Newsleecher, a newsreader known for its versatility, offered both as a standalone service and as part of the Newsleecher Usenet access package. Catering to a wide range of users, from beginners to advanced, Newsleecher boasts a high completion rate of up to 99% for downloads, drawing on various Usenet service providers to access a vast array of articles on Usenet. It holds the distinction of being one of the first newsreaders to embrace the NZB format, enhancing its ease of use for downloading.
Standout Features of Newsleecher:
- Advanced Article Spam Filters: Filters out spam based on subject, cross-post, and posters.
- Download Scheduling and Speed Control: Offers flexibility in managing downloads.
- Superleech and Supersearch: Facilitates quick article and binary group searches on Usenet.
- Adware and Spyware Free: Ensures protection of personal information online.
- NZB Format Support: One of the first newsreaders to fully support NZB files.
- Binary and Text Article Downloading: Offers versatile downloading options.
- AutoRAR and PAR2 Support: Automatically repairs and extracts RAR files and damaged files.
- Long Retention Periods: Provides up to 2850 days for binary retention and 4150 days for text.
- SSL Connection Support: Ensures secure and private downloading.
- Customizable Interface: Offers different skins for user preference.
- Multiple Server Support: Includes servers in the US and EU for varied connections.
Plans and Pricing: Newsleecher offers various plans, including the ‘Client Plus’ and ‘Ready-to-go’ options, priced at $3.99/mo and $11.99/mo respectively. For those seeking only Usenet services, Newsleecher provides a plan at $9.49. Payments can be made via credit/debit cards and PayPal.
Free Trial Availability: A 14-day free trial period is available, giving users full functionality of the newsreader, allowing them to test the service without any initial cost.
Installation and Configuration: Installing Newsleecher is straightforward. After downloading from the Newsleecher website, users simply follow the setup instructions, agree to the license terms, and choose an installation location. Adding a server is easy, with detailed steps provided within the software.
Scheduling and Automation: Newsleecher excels in automation, offering spam detection, speed scheduling, and an automatic download pause. Its auto-update feature ensures that the software remains current.
Usability: Newsleecher is user-friendly, with a clear and simple interface that separates functions across different tabs. It efficiently handles searching, downloading, unpacking, and file management, supported by an active community forum and a responsive support ticket system.
Conclusion: As a pioneer in supporting NZB format, Newsleecher has established itself as a reputable and trusted newsreader, particularly for Windows operating system users. Its high retention rates for both binary and text files are a significant plus. However, the multiple versions of the newsreader may not appeal to all, with some users preferring a more stable and familiar interface. Additionally, there are alternative newsreaders available that might offer more cost-effective solutions or one-time purchase options. In summary, Newsleecher stands out for its rich features and high retention rates, though it might not be the perfect fit for every Usenet user’s needs.