includes unlimited NNTP access on top of 150 GB of web downloads.  For those interested in NNTP access (non-web downloads, use a newsreader) Easynews offers an excellent value at $9.95 a month for unlimited NNTP downloads.

#3 Binverse : Newsgroup Client + Usenet Search

Binverse is another good all-in-one Usenet provider that offers a nice Usenet client.  The Binverse newsreader allows you to easily search for content, preview and download from Usenet.  All without having to configure a third-party client.  With additional features to automatically repair and extract downloads.  The service is quite a bit more expensice than Newshosting though.  Running $29.98 a month for unlimited Usenet.  They also offer 35 GB a month for $13.98 and term discounts.

We have tested the Binverse Usenet client on both Windows and Mac.  Both versions work quite well.  They include access to multiple Usenet search engines in the newsreader (Bintube, Binsearch, Newzleech, NZBMatrix).  New members have the opportunity to try the service for free.  Give Binverse a free test drive with their 3 day, 60 GB free trial.

We find Newshosting, Easynews and Binverse the easiest all-in-one Usenet services.  In addition there are a few other services including NewsDemon, ThunderNews, NewsgroupDirect, Unliminews, Giganews and Bintube that offer all-in-one or free third-party newsgroup readers with their service.  NewsDemon and Newsgroupdirect also provide free online storage.  Visit our Usenet providers section to learn more about any of these services and to save on unlimited Usenet access.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Including hands-on reviews of leading providers, guides, free trials and special offers.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest Usenet news.

Let’s start by answering a couple of questions in regard to SSL.

• What is SSL and why would I want to use it?

SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer.  We all use SSL for tasks like shopping online and accessing bank, credit card or other financial services.  Why not take advantage of the same encryption to secure your Usenet connection.

• Why do I need secure Usenet access?

We won’t call it a ‘need’ but it is certainly our preference to secure our data online.  Including user name and password.  In addition SSL can help prevent the hassle of ISP bandwidth throttling and deep packet inspection.

Tip #1 – Find a Usenet Provider with SSL and Alternate Ports

In conjunction with SSL, alternate ports will help in securing your Usenet connection while minimizing the risk of poor performance from ISP throttling.  Instead of using the port your ISP expects for secure Usenet traffic some providers offer alternate ports.  While most Usenet services offer SSL encryption you have to look closer to see if alternate ports are available. We provide a table of alternate news server ports on NGR to help.

Here are a few leading Usenet providers that offer alternate ports:

• UseNetServer
• Newshosting
• NewsDemon
• Astraweb
• Easynews

Tip #2 – Configure Your Newsreader for SSL Usenet Access

Assuming you found a good Usenet provider with SSL access its time to configure your newsreader for secure access.  We will demonstrate with a couple of examples.  First with Newshosting using their new Usenet client.  Then again with UseNetServer using Newsbin Pro.

• Configuring SSL with Newshosting and the new Newshosting Usenet client

If you haven’t had a chance to try the new Newshosting client they are currently offering a 14 day free trial.  Once downloaded you simply launch the newsreader.  Entering in your username and password credentials.  Next click on Options – Settings and choose the Connection tab.  Here is the resulting screen:

The process couldn’t be much easier.  As you don’t even need the news server address to access via the Newshosting newsreader.  You’ll notice an option at the bottom of the screen labeled ‘Prefer SSL connections if available‘.  Simply check the box.  Then choose your desired port.  The default SSL port for Usenet is 563.  For most this is fine but we highly recommend using port 443.  As port 443 is the same port secure web traffic passes over.  Not much chance your ISP will want to mess with traffic on port 443.

• Configuring SSL with UseNetServer and Newsbin Pro newsreader

This is more of the traditional process for those who have their own Usenet client.  We use UseNetServer for this example since they rank #1 on NGR and offer $10 unlimited Usenet access.  Along with our top rated newsreader – Newsbin Pro which offers a free trial download.

After opening Newsbin Pro click on Options – Servers.  Choose the server you entered during setup or add a new service.  Either way the news server address for SSL access to UNS is secure.usenetserver.com – enter it into the Server Address field as shown below.

Just under the Server Address box you’ll notice an option for ‘Use SSL – Encrypted Connections‘.  Check the box and then enter a port number.  Again the default SSL port for NNTP is 563.  For best performance (to deter ISP traffic tampering) we suggest you use port 443.

Tip #3 – Consider a Personal VPN Service

Our final tip goes well beyond Usenet.  As we believe that all your online activities should be private and secure.  We’re not advocating bad behavior either.  We just believe that what you do online is your business.  If you choose to tell everyone about it on Facebook that’s one thing.  However, if you want privacy then a VPN will help.

For full disclosure we’d like to point out that in addition to NGR we manage a VPN review site – vpnsp.com – where we’re working hard to build up a complete resource for those seeking VPN access.  Nearly two years into the project we feel good about it’s progress and are happy to share VPNSP with our readers.

