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Network News Transfer Protocol (NNTP) Explained

November 14, 2011 by

NNTP stands for Network News Transfer Protocol.  NNTP is the protocol used to access Usenet.  As such we’d like to help new users understand NNTP and how the protocol can be used to download and post articles to newsgroups.  Our explanation isn’t meant to be an in-depth technical review of NNTP but rather a primer for those interested in using newsgroups.  For those in search of more technical details we’ll provide some additional links at the end of the post.  Let’s first take a look at some common Usenet-related terms:

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:

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:

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

Filed Under: Usenet Tutorials Tagged With: , , ,

Beware of Infected RAR Files : WinRAR Exploit

October 19, 2011 by

According to a Newsbin tweet they are seeing new Usenet posts that take advantage of an old WinRAR exploit.  One that Trend Micro covered in 2007.  It affects WinRAR version 3.50 and earlier.  So check your WinRAR version and upgrade if necessary.  If you’d rather seek alternatives then look at newsreaders like Newsbin and the Newshosting client that include auto-PAR and auto-unRAR features.  Newsbin offers a 10 day free trial and Newshosting offers our visitors unlimited Usenet with free newsreader for just $9.99 a month or $99 a year.

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.

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

Usenet Made Simple : Guide to Easy Usenet Access

September 16, 2011 by

Who says Usenet has to be difficult to access?  Granted, back in the day it took some technical know how.  Now a days though Usenet is simple to use.  With a few leading Usenet providers making it easier than ever to access newsgroups.  Whether you want to browse Usenet via web browser or newsreader software they have you covered.  Without the need to find a provider, Usenet client, NZB search engine and newsgroup utilities.  Because services like Newshosting, Easynews and Binverse take care of it all for you.

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.

Filed Under: Newsreaders, NZB Sites, Usenet Providers, Usenet Tutorials Tagged With: , , ,

Usenet Binary Retention : How Much is Enough?

August 22, 2011 by

We spent all of last week celebrating with leading Usenet providers including UseNetServer, Newshosting, NewsDemon and Astraweb.  As they all accomplished an impressive mark.  With each supporting over three years of binary retention. Meaning you can download binary content from over 1,095 days ago.

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.

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

Usenet Providers Celebrate 3 Years of Binary Retention

August 15, 2011 by

This month several leading Usenet providers including UseNetServer are celebrating a new milestone.  Having surpassed three years of binary retention!  That’s 1,095+ days of binaries online.  An amazing achievement considering where we were just a couple years ago.  While binary retention is a popular comparison tool we’ve noticed more and more value adds lately as well.  Like the newly released Newshosting Usenet client.


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!

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

Usenet 30 Years Ago : OldUse.net Real-Time Usenet Feed

June 5, 2011 by

Were you around Usenet in 1981?  Would you like to see how it looked 30 years ago in real-time?  If so visit olduse.net.  As the site is updating in real-time from a 1981 feed.  The feed was originally from the University of Toronto’s Department of Zoology so you can expect a slight focus on Canada and Zoology themes.  Thanks to Joey at olduse.net and everyone else who had a hand in bringing this piece of Usenet history to life.


The olduse.net feed can be accessed through the site or via newsreader at nntp.olduse.net.  Tested successfully using slrn newsreader.  The olduse.net Usenet archive is updating in real-time as if we were in 1981.  So right now it’s showing posts from June 5, 1981.  Unlike the feed in 1981 which was updated nightly, this one is kept up to date every 5 minutes.  So check out this piece of Usenet history at olduse.net.

—–

For more information read the olduse.net announcement below:

Source: http://kitenet.net/~joey/blog/entry/announcing_olduse.net/

As I write this, it’s the morning of June 5th, 1981. A few people scattered across the US are waking up, going in to work, sitting down at their terminal with a coffee, and reading Usenet. Usenet is only getting a trickle of posts each day — it’s still in that period where it’s easy to read every message posted to it.

Many things lie in Usenet’s future. It’s still running A-News, which doesn’t even have a real From header yet. Later this year it will switch over to B-News, and volume will begin to increase. In 1987 there will be The great renaming. And of course in 1994, the first spam will be posted to Usenet.

