Are Usenet Service Providers Difficult to Pick Between?

Feb 5
08:48

2013

Francis A. Hamer

Francis A. Hamer

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Usenet service is available from a number of different sources. Usenet allows a global community to discuss a wide range of topics. Although there are similar services, none of them are as efficient or globally encompassing as Usenet.

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How to Choose a Usenet Service Provider

Usenet service is available from a number of different sources.  Usenet allows a global community to discuss a wide range of topics.  Although there are similar services,Are Usenet Service Providers Difficult to Pick Between? Articles none of them are as efficient or globally encompassing as Usenet.

Some Internet service providers offer Usenet in conjunction with their other services.  Usenet access through an ISP usually lacks the quality of a premium provider.  Premium providers usually have 99%+ completion rates and extended retention.  Completion refers to how many articles are available on a server compared to how many were posted.  Retention refers to the amount of time that an article remains on the server. Both of these features are critical when accessing the strengths of a Usenet service.

When comparing Usenet services, there are a several factors to consider.

Features to look for include:

a.       Free software

b.      Long retention

c.       Search tools

d.      Secure SSL encryption

e.      Easy setup

f.        Availability of 100,000 plus newsgroups

g.       24x7x365 technical support

Some premium providers also offer free software with their top level plans.  The software used to access Usenet is called a newsreader or Usenet browser.  The best newsreaders have built in search features.   The basic function of a newsreader is to allow users to view and post articles.   Users can also download the list of available newsgroups and subscribe to those groups that interest them. 

Usenet is arguably the best research tool available on the Internet.  It is a place where experts from thousands of different fields and all over the globe share knowledge.  Running threads capture this discussion, allowing users to search through discussions that have progressed over months and even years. 

Premium providers also offer secure SSL connections. SSL certificates are used by banks, retailers as well as numerous other online companies in order to secure their network. It makes sense that the best Usenet services would use SSL based encryption. Modern newsreaders are capable of using SSL encryption.  Newsreaders that aren’t compatible with SSL are obsolete. 

Choosing the best Usenet service can be difficult.  Look for free software, long retention, SSL encryption, easy to follow instructions, and 24/7 technical support when selecting a provider.  If all these areas are carefully considered, most people are satisfied with their Usenet provider.  Several premium services also offer free trial periods.  These can be a great way to test a service without making a financial obligation.