More tech stuff - newsreaders

[Canadave]

My ISP recently stopped providing Usenet service, so I'm unable to access my newsgroups through Outlook Express. Can anyone recommend a good free newsreader?

Thanks,

David

 

[magneto]

Hi David! Go here:
http://disenter.com/

This is a database of all free news-servers available, updated constantly. Rated by reliability, speed, location (so you can pick one close to you) etc.

Right now I use readfreenews.net and news.x-privat.org (backup in case one or other is down).
Might I also suggest updating to a nicer news reader program (such as Free Agent or Thunderbird) instead of Outlook Express, while you're making changes?
Good luck! (magneto: faithful follower of alt.movies.silent)

 

[Canadave]

Thanks a lot for the quick response, magneto!

I downloaded Thunderbird, chose freenews.netfront.net from the database you suggested (it had both my newsgroups) and can see all the posts in my reader. HOWEVER, I'm not allowed to post. Any ideas?

Thanks again,

David

 

[magneto]

Thanks a lot for the quick response, magneto!

I downloaded Thunderbird, chose freenews.netfront.net from the database you suggested (it had both my newsgroups) and can see all the posts in my reader. HOWEVER, I'm not allowed to post. Any ideas?

Hi David, I looked up freenews.netfront.net and it looks like it's "read only"? (doesn't allow posting, only reading messages).
aioe.cjb.net allows posting I think, and if you register with the x-privat.org server via their web page (it's free to reg.) you are allowed to post using them also IIRC.
http://www.x-privat.org/international.php

Alternately if you don't mind paying $10~ per year you could sign up with individual.net's service ( http://news.individual.net/ ) for full unlimited access. They are very reliable and carry every group imaginable.

Hope this helps... You could also try going to http://groups.google.com/ and doing a search in the alt.free.newsservers group for leads.

 

[Canadave]

...if you register with the x-privat.org server via their web page (it's free to reg.) you are allowed to post using them also IIRC.
http://www.x-privat.org/international.php

Thanks again. It now looks like one must have an invitation to get the free service. You don't have one you could PM me, do you?

David

(edit) Later...

Right now I use readfreenews.net

OK, I'm trying readfreenews.net with Thunderbird, and I'm still not able to post. I messed around with the settings, but can't figger it out. Frustrating!

D

 

[scotrace]

No Soup For You, but...

Since it's a geeky newsreader thread, members with a Mac can use Unison, which I highly recommend. Easy interface, easy posting, etc. Find it via versiontracker.com.

 

[magneto]

Thanks again. It now looks like one must have an invitation to get the free service. You don't have one you could PM me, do you?

David

(edit) Later...

OK, I'm trying readfreenews.net with Thunderbird, and I'm still not able to post. I messed around with the settings, but can't figger it out. Frustrating!

You have to sign up for posting privleges at readfreenews.net too.
{looks for link}
Arrg! "Because of the amount of abuse lately, the ability to sign up for an account has been terminated."

I'll see if I can finagle you an invite for the x-privat.org server!

As you can see, the free news-server is a rare and undependable beast =(
If the news.individual.net server carries your groups, I would recommend splashing out the $10/year. I used to use them when I was more of a heavy Usenet user.

{{UPDATE}}
Have you tried aioe.cjb.net? I just read they still allow free posting. They always seem to be swamped however, so it may take a few attempts to get your messages posted.

 

[Canadave]

...

{{UPDATE}}
Have you tried aioe.cjb.net? I just read they still allow free posting. They always seem to be swamped however, so it may take a few attempts to get your messages posted.

Hey, I think I'm back in bidness. aioe.cjb.net worked for me!

Thanks for your help, patience and persistence magneto.

David

 

[magneto]

Hey, I think I'm back in bidness. aioe.cjb.net worked for me!

Thanks for your help, patience and persistence magneto.

Hurrah! :cheers1: Glad I could help!