But that’s all a long way off, here in 1981. Right now, they’re talking about 500 mb disk drives that only cost $38000. And rms is inciting flames about nuclear proliferation. And Postel is publishing an RFC for the new Mail Transfer Protocol.

Good morning, Usenet. Who knows what will come next in this fledgeling electronic communications medium!

a ten year real-time historical exhibit

This morning, I’m announcing a new site: Olduse.net

It’s Usenet, updated in real time as it was thirty years ago. Planned to be available for the next ten years, unless I run out of inodes (again).

If you missed it the first time around, this is your chance to follow Usenet’s flowering.

made possible by

141 magtape usenet archive

  • Henry Spencer at the University of Toronto, Department of Zoology, who archived Usenet. Back when it was really uncool and really expensive. Our view onto Usenet is thus slightly centric to Canada and Zoology, but that’s ok.
  • David Wiseman, who hauled 141 magtapes in a pickup truck.
  • Many who worked to rescue data off the tapes. Including from the deleted stuff at the ends.
  • Rich Skrenta, who somehow got a copy of the archive out from under the Google borg. Although one of the tar files is truncated. Just saying.
  • The creator of Telehack, who pointed me in the right direction, ending my multi-year quest to find the archive. And if you think this is neat, Telehack will blow you away.
  • The developers of Haskell, which enabled me to whip up a B-News to C-News converter, a custom uucp, date parsers for every crazy date format ever used on Usenet, and suitible queue data structures in a rock solid, maintainable way, in 500 lines of code written over 12 hours. When I realized I also needed an A-News to B-News converter, I knew it was worth it to have done things right, because that took only 43 more lines, and worked 100% on the first run! My code repository for olduse.net is here.
Filed Under: Usenet History Tagged With: , ,

Usenet Guide : Avoiding Password Protected RAR Files

May 23, 2011 by

Password protected RAR files are annoying to say the least.  We’re not going to say that 100% of the passworded files are spam but most certainly appear that way.  Or worse as many posts instruct the downloader to visit a site.  Enter survey information, join the site, accept certain offers, etc.  Not to mention the viruses and malware that can be attached.  For those reasons we choose to avoid password protected posts.

If you agree and would like to disregard passworded RAR files then read on as we’ll provide some tips for finding the passworded posts before downloading.  Saving you lots of time and bandwidth / Usenet account usage.  With an additional tip to help avoid RAR-in-RAR archives.

Step 1 – Mysterbin Advanced Search – No Password

You’ll want to start with a quality Usenet search site like Binsearch or Mysterbin.  In the case of Mysterbin you can choose whether or not to include password protected files in the search results.  Simply visit https://www.mysterbin.com/advsearch, click on the Advanced Search page and choose  “No Password”.

In addition you might want to check out Nzbmatrix as their members often post comments related to password protected posts.  The site is also a good source of information on the quality and usability of newsgroup posts.

Step 2 – Newsleecher Leech Tweaks – Pasworded RAR-in-RAR Archives

Those who gain from password protected RAR’s have found a way around the Usenet search engines blocking passworded posts.  To avoid detection they are including a non-passworded RAR archive with a password protected RAR inside.  Staying one step ahead of most nzb sites and newsreaders.  However the Newsleecher v5.0 beta 5+ (download) has a new RAR-in-RAR Archive feature.

To access the new feature click on Tools – Settings.  Then choose the Leech Tweaks under Download.  Here you have the option to pause downloads that include password protected RAR-in-RAR archives.  Some other useful tweaks above let you tell Newsleecher how to treat PAR files.  Choosing to “Auto Pause PAR Files” can save you even more bandwidth when repairs aren’t necessary.

Linux fans will also want to check out URD (Usenet Resource Downloader) as we understand the Usenet browser will automatically detect encrypted RAR’s and cancel the downloads when found.

We hope our guide will help you avoid password protected RAR archives.  If you’re having additional issues with performance or completion check out our list of top Usenet providers.  As not all Usenet services are created equal but you can find quality, unlimited Usenet access for under $10 a month.

