Usenet Frequently Asked Questions

Usenet is a global, decentralized network of discussion groups called "newsgroups," where users can post messages and engage in discussions on a wide range of topics. It was created in 1980 and is one of the oldest and most influential online communication platforms.

Usenet operates on a client-server model, where users access newsgroups via a newsreader (client) that connects to a Usenet server. These servers store and distribute messages, which are propagated to other servers on the network.

To access Usenet, you need a newsreader (client) and a subscription to a Usenet provider (server). The newsreader allows you to browse, read, and post messages to newsgroups, while the Usenet provider gives you access to the servers hosting the newsgroups.

Some free Usenet providers exist, but they often have limited access to newsgroups, lower retention rates, and slower download speeds. Paid providers generally offer better performance, higher retention, and a more extensive selection of newsgroups. Check out our top providers for specific recommendations.

Yes, many newsreader applications are available for mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets. These apps allow you to access and participate in Usenet newsgroups from your mobile device. For easy web and mobile access we recommend EasyNews - no software required.

Usenet is relatively secure, as most providers offer SSL/TLS encryption to protect your connection. However, anonymity is not guaranteed, as your IP address and other information may be visible to other users and your Usenet provider. Some users choose to use a VPN for added privacy. Providers that include VPN are: Newshosting, Easynews, TweakNews, and UsenetServer.

Yes, you can use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) with Usenet to enhance your privacy and security by encrypting your internet connection and masking your IP address. Using a VPN can also help prevent throttling by your ISP and provide access to Usenet servers that may be blocked in your region. Checkout Newshosting VPN, Easynews VPN, TweakNews VPN, or UsenetServer VPN for providers who offer VPN with their plans.

To improve your privacy on Usenet, consider the following tips:

1. Use a pseudonym or alias when posting messages, rather than your real name.
2. Avoid sharing personal information, such as your email address, physical address, or phone number, in public messages.
3. Use an SSL/TLS encrypted connection to prevent eavesdropping on your Usenet traffic.
4. Use a VPN or proxy server to mask your IP address and location.
5. Choose a Usenet provider with a strong privacy policy that does not log your activities or share your data with third parties.

Retention refers to the amount of time a Usenet provider stores messages and files on its servers. A higher retention rate means that you can access older messages and files, providing a more comprehensive Usenet experience. Choose a provider with a high retention rate like Newshosting, EasyNews, Eweka, UsenetServer, or Tweaknews.

Completion rate refers to the percentage of files on Usenet that are available and intact for downloading. A higher completion rate indicates that a Usenet provider has a more reliable and comprehensive selection of files. We recommend choosing a Usenet provider with a 99% or higher completion rate. Newshosting, EasyNews, and Eweka are all examples of providers with completion rates near 100%.

To improve your Usenet download speeds, consider upgrading your internet connection, choosing a Usenet provider with faster servers, or configuring your newsreader to use multiple connections simultaneously. Additionally, ensure that your network equipment (e.g., routers and modems) is up-to-date and properly configured. Usenet providers like Newshosting offer up to 100 connections.

Usenet throttling is the practice of intentionally limiting a user's download speed or access to certain newsgroups by their Usenet provider or Internet Service Provider (ISP). Throttling can be due to various reasons, such as network congestion, bandwidth limitations, or an attempt to discourage the downloading of copyrighted material. We recommend a Usenet Provider with a VPN to avoid throttling by your ISP. Newshosting, EasyNews, and TweakNews all offer leading edge VPN service.

To choose a good Usenet provider, consider factors such as retention rate, completion rate, server speed, newsgroup access, reliability, customer support, and pricing. Research and compare Usenet providers, read user reviews, and take advantage of free trials to find the best fit for your needs.

A Usenet block account is a pay-as-you-go subscription plan that allows users to purchase a fixed amount of data to download from Usenet. Block accounts are an alternative to monthly subscription plans and can be useful for users with irregular or low usage patterns. Tweaknews offers the most flexible and affordable block accounts of the providers we've reviewed.

Sharing your Usenet account with others is generally not recommended, as it can lead to security risks, bandwidth limitations, and potential violations of your provider's terms of service. It is best to keep your account credentials private and encourage others to sign up for their own Usenet access.

A newsgroup is a discussion forum within Usenet that focuses on a specific topic. There are thousands of newsgroups covering various subjects, including science, technology, arts, hobbies, politics, and more.

