A Usenet Begginer's Guide

[sinjix_media]

I was wondering if it were possible for someone to post sort of a beginner's guide to downloading files (binaries?) from UseNet clients such as UseNext.

I would see this client UseNext everywhere so i fugued I'd give it a try. It was as simple as any p2p program; Install and begin searching and downloading. Unfortunately the rest of the newsgroup file (binary?) downloading world is not so easy.

So what are newsgroups all about anyway?

There are two types of newsgroups, information sharing and file sharing(binary downloads?)?

To download file (binaries?) from newsgroups you must have an UseNet server installed? If so, how do you install a newsgroup server, Is it free?

If all the above is true, once you've installed your UseNet server and downloaded a newsgroup/Usenet client you have to find free servers or newsgroups that allow binary downloads and only then can you start searching and downloading?

Is there a free alternative to UseNext that is as easy as it is?

[DasFox]

You should LOOK before posting, LOL.

---> Usenet- Newsgroups Give Better Access!

[Ravexildow]

I've done some research on binary newsgroups as well (I'm a newb also). The main thing is you have to pay to use servers that host newsgroups and the associated files.

Unlike tracker sites and torrents, it is encouraged that you leech as much as possible instead of aiming to upload as the server has most of the stuff you'd be putting on in the first place.

Once you sign up and pay for a newsgroup, get whatever client they use and access the server. Most good sites worth their salt have 24/7 support to deal with server issues and client issues as well.

You also want to look at rates for retention and completion. High retention and completion obviously make for a better quality experience as you won't have to scour the server for par files and whatnot.

Some sites offer blocks. That is, some will sell you the ability to download up to 300GB over the course of your subscription. This is great if you don't download continuously. You can literally keep your subscription for 5 years as long as you don't hit your quota.

Wikipedia Binary Newsgroups for a list of some of the more popular servers and choose the one that's right for you.