Filed Under: Binsearch, Mysterbin, Newsleecher, Newsreaders, NZB Sites, Nzbmatrix, Usenet Tutorials Tagged With: , ,

Usenet Providers Top 1,000 Days Binary Retention

May 2, 2011 by

Usenet fans have reason to celebrate this month.  As several top Usenet providers surpass 1,000 days of binary retention.  The retention race started in 2009 with a number of  newsgroup services focusing on increasing binary retention.  Giganews had a sizable early lead and will be the first to 1,000 days this week. With UseNetServer, Newshosting, Astraweb and more hitting 1,000 days next week.


This month several leading Usenet providers including UseNetServer, Newshosting, NewsDemon, Easynews, Astraweb and Giganews will surpass 1,000 days of binaries.  With three years of binary retention likely to come later this year.  A huge achievement considering that in September of 2008 the high mark was 240 days.  Two years prior the highest retention was 90 days.

Fortunately storage prices continue to decrease.  Then again the average newsgroup feed size has exploded.  Increasing from 3 TB a day in 2006 up to 8.2 TB a day last month (source: NewsDemon).  The continued growth of the Usenet feed makes the 1,000 day achievement even more impressive.

A few will get to the end of this post and wonder what binary retention means.  In simple terms it’s the number of days binary newsgroup posts are held on a provider’s news server before they drop off.  Meaning that 1,000 days (2.75 years) of binary content will be accessible to download.  Stay tuned to Newsgroup Reviews for future binary retention stats as the numbers are growing daily.  We also keep up with the latest Usenet deals, free newsgroup trials, newsreader downloads and helpful guides.

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

The Great Newsgroup Downsizing 2011

March 29, 2011 by

Last month we reported that the Big-8 Usenet Management Board is considering the removal of some 192 unmoderated newsgroups.  The original RFD (request for discussion) was posted on February 1st.  Followed by a 2nd RFD on March 3rd.  The original RFD brought a few comments and suggestions but no one disagreed that the 198 groups in question are in frequent use.  In fact none have relevant posts in the last 18 months.

You can expect the LCC (last call for comments) to come in the week ahead.  Here is the 2nd RFD:

From: Big-8 Management Board <board@big-8.org>
Subject: 2nd RFD: The Great Downsizing 2011/1
Date: Thu, 3 Mar 2011 23:52:13 EST
Message-ID: <great-downsizing-2011-1-rfd-2@news.albasani.net>


              REQUEST FOR DISCUSSION (RFD)

This is a formal Request for Discussion (RFD) to remove the following
198 unmoderated newsgroups.

RATIONALE:

All groups listed below fulfill these conditions:
- no moderated groups
- no group names matching *.misc
- zero on-topic, non-crossposted threads in the past 18 months
- on-topic questions that received no on-topic answer do not count

The discussion following the publication of the 1st RFD brought up
principal opposition to the removal of groups, and the notion that
some groups have a function beyond mere traffic.

The claim that the groups in question have not been used for a long
time was not disputed, however. Therefore the list was not changed.

DISTRIBUTION:

news.announce.newgroups
news.groups.proposals
news.groups

Because of the magnitude of the group list this proposal is not cross-
posted to target groups. In the course of these proceedings the B8MB
will post pointers to this announcement to appropriate groups. Readers
are encouraged to take initiative and spread the message.

PROCEDURE:

The procedure shall take at least 8 weeks, with announcements posted
every 4 weeks: 1st RFD, 2nd RFD, and LCC. The group lists may be re-
vised during this stage. Discussion about candidate groups should take
place in moderated group news.groups.proposals. After publication of
the LCC the board votes on each newsgroup individually.
More details can be found here:

  http://www.big-8.org/wiki/Mass_removal_of_groups

NEWSGROUP LINES:

