Usenet Providers, NZB News and Download Manuals

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Usenet is a global network of servers on which all kinds of data are exchanged. In some ways it can be seen as the predecessor of modern day internet forums. It all started in 1980, when Usenet was introduced, giving users the possibility to exchange text messages and scientific articles. These text messages and scientific publications could be uploaded in several categories, called newsgroups, with each newsgroup covering a certain topic. Nowadays Usenet has more than 100.000 newsgroups, and is no longer exclusively used to exchange scientific literature or written text messages. These days you can find all kind of files on Usenet, including videos, audio, and text files. 

Using Usenet in the modern day era

The past decades Usenet has been an immensely popular method for downloading. The amount of content on the Usenet network is immense; you can find practically anything you’re looking for. Whatever serie, movie, eBook, song or publication you’re looking for, rest assured that you can most likely find it on Usenet. In recent years, usage of Usenet has somewhat declined, as people starting resorting to other ways of gaining access to specific types of files. With the emergence of Torrent sites and streaming services like Netflix and YouTube, Usenet lost some of its user base. Today people really look for quick and easy ways to access certain content, and both torrents and modern day streaming services facilitate this need. And of course a lot of information can be found on the regular internet. Still, Usenet has a solid user database, and is currently regaining its popularity. This has several reasons:

• The amount of content on Usenet is huge; you will find almost everything you’re looking for on Usenet.
• A subscription to a Usenet provider is very affordable.
• Usenet allows for secure and anonymous downloading through an SSL connection.
• Downloading with Usenet is lightning fast.

If you are interested in getting started with Usenet, make sure to take a look at our Usenet beginner guide. There we will explain all the basics and how to commence. A brief summary and explanation can be found below.

Three core components to Usenet

Basically there are three core components you will need to successfully utilize Usenet. These components are:

• NZB files: An NZB file is a very small file which pinpoints the exact location of larger files on Usenet. If you are looking for a certain book, video or audio file on Usenet, you will first need to download an NZB file which will tell your newsreader where to retrieve said book, video or audio file on Usenet. Remember that Usenet is immense, and NZB files are a necessity to offer guidance in locating your desired file. With an NZB site you will be able to easily find the right NZB file corresponding to your desired download.
• Newsreader: Once you have the NZB file, you can give this NZB file to your newsreader. A newsreader is a program which will help you download the ‘real’ file you’ve been looking for. The NZB file tells the newsreader where to look on Usenet and how to locate your file. Subsequently the newsreader will initiate the downloading process for you.
• Access to a news server: Your newsreader will download the files you want from one of the many servers on the Usenet network. To gain access to these news servers, you will need an active subscription with a Usenet provider. These subscriptions generally cost a couple of dollars per month, varying on your wishes. There are many Usenet providers to choose from, and to guide you in your decision we have reviewed and tested quite a few of them. To find yourself a decent Usenet provider, you could have a look at our favorite Usenet providers. Alternatively, take a glance at our extensive review section and see which provider meets your wishes.