You can browse the available newsgroups in your newsreader, use the search function to find specific topics or keywords, or consult online resources that list and categorize popular newsgroups.

Text newsgroups are primarily for discussions, where users post and read plain text messages. Binary newsgroups are designed for sharing files, such as images, videos, software, and other data, which are encoded as text and posted as a series of messages.

Yes, you can create your own newsgroup, but you must follow the proper procedures and guidelines. First, determine if there is a need for your proposed newsgroup, then discuss your idea in relevant existing newsgroups. If there is support for your proposal, follow the appropriate hierarchy and naming conventions to create your newsgroup.

A Usenet hierarchy is a way to categorize and organize newsgroups based on their subject matter. Newsgroups are organized into a tree-like structure, with top-level hierarchies branching into sub-hierarchies. The most common hierarchies include "comp" (computers), "rec" (recreation), "sci" (science), "soc" (social), and "talk" (discussion).

Yes, there are Usenet newsgroups in many languages, reflecting the diverse and global nature of the Usenet community. You can find newsgroups in languages such as German, French, Spanish, Chinese, and more.

If you encounter incomplete or missing binary files on Usenet, you can try the following options:

1. Search for an alternative download source or newsgroup with the same content.
2. Use a newsreader that supports automatic repair and reassembly of damaged or incomplete files, using PAR2 files.
3. Use multiple Usenet providers to improve completion rates and access to different servers.

To improve your Usenet etiquette:

1. Read and follow each newsgroup's guidelines and rules.
2. Keep your messages on-topic, clear, and concise.
3. Be respectful and courteous to other users, even when disagreeing.
4. Avoid cross-posting, top-posting, and excessive quoting.
5. Use descriptive subject lines and proper formatting in your messages.
6. Do not spam, self-promote, or engage in trolling behavior.

An open newsgroup allows any user to post messages without prior approval or review, while a moderated newsgroup requires messages to be approved by a moderator before they are posted. Moderated newsgroups typically have higher quality content and fewer issues with spam or off-topic messages compared to open newsgroups.

Popular Usenet newsreaders include SABnzbd, NZBGet, Newsbin Pro, Newsleecher, NewsLazer, and UsenetWire. The choice of newsreader depends on factors such as the user's operating system, preferred interface, and desired features.

To optimize your newsreader settings for better performance, consider the following tips:

1. Adjust the number of simultaneous connections to find the optimal balance between speed and resource usage.
2. Enable SSL/TLS encryption to prevent ISP throttling and improve privacy.
3. Configure your newsreader to connect to the closest or fastest Usenet server provided by your provider.
4. Use a download folder on a fast storage device, such as an SSD, to minimize disk-related bottlenecks.
5. Enable automatic downloading, repair, and extraction of binary files to streamline the process.
6. Use built-in filtering and sorting options to prioritize the content you're most interested in.

Remember that optimal settings may vary depending on your specific hardware, software, and network conditions, so experiment with different configurations to find the best performance for your setup.

A Usenet header is metadata attached to a Usenet message that contains essential information about the message, such as the subject, author, date, newsgroup, and message-ID. Headers are used by newsreaders to display, sort, and manage messages in newsgroups.

A killfile is a filtering tool used by some newsreaders to automatically ignore messages from specific users or containing particular keywords. Killfiles help users to manage the content they see in newsgroups, reducing noise and improving their Usenet experience.

An NZB file is an XML-based file format used to locate and download specific content from Usenet. It contains information about the messages and parts needed to download a file from binary newsgroups. NZB files simplify the process of downloading large files, as they allow you to directly import the necessary data into an NZB-compatible newsreader.

A Usenet indexer is a search engine that indexes and catalogs the content available on Usenet newsgroups. It allows users to search for specific files or topics across multiple newsgroups and provides NZB files for easy downloading.

Popular Usenet indexers include NZBGeek, NZBPlanet, DrunkenSlug, and DogNZB. These indexers provide searchable databases of Usenet content and generate NZB files to streamline the downloading process.

To find a specific message or thread on Usenet, you can use your newsreader's search function, entering relevant keywords, message IDs, or author information. Some newsreaders also offer advanced search options, such as filtering by date or newsgroup. Additionally, you can use online Usenet search engines or archives, like Google Groups, to locate specific messages or threads.

While downloading files from Usenet is generally safe, it is essential to exercise caution. Be wary of files from unknown sources, and use antivirus software to scan files before opening them. Additionally, respect copyright laws and avoid downloading copyrighted material without permission.