comp.arch.bus.vmebus		Hardware and software for VMEbus Systems.
comp.archives.msdos.d		Discussion of materials available in MSDOS archives.
comp.bbs.tbbs		The Bread Board System bulletin board software.
comp.bbs.tsx		TSX BBS discussions.
comp.bugs.2bsd		Reports of UNIX* version 2BSD related bugs.
comp.bugs.4bsd		Reports of UNIX version 4BSD related bugs.
comp.bugs.sys5		Reports of USG (System III, V, etc.) bugs.
comp.compilers.tools.pccts		Construction of compilers and tools with PCCTS.
comp.databases.revelation		All products produced by Revelation Software.
comp.dcom.frame-relay		Technology and issues regarding frame relay networks.
comp.dcom.isdn		The Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN).
comp.dcom.lans.fddi		Discussions of the FDDI protocol suite.
comp.dcom.lans.token-ring		Installing and using token ring networks.
comp.dcom.servers		Selecting and operating data communications servers.
comp.dcom.sys.bay-networks		Bay Networks hardware, software, other products.
comp.emulators.freemware		Open source PC Virtualisation software.
comp.emulators.mac.executor		ARDI's Mac emulator, Executor.
comp.games.development.art		Creative use of visual art in games.
comp.games.development.audio		Music, sound, speech production.
comp.graphics.api.inventor		Object-oriented 3D graphics in Inventor.
comp.graphics.api.pexlib		The PEXlib application programming interface.
comp.graphics.apps.avs		The Application Visualization System.
comp.graphics.apps.data-explorer		IBM's Visualization Data Explorer (DX).
comp.graphics.apps.freehand		Questions, answers, tips and suggestions.
comp.graphics.apps.iris-explorer		The IRIS Explorer, aka MVE.
comp.graphics.apps.softimage		Softimage applications and products.
comp.graphics.apps.wavefront		Wavefront software products, problems, etc.
comp.groupware.groupwise		Novell's Groupwise product (Wordperfect Office).
comp.infosystems.harvest		Harvest information discovery and access system.
comp.infosystems.interpedia		The Internet Encyclopedia.
comp.infosystems.intranet		Intranet topics.
comp.infosystems.www.advocacy		Comments and arguments over the best and worst.
comp.infosystems.www.databases		Web Database Integration.
comp.infosystems.www.servers.mac		Web servers for the Macintosh platform.
comp.internet.services.social.myspace		Teenage social networking.
comp.ivideodisc		Interactive videodiscs -- uses, potential, etc.
comp.lang.basic.visual.3rdparty		Add-ins for Visual Basic.
comp.lang.limbo		The Inferno OS's Limbo programming language.
comp.lang.lisp.mcl		Discussing Apple's Macintosh Common Lisp.
comp.lang.pascal.delphi.advocacy		Contentious issues related to Delphi.
comp.lang.pascal.delphi.components.usage		Using pre-written components.
comp.lang.pascal.delphi.components.writing		Writing Delphi components.
comp.lang.sather		The object-oriented computer language Sather.
comp.lsi.cad		Electrical Computer Aided Design.
comp.mail.list-admin.policy		Policy issues in running mailing lists.
comp.mail.mush		The Mail User's Shell (MUSH).
comp.mail.smail		Administering & using the smail email transport system.
comp.mail.zmail		The various Z-Mail products and their configurability.
comp.org.cpsr.talk		Issues of computing and social responsibility.
comp.org.decus		Digital Equipment Computer Users' Society newsgroup.
comp.org.eff.talk		Discussion of EFF goals, strategies, etc.
comp.org.issnnet		The International Student Society for Neural Networks.
comp.org.sug		Talk about/for the The Sun User's Group.
comp.org.user-groups.apcug		Association of Personal Computer User Groups.
comp.org.user-groups.management		Running a user group.
comp.org.user-groups.newsletters		User group newsletter Production.
comp.os.chorus		CHORUS microkernel issues, research and developments.
comp.os.inferno		The Inferno network operating system from Lucent.
comp.os.lantastic		The LANtastic network operating system.
comp.os.ms-windows.apps.comm		MS-Windows communication applications.
comp.os.ms-windows.apps.compatibility.win95		Running DOS&Win3 apps in Win95.
comp.os.ms-windows.apps.utilities.win3x		Utility/add-on programs for Win3.x.
comp.os.ms-windows.apps.winsock.mail		Winsock email applications.
comp.os.ms-windows.apps.winsock.news		Winsock news applications.
comp.os.ms-windows.networking.ras		Windows RAS networking.
comp.os.ms-windows.nt.advocacy		Windows NT advocacy arguments.
