What is a good Usenet software to use? I tried GrabIt but then apparently reached the search limit within about 5 seconds (two searches?).

That's 80x25 CHARACTORS not pixels for those of you who don't know.

"I remember when I programmed machine language on an 80x25 monitor" snicker

It's getting hammered I guess, I can only pull 700kB/sec off, but I'm being nice and only using 5 connections thanks op!

Something about having to pay to steal... oops I mean share, just makes me feel dirty. Like some thick necked guy named Guido is going to stop by once a month to collect "protection money" so I can use "their internet". I'll pass.

germanpope said:duyang said:... If you are not interested in anything, you do not even need internet (or fatwallet ?)

my question was actually serious

I am not interested in a discussion about whether downloads of copyrighted material is good or bad

I was just wondering if there is other useful legit stuff --- (ie. are there contractors discussing building a porch; or dog breeders talking about vaccines; ect)

I always search the web for forum discussion when I need answers like changing my fuel filter on my car --- is there anything like that that I am missing without usenet?

I've used Usenet since the beginning (until my IP stopped offering it for free). It's very useful for a myriad of things. Say I have a leaky faucet, I can consult at alt.home.repair. Want to try to rebuild a carburator? Do a brake job? What's the best cuban cigar? All these are found on Usenet. I'm a scout leader so I can go to alt.scouting.usa and consult with other leaders about badge requirements etc. It was better years ago before it got filled up with porn etc. and now there are more and more discussion groups and bulletin boards to use on the web, but in it's heyday it had no rival.

Nevermind, getting my full 700kB now

nice. thanks, op

i remember when i was young and dumb and stupid (about yesterday) when i would demo or test some game files. Took a long time to figure out that i wasn't going to get all of the crap off of the hd. spyware, trojans, who knwos what else.

is there a uses guide, so you've decided to pirate software?

all i ever found was a pirate patch

master10 said:Sk8terboy said:ummm . . . WHAT IS THIS?!?if you don't know what this is, then you don't need to know yes i beliv tht was einsteins motto

aleck said:germanpope said:duyang said:... If you are not interested in anything, you do not even need internet (or fatwallet ?)

my question was actually serious

I am not interested in a discussion about whether downloads of copyrighted material is good or bad

I was just wondering if there is other useful legit stuff --- (ie. are there contractors discussing building a porch; or dog breeders talking about vaccines; ect)

I always search the web for forum discussion when I need answers like changing my fuel filter on my car --- is there anything like that that I am missing without usenet?

It used to be like that, but not any more, replaced by blogs and forums like FW. Usenet groups used to be carried by all online service providers, but now discontinued by most of them. It is pretty much now a distribution channel for binary content (software, movies, shows, etc.)

which is a real shame because a newsreader is such a superior tool for reading messages compared to using a web browser for web-based forums. with a newsreader you don't have to scroll through the same threads and messages you've already read to see the new posts. one of the newsgroups (USENET is also called newsgroups) best features is that most groups are unmoderated so you can discuss things that will never be allowed on web forums or censored by moderators - especially company sponsored forums.

there are still newsgroups that are very active and there are free news servers that offer free access to the text groups.