I got a client ... where is the newsgroup server?
Okay, so let's say you've gotten a good client (we recommend Newsleecher). The first thing it asks you for is a newsgroup server. Where do you get in on that?
There are several options (ain't there always on-line?) - and they really fall into two categories; Free and Pay. Before you hollar out "I'LL TAKE THE FREE!", you should understand the differences.
There are three things to consider when thinking about a newsgroup service provider; completeness, speed, and retention. Let's talk about those.
Completeness ...
You might want to sit down. Right now there are TERRABYTES (that's a lot more than GIGABYTES) of files and information on the newsgroups. That's a LOT of hard drive space, folks. Considering a big hard drive for the home is like 160GB, well ... you get the idea. Every day, MORE AND MORE files are posted. With this sort of traffic, its hard to keep a complete set of files online for any given time. The 'completeness' of these files is important - since what you may want to download may come in PARTS. If you don't have all the parts, you don't have what you want. COMPLETENESS is very important.
Speed ...
If you're enjoying the richness of broadband, then you already know how important speed is in your daily surfing life. Newsgroup servers are in high demand - and as such, bandwidth is normally tight. Some people don't care how long something takes to get to them; as long as it does. MOST people, though, care about the speed too.
Retention ...
Now we are at the TRUE crux of newsgroup services. Retention is how long the service will KEEP the files uploaded TODAY until they are purged. Needless to say, if your retention is only ONE DAY, the chances of you getting what is new (or at least getting all of it) is VERY VERY SLIM. This will frustrate you to NO END. Decent retention is 8-10 days; the best providers retain most groups for up to 30-60 days or more. THAT gives you some breathing room.
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