There were issues with the App store during the Christmas sale and many people found the application to either be unavailable or still priced at $2.99. The author of the Newsbin Remote program for iOS devices is trying again, for December 30 and 31 with another 99 cent deal.
NBRemote works with registered Newsbin Version 6.11 and above and allows you to remotely control Newsbin while it runs on your PC from any iOS device such as iPhone and iPad.
You can read more about NBRemote on Newsgroup Reviews and on iTunes. Download it from the Apple App store when on your iOS device.
Apple announced that their App Store will not accept price changes between December 22 and December 29. The author of NBRemote did not find out until after he set the special pricing so the NBRemote sale didn't work. In fact, it appears the application isn't even available for download currently. Sorry for the hassle if you tried to buy it over the last couple of days. Everything should be back to normal by December 29th.
The author of NBRemote apologizes and says he will turn the sale on over New Years.
The Newsbin Remote Control program for iOS devices is on sale from December 24 through December 26th. The price has been reduced from $2.99 to $.99 just for this holiday weekend. NBRemote works with registered Newsbin Version 6.11 and above and allows you to remotely control Newsbin while it runs on your PC from any iOS device such as iPhone and iPad.
You can read more about NBRemote on Newsgroup Reviews and on iTunes. Download it from the Apple App store when on your iOS device.
Starting with Version 6.20, Newsbin has the capability to detect and fail files considered to be spam. The option is configured under Options/Spam Filter Settings where you can choose to detect or ignore the following types of files:
The latest release of Newsbin is Version 6.21 The download link are available on our Download Page. This is a free upgrade for all registered users.
Yesterday we hooked up new functionality in the Internet Search Server to provide file counts and status for search results. For any results posted since yesterday morning, you will now see the number of files, pars, and indication of incomplete posts listed in the Status column of the Search tab as long as you are running Newsbin 6.20 or newer. Current release is Version 6.21.
Everyone can use the built in Usenet Search function within Newsbin by clicking the Search tab, set the dropdown to "Internet", and type in a keyword or phrase to search on. Selecting search results for download requires a subscription.
We will be working over the coming weeks to back-fill the file count data so older posts will benefit from this new functionality as well.
One of our industrious Newsbin users has written a Remote Control application for Newsbin that runs on iPhone and iPad. NBRemote 1.0.1 is now available on the iTunes App Store for the low price of $2.99. It requires a registered version of Newsbin 6.11 or above to use. Instructions for setting it up are on the NBRemote Facebook Page. There is also a review of the application here.
If you run a Usenet related review site and want a complementary copy for review, please contact us through our Technical Support Form.
There are several new features in this version along with some bug fixes. Some highlights:
More details and the download link are available on our Download Page. This is a free upgrade for all registered users.
We are receiving support requests almost daily from people who upgrade to 6.11 then discover their NZB files are not getting queued for download automatically when they are loaded anymore. This is because we changed the default behavior in 6.11 and it requires a reset to get it to work again.
To have NZB files go directly into the Download list when loaded, go under Options/NZB Files and make sure "Download Double-Clicked NZB File:" is selected. If it already is selected and the function is not working, uncheck the option, exit the screen, then go back in to Options/NZB Files and check the option again. It should then start working.
Newsbin Version 6.20 is now available for download as a Release Candidate. It has a number of fixes and new features since 6.11 including:
More details and the download link are available on the Beta Download Page.
We are well into the 6.20 Beta process. We have not made announcements on the MOTD since we've been getting plenty of beta testers through the Newsbin Forums and our Twitter Feed. If you want the latest information about what we are up to, Twitter is the way to go.
Don't forget we have a built in Usenet Search capability through our Internet Search Service. With all the turmoil over NZB sites getting blocked or shut down, please consider our search service as an alternative. Rates as low as $2.50 per month.
We've noticed a bunch of viral .RAR files being posted to Usenet and now we know why. There is an exploit in WinRAR that these .RAR files are designed to use. If you are running WinRAR 3.50 or earlier, you should upgrade. More info here.
If you only use Newsbin to unrar then you are safe. Newsbin 5.59 and newer is not vulnerable to this attack. Versions of Newsbin prior to 5.59 may be vulnerable but only if you download these viral files. They are usually obvious in that they are single files and around 30MB in size.
We have released Newsbin Version 6.11. It is a quick-turn release to address issues with the TCP Remote Control Interface and has some minor bug fixes to 6.10. It also has better support for posts with Asian characters.
We are already working on 6.20 which will introduce a full scheduler for limiting speed or pausing downloads and also proxy support for SOCKS4, SOCKS5, and HTTPS proxies.
We have released Newsbin Version 6.10. This version includes RAR processing improvements over 6.00 as well as some cosmetic changes and bug fixes.
This version also has full Newsbin Remote Control support for future applications. Newsbin Remote for iPhone/iPad is currently well into beta testing and we plan to start a version for Android soon. There is also a C# open source project in its infancy available on SourceForge as an example of how to use the interface.
Several people have offered the solution to Avast! blocking Usenet access:
We are very close to releasing Newsbin Version 6.10. Once it is released, we will be spending time on a Newsbin Remote Control application for Android. Newsbin Remote for iPhone/iPad is currently well into beta testing. There is also a C# open source project in its infancy available on SourceForge.
