How to choose the perfect Newsgroup Downloader...

The first thing that you need to do when picking a newsgroup downloader is to decide what type of attachments you are looking to download with the software. There are several choices:

 Small Files 
  • types of files:
    • pictures (jpeg, gif, jpg)
  • usually used with streaming downloaders
  • example newsgroups:
    • alt.binaries.pictures.celebrities
  • bandwidth required
    • minimal
    • dial-up lines are ok

example: jpeg pictures
 Large Files
  • types of files:
    • movies (mpeg, vob, mpg)
    • archive files (rar, zip)
    • music (mp3, wav)
  • usually used with manual-select downloaders
  • example newsgroups:
  • bandwidth required
    • large
    • DSL / Cable Modem recommended

example: mpeg movies

As you can see, we've divided up the world into two main classes of files: Small Files and Large Files. The first choice you need to make is which one of these describes your needs.

The "small file" categorization deals almost entirely with pictures (jpeg/gif files). Pictures are "still images", as compared to movies, which you could describe as "moving images". Basically, it takes a lot more bandwidth to download a movie than it does a still image.

If you're new to newsgroups and you don't know what you're looking for, then you probably want to start off by trying to download some pictures. I always recommend Binary Vortex to newbies as it's the easiest and simplest newsgroup downloader program out there.

Ok, so now you've decided whether you want to download the small files (pictures) or the big files (movies, music, archives). The next thing you need to do is to decide whether you want a manual-select news downloader or a streaming downloader:

Streaming

Downloader 

  • do this if you want *everything* in a newsgroup
  • usually you run it all night long
  • ideal for pictures
  • example software:
  • use "spam filters" and "lockouts" to prevent unwanted content from downloading.

Manual

Select

Downloader
  • do this if you want only *a few* things in a newsgroup
  • ideal for movies, music, archives
  • example software:

As you can see, deciding on whether you want streaming downloads, or manual selected downloads is one of the most important criteria in selecting a newsreader. Usually streaming downloader and pictures go together, and manual downloaders and movies go together.

If you're still looking for even more information, then you can check out this link: Recommended Picture Downloaders which features some screen shots of the various downloaders.

I hope this discussion has been helpful to you!

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