Personal VPN’s offer a number of advantages.  Here’s are a few examples of how VPN access might help you:

• Secure Wi-Fi access – always protect yourself on open networks!
• Secure Internet access, email, Skype, VoIP, etc.
• Anonymous Internet access – protect your personal information from sites that profile visitors
• Help decrease the chance of your ISP throttling traffic
• Don’t allow others to track you by your IP address
• Enjoy familiar content while traveling – Netflix, Hulu. YouTube, Facebook, Pandora, etc.

Just like Usenet providers, personal VPN services are not all created equal.  There are a number of factors to consider when comparing VPN providers.  Before purchasing an account consider these features:

• Don’t overpay.  Just like anything else the most expensive providers aren’t always the best.  You can easily find quality VPN access for under $12 a month.  With annual plans as low as $6 a month – VPN specials
• Does the service offer unlimited VPN? – as many Usenet fans will want unlimited usage.
• How large is the VPN provider’s network?  How many countries does it span?  How many total servers?  How many total IP addresses?
• Total IP addresses is very important.  While most smaller services don’t advertise the number, leading services like Hide My Ass, OverPlay and Strong VPN gladly share this information.  Think of IP’s as the number of seats a VPN service has open.  If those seats fill you can’t connect.
• Look for a service that supports OpenVPN, L2TP and PPTP protocols.  OpenVPN will provide the best security while L2TP/IPSec and PPTP will extend compatibility to iOS and Android devices.
• If you want to secure your entire home network with one VPN account look for a service that supports DD-WRT routers.  We use Hide My Ass with a Sabai Technology router and couldn’t be happier.

Here are a few leading personal VPN services to consider:

• Hide My Ass
• OverPlay
• Strong VPN
• PureVPN
• IAPS Security

We hope you’ve found our tips for helping secure your Usenet access with SSL and VPN useful.  For more information on secure Usenet access visit Newsgroup Reviews.  For those who would like to learn more about VPN visit our VPN Service Providers review site.  Follow us on Twitter – @NewsgroupRevs and @VPNSP for the latest Usenet and VPN news along with special promotions.

Source of photo: R. Peterkin / Shutterstock.com

Here are some of the college football teams and conferences we found with newsgroups.

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
- Florida State Seminoles – alt.sports.football.college.fsu-seminoles
- 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

Let us know as you find more teams and we’ll gladly add them to the list.  Enjoy the 2011 football season!

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Including the latest provider updates, free trials and special offers.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest Usenet news.

Today we’d like to pose the question “How much binary retention is enough?”.  The question is meant for Usenet fans and those just finding interest in newsgroups.  How much retention would you like to see a year from now?  Would you be willing to give up extras (newsreaders, search, storage, vpn) or pay a higher price for the continued retention growth?  Not to say that either will be necessary but it’s worth some thought.

The truth is that most Usenet subscribers don’t use anywhere close to three years of binary retention.  Yet when comparing services the magic retention number often takes front row.  It has always been a measuring stick of sorts when choosing between Usenet providers.  Will the leading newsgroup services continue to grow retention as long as storage and overhead costs allow?  Will that eventually cause prices to increase?

Consider the rate at which Usenet is growing.  As seen in the feed size.  Which is the amount of data being posted to Usenet on a daily basis.  As you can see we’re now reaching close to 10 TB of data a day.  Where in 2008 the feed size was 4.5 TB a day.  Meaning that Usenet providers are going to need more and more storage to support their current retention.  Not to mention future growth.  Both in terms of feed size and retention.

Source of feed size data: NewsDemon blog

At what point will users not care as much about retention?  Is there a magic number?  Three years?  Four?  Five?  Will the highest retention always be important?  Or will other factors like performance, reliability and value take a front row seat.  Some might say binary retention is easier to measure.  Which is true but added features and price are easy to compare as well.  It’s really more a question of preference.

When it comes to binary retention, popular services like UseNetServer, Newshosting, NewsDemon, Astraweb and Giganews lead the way.  How about value-added features?  Where do they rank in your decision of which provider to choose?  For example Newshosting just released a cool new Usenet client.  Which is more important….binary retention or a nice Usenet client with search capabilities?  NewsDemon offers online storage and Giganews offers VPN access.  Yet we still see a heavy focus on binary retention.

For now everyone can have their cake and eat it too.  With binary retention growing by the day, new features and the best prices ever on Usenet access.  If the day ever comes though when you have to make the choice between binary retention, added features or increased price which will you choose?  We would personally choose a lower cost, reliable service with some nice extras as opposed to a few more days of binary retention.  This week you will start to see us shift focus from retention over to value and extra benefits.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Including the latest provider updates, binary retention, added features, free trials and special offers.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest Usenet news.

We’ll be writing a number of posts this week to commemorate the three year achievement.  Stay tuned as we continue to deliver the latest news and special offers from top Usenet providers like UNS, Newshosting, NewsDemon, Astraweb, Easynews and more.  For now let’s tip our glass to UseNetServer and the other newsgroup services who are celebrating 1,095+ days of binary retention.  That kind of retention comes at a substantial cost.  As Usenet fans we are very appreciative of the efforts taken by each provider to hit 3 years!