comp.os.ms-windows.nt.pre-release		Unreleased and beta Windows NT versions.
comp.os.ms-windows.nt.setup.hardware		Windows NT hardware setup.
comp.os.ms-windows.pre-release		Pre-release/beta versions of Windows.
comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.multimedia		Multimedia programming.
comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.tools.owl		OWL-based development for Windows.
comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.winhelp		WinHelp/Multimedia Viewer development.
comp.os.ms-windows.setup.win3x		Setup, hardware, and driver issues in Win3.x.
comp.os.ms-windows.setup.win95		Setup, hardware, and driver issues in Win95.
comp.os.ms-windows.win95.setup		Setup and Configuration of Windows 95.
comp.os.msdos.mail-news		Administering mail & network news systems under MS-DOS.
comp.os.netware.security		Netware Security issues.
comp.os.os2.comm		Modem/Fax hardware/drivers/apps/utils under OS/2.
comp.os.os2.programmer.oop		Programming system objects (SOM, WPS, etc).
comp.os.os2.scitech		Real-time, engineering/CAD, sciences, etc.
comp.os.parix		Forum for users of the parallel operating system PARIX.
comp.os.xinu		The XINU operating system from Purdue (D. Comer).
comp.protocols.appletalk		Applebus hardware & software.
comp.protocols.ibm		Networking with IBM mainframes.
comp.protocols.iso		The ISO protocol stack.
comp.publish.cdrom.multimedia		Software for multimedia authoring & publishing.
comp.publish.electronic.developer		Electronic publishing developer tools.
comp.publish.electronic.end-user		Electronic publishing end-user tools.
comp.security.gss-api		Generic Security Service Application Program Interface.
comp.security.pgp.resources		PGP related resources, information and more.
comp.society		The impact of technology on society.
comp.society.development		Computer technology in developing countries.
comp.soft-sys.app-builder.appware		Novell's visual development environment.
comp.soft-sys.app-builder.dynasty		Dynasty Development.
comp.soft-sys.khoros		The Khoros X11 visualization system.
comp.soft-sys.middleware.opendoc		OpenDoc and its related technologies.
comp.soft-sys.shazam		The SHAZAM econometrics computer program.
comp.soft-sys.stat.systat		The statistical program package SYSTAT.
comp.sources.games.bugs		Bug reports and fixes for posted game software.
comp.specification.larch		Larch family of formal specification languages.
comp.std.internat		Discussion about international standards.
comp.sys.alliant		Info and discussion about Alliant computers.
comp.sys.amiga.datacomm		Methods of getting bytes in and out.
comp.sys.amiga.multimedia		Animations, video, & multimedia.
comp.sys.amiga.networking		Amiga networking software/hardware.
comp.sys.amiga.uucp		Amiga UUCP packages.
comp.sys.apple2.gno		The AppleIIgs GNO multitasking environment.
comp.sys.be.advocacy		Why BeOS is better/worse than XYZ.
comp.sys.be.programmer		Topics related to BeOS programming.
comp.sys.convex		Convex computer systems hardware and software.
comp.sys.harris		Harris computer systems, especially real-time systems.
comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.marketplace		PC clone games wanted and for sale.
comp.sys.ibm.pc.soundcard.advocacy		Advocacy for a particular soundcard.
comp.sys.intergraph		Intergraph hardware and software products.
comp.sys.isis		The ISIS distributed system from Cornell.
comp.sys.mac.games.adventure		Adventure games for the Macintosh.
comp.sys.mac.oop.macapp3		Version 3 of the MacApp object oriented system.
comp.sys.mac.oop.powerplant		Metrowerks' PowerPlant (CodeWarrior) Framework.
comp.sys.mac.oop.tcl		Symantec's THINK Class Library for object programming.
comp.sys.mac.programmer.codewarrior		Macintosh programming using CodeWarrior.
comp.sys.mac.programmer.games		Macintosh game programming.
comp.sys.net-computer.advocacy		Relative merits of Network Computers.
comp.sys.next.advocacy		The NeXT religion.
comp.sys.next.bugs		Discussion and solutions for known NeXT bugs.
comp.sys.nsc.32k		National Semiconductor 32000 series chips.
comp.sys.proteon		Proteon gateway products.
comp.sys.psion.comm		Discussions about Psion communications.
comp.sys.psion.marketplace		Buy and sell Psion computers and accessories.
comp.sys.ridge		Ridge 32 computers and ROS.
comp.sys.sequent		Sequent systems, (Balance and Symmetry).
comp.sys.sgi.audio		Audio on SGI systems.
