Getting files off Usenet without the hassle
You have a news server account, you know which newsgroups carry what you want, and now you need to turn thousands of split-up posts into usable files. Doing that by hand is slow. Newsbin Pro is a Usenet newsreader built to download and decode binary files from newsgroups as fast as your internet connection allows.
Quick facts
- Vendor: DJI Interprises, LLC
- Platform: Windows (the vendor notes version 6.72 works on XP and Windows 2003 again)
- Trial: a trial key lasts 15 days and includes access to the Usenet Search service
- Optional search service: tiers from $2.50 to $5.00 per month
- You also need: a Usenet news server account and a broadband connection
Key features
AutoPAR repairs damaged downloads for you
When a RAR archive comes with PAR2 files, AutoPAR downloads all the files in the set. It then repairs damaged files, replaces missing ones, and extracts the target files from the archive.
Built-in Usenet Search to find posts quickly
The integrated Usenet Search service searches a long retention window of binary newsgroups and returns a list of matching subjects. It's optional and billed monthly.
Thumbnail view to preview images as they arrive
Images you download appear in a Thumbnails tab. Double-click a file in the Files tab to open it in your own image viewer.
Multiple connections and multiple servers
Newsbin uses several simultaneous connections to your news server or servers. It re-assembles multi-part posts across servers. It also offers regular expression filtering on subjects and filenames, file size filtering, and a spam filter that flags password-protected RAR files and RAR files containing trojan executables.
Who it's for
It suits you if you already use Usenet for binaries and want a dedicated tool that handles downloading, repair and extraction with little manual work. It isn't for you if you want a free, bundled news service. You supply your own news server account.
Pros and cons
- Pro: AutoPAR handles repair and extraction automatically.
- Pro: A 15-day trial key lets you test it first.
- Pro: Strong filtering, including regular expressions.
- Con: It's Windows-only.
- Con: You need a separate news server subscription.
- Con: Usenet Search costs extra after the trial.
FAQs
Do I need a news server account?
Yes. Newsbin downloads from the server you connect it to, so you need a Usenet provider and a broadband connection.
Can I try it before paying?
Yes. You can request a trial key that lasts 15 days and includes the Usenet Search service.
Does it repair incomplete downloads?
Yes. AutoPAR fetches the PAR2 files, repairs damage, and extracts the contents of RAR archives.
Can I preview images while downloading?
Yes. Downloaded images show up in the Thumbnails tab.
System requirements
- Windows PC
- Broadband internet connection
- Access to a Usenet news server
- Enough disk space for your downloads