comp.sys.sgi.graphics		Graphics packages and issues on SGI machines.
comp.sys.tahoe		CCI 6/32, Harris HCX/7, & Sperry 7000 computers.
comp.text.desktop		Technology & techniques of desktop publishing.
comp.unix.advocacy		Arguments for and against Unix and Unix versions.
comp.unix.cde		The Common Desktop Environment.
comp.unix.large		UNIX on mainframes and in large networks.
comp.unix.machten		The MachTen operating system and related issues.
comp.unix.pc-clone.16bit		UNIX on 286 architectures.
comp.unix.pc-clone.32bit		UNIX on 386 and 486 architectures.
comp.unix.sys3		System III UNIX discussions.
comp.unix.sys5.r3		Discussing System V Release 3.
comp.unix.xenix.sco		XENIX versions from the Santa Cruz Operation.
comp.windows.garnet		The Garnet user interface development environment.
comp.windows.interviews		The InterViews object-oriented windowing system.
comp.windows.open-look		Discussion about the Open Look GUI.
comp.windows.suit		The SUIT user-interface toolkit.
comp.windows.ui-builders.teleuse		Using/augmenting the TeleUSE UI Builder.
comp.windows.x.i386unix		The XFree86 window system and others.
misc.forsale.computers.discussion		Discussions only about items for sale.
misc.forsale.computers.mac-specific.cards.video		Macintosh video cards.
misc.forsale.computers.mac-specific.portables		Portable Macintosh systems.
misc.forsale.computers.mac-specific.systems		Complete Macintosh systems.
misc.forsale.computers.monitors		Monitors and displays for sale and wanted.
misc.forsale.computers.other.systems		Complete other types of systems.
misc.forsale.computers.pc-specific.audio		PC audio equipment.
misc.forsale.computers.pc-specific.cards.video		PC video cards.
misc.forsale.computers.pc-specific.motherboards		PC motherboards.
misc.forsale.computers.printers		Printers and plotters for sale and wanted.
misc.industry.pulp-and-paper		Technical topics in the pulp and paper industry.
misc.jobs.offered.entry		Job listings only for entry-level positions.
news.admin.nocem		NoCeM protocol policy issues and information.
rec.arts.comics.elfquest		The Elfquest universe and characters.
rec.arts.sf.starwars.collecting.customizing		Customizing Star Wars toys.
rec.arts.sf.tv.quantum-leap		Quantum Leap TV, comics, cons, etc.
rec.autos.sport.rally		Any type of interest in any form of rally motorsport.
rec.crafts.dollhouses		Collecting and making of dollhouse miniatures.
rec.games.bolo		The networked strategy war game Bolo.
rec.games.computer.quake.editing		Editing and hacking Quake-related files.
rec.games.computer.quake.playing		Playing Quake and user-created levels.
rec.games.computer.quake.quake-c		Modifying Quake with Quake-C.
rec.games.frp.industry		Roleplaying industry & companies.
rec.games.frp.storyteller		World of Darkness and StoryTeller games.
rec.games.trading-cards.marketplace.magic.trades		Trading Magic cards.
rec.games.trading-cards.startrek		Star Trek Trading Card Games.
rec.games.video.cd-i		CD-i topics with emphasis on games.
rec.games.video.cd32		Gaming talk, info and help for the Amiga CD32.
rec.games.xtank.play		Strategy and tactics for the distributed game Xtank.
rec.games.xtank.programmer		Coding the Xtank game and its robots.
rec.music.artists.ani-difranco		Ani Difranco, related topics.
rec.music.artists.danny-elfman		Composer Danny Elfman's music.
rec.music.artists.stevie-nicks		Singer/songwriter Stevie Nicks.
rec.music.artists.wallflowers		Music group The Wallflowers.
rec.music.iranian		Discussion of Iranian music.
rec.parks.theme		Entertainment theme parks.
rec.scouting.guide+girl		Guiding and girl scout organizations.
rec.sport.basketball.women		Women's basketball at all levels.
rec.sport.footbag		Discussion about the sport of footbag.
rec.sport.orienteering		All matters related to the sport of orienteering.
rec.sport.skating.roller		Conventional (quad) roller skating.
rec.video.dvd.advocacy		DVD-Video pro/con arguments.
sci.aquaria		Only scientifically-oriented postings about aquaria.
sci.engr.coastal		Coastal and ocean engineering.
sci.engr.marine.hydrodynamics		Marine Hydrodynamics.
sci.med.occupational		Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) & job injury issues.
soc.adoption.parenting		Adoptive parenting by adoptive parents.
soc.college.teaching-asst		Issues affecting collegiate teaching assistants.
soc.support.depression.seasonal		Seasonal affective disorder.

CHANGE HISTORY:

2011-02-01      1st RFD
2011-03-04      2nd RFD
Filed Under: Usenet History Tagged With: ,

Usenet Completion Guide : NZB Completion Checker

March 10, 2011 by

We’ve probably all been there one time or another.  You queue up a large download and wait in anticipation for it to complete.  Only to find out in the end that the file isn’t complete and there aren’t enough PAR files for repair.  The problem is compounded for those with limited bandwidth.

The terms “Usenet completion” or “completion rate” are thrown around all the time on sites like Newsgroup Reviews.  We use them in articles, guides and reviews without giving much thought to explaining their meaning.  Yet those new to Usenet may not understand the importance of completion.  In simple terms completion is the percentage of posts a Usenet provider has stored compared to the total posts available.

Using a simple example let’s say you’re about to download the latest version of Ubuntu.  You start by searching for an NZB file via newsreader or a favorite NZB site.  Once you have the file you open it in your Usenet client and begin the download.  The download starts as expected and shows that you have 24 files to download.  After some time the download completes.  Now it’s time to use WinRAR or similar tool to unRAR the archive.  The only problem is the files are damaged.  You try to use QuickPar to fix the problem but there aren’t enough PAR files or blocks for repair.  The result is that you just wasted a lot of time and perhaps paid usage on a block or metered Usenet account for nothing.  The only thing more annoying is completing the download only to find the file is password protected.  We’ll save the password topic for another time.

The moral to our story is that you want to choose a Usenet provider that offers good completion.  For those new to Usenet it’s almost impossible to determine without testing services.  To help we offer a section dedicated to free Usenet trials along with an Editors Choice section.  The award winners have been tested and provide solid completion along with high retention, performance and reliability.

Even if you choose an excellent Usenet provider you will still have completion issues from time to time.  It’s not always the provider’s fault.  At times the person posting will have issues that lead to incomplete posts.  Not to mention the possibility of DMCA takedown requests.  So how can you test an NZB file before you spend all that time downloading?  In comes NZB Completion Checker.

NZB Completion Checker

We noticed the freeware tool back in January and recently had a chance to test it out.  The application requires Microsoft .NET 4 which is a free download (about 43 MB) if you don’t already have it installed (we didn’t).  After the install the setup is very simple.  Checking a 750+ MB Ubuntu NZB for completion took about a minute using UseNetServer with 20 connections.  The results were then displayed in a nice dashboard format.

Before using the software be aware there are some limitations.  First of which the app is in beta so bugs are to be expected.  Also the current version does not support SSL connections.  So you have to use a non-SSL port to check for completion in the utility.  Of course you can still use SSL to download the files in your newsreader.

The download and installation of NZB Completion Checker is a breeze.  If you don’t have Microsoft .NET Framework version 4 or you’re not sure don’t worry about it.  The installation will let you know otherwise and provides a link to the MS site for download.  After installing NZB Completion Checker you are just a couple steps from verifying file completion.  Simply enter your news server address, port (normally 119).  Remember NZBcc does not support SSL.  Then enter your username and password.  Next click on the folder icon and choose the NZB file you’d like to check for completion.  Click start and let NZBcc do the rest.

We loaded a Ubuntu NZB file for testing.  NZB Completion Checker took about a minute to process the files.  Once completed we were presented with a dashboard screen showing the results.  In this case our NZB file was 100% complete.  As you can see in the following image.

We ran a couple more tests to ensure NZBcc would catch missing or incomplete parts.  Compared to downloading the entire files and checking them with QuickPar.  NZBcc performed well in every test.

Download NZB Completion Checker free from the developer’s site or Softsea.  As always if you enjoy the application please consider donating to the developer.

Filed Under: Usenet Tutorials Tagged With: , ,
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