September 16, 2011, 2:30pm
We are getting more and more reports that Avast! Antivirus seems to block Usenet connections by default. If you are having problems with Newsbin, click the Logging tab and look for connection errors. Error codes 10060 or 10061 usually point to a firewall or Internet Security software conflict.
There are two solutions. Either configure the conflicting software to allow Newsbin access to the Internet or, if your news server supports it, try to connect on an alternate port. For example, many servers allow connection on port 80 instead of 119. If you are running SSL, try port 443 instead of 563. Change the port under the Server Settings and restart Newsbin after making changes. Check with your news service provider to see if they allow connections on alternate ports.
If you can't get it working, contact us and be sure to include a copy of the messages in your Logging tab.
Version 6.10 is now available as a Release Candidate. This one addresses issues discovered in 6.00, mainly around AutoPAR processing. It also includes an expanded TCP interface to allow development of remote control applications.
There is currently an iPhone/iPad application being developed that is availble for beta testing if you have an iOS device. If you are interested, this forum post has information about volunteering (must be a registered user in our forums to view).
If you have any issues, please contact us through our Technical Support Form.
We are continuing to improve on the 6.00 release and are now up to 6.01 Beta 5. Much of the work is centered around improving RAR/PAR processing but we've also been working on a special interface to allow future Remote Control applications for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. Technical details are in this Forum Post (only availble to registered Newsbin Forum users).
Also, please click on the Google +1 button at the bottom of our website. This will help us get more exposure and get the word out about Newsbin.
If you have any issues, please contact us through our Technical Support Form.
A number of bugs have been identified since a wider audience has been using Version 6.00. We've addressed many of these bugs, and hooked up a few more features in 6.01 Beta.
Remember when upgrading from 5.59 that your firewall may view 6.00 or 6.01 as a different program so you'll have to tell it to allow Newsbin again. If you have any issues, please contact us through our Technical Support Form.
The Internet Search service is back up and running. We apologize for any inconvenience. If you are experiencing any issues, contact us through our Technical Support Form.
We a have a 6.01 Beta undergoing internal testing. It addresses some issues that were identified after the production release once we had more eyes on it. Plan on doing a public beta release this week.
The Internet Search service will be up and down for the next hour. It shouldn't be down for more than 5 minutes at a time. Newsbin will otherwise be uneffected so if you are having problem downloading and are not using Internet Search, check your Logging tab and contact us through our Technical Support Form.
We have officially released Newsbin Version 6! This is a free upgrade for all previously registered Newsbin users. Please read the Upgrade Notes on the Download Page before installing this version. Your settings from 5.59 will be retained but it is a manual procedure to import downloaded headers from 5.59.
We are also announcing a new tier of Internet (Usenet) Search service, one year for $30.00. This is the "Standard" Internet Search service that has a monthly upper usage limit. We've sized it so that 90% of our users don't hit the limit. If you use this service and hit the limit, contact us and we can discuss moving you to the unlimited tier. You can sign up for Newsbin Internet Search by logging in to the Newsbin Control Panel.
I have posted a new instructional video featuring Version 6 on youtube. I plan to do more in the coming weeks.
We are planning to release Version 6 on July 4. There will be a price increase to purchase a key for Version 6 but it is free for all currently registered users.
Version 6.0 Release Candidate 3 Available...
We are very close to final release of Version 6.0! Release Candidate 3 is now available for everyone to try. I will be posting some instructional videos on youtube soon. You can get more timely information about our progress if you follow us on Twitter.
You can download Version 6 from our beta page. If you find any show-stopper issues, be sure to let us know through our Technical Support form.
New Website Up!
In case you haven't noticed, we gave our website a facelift. Please report any broken links or incorrect information through our Technical Support form.
Version 6 Beta 15 is undergoing internal testing and is starting to receive final polish. Should be public soon. Version 6 Beta 14 is available for download but has a few issues already resolved in B15.
New Internet Search Feature...
We have implemented a new feature of Newsbin Internet Search that allows you to browse usenet for the latest posts instead of searching for specific content. You can browse a specific group, a list of groups, or all binary groups at one shot. More information about how to use this new feature is in this Newsbin Forum Post.
The Internet Search service is an optional service we provide and is not required to use Newsbin to download files from Usenet newsgroups. Everyone gets free searches but only subscribers can queue search results for download. More information on our Newsbin Internet Search page.
Newsbin Internet Search is back...
We are back to normal now. The database has been live since 11:30am but we held off the announcement until we were sure everything was ok. If you are noticing any issues, please contact us through our Technical Support Form
Remember the Internet Search service is an optional service we provide and is not required to use Newsbin to download files from Usenet newsgroups. Everyone gets free searches but only subscribers can queue search results for download. More information on our Newsbin Internet Search page.
Newsbin Internet Search almost ready...
The main database has been repaired and has been fed with headers since it went down yesterday morning. As soon as the indexing completes, I will turn it back on.
Everyone is running on the backup database for now, which is current as of Thursday evening. I'm hoping the main database will be available by noon today.
Thanks to everyone for their patience and understanding.
Newsbin Internet Search is Up...
We had to revert to a backup database from last night so there will be no results newer than yesterday until I can get the main database repaired and start feeding it again. Sorry for any inconvenience this has caused.
Newsbin Internet Search is Down...
Had a little issue this morning installing a new feature. First downtime in a long long time. We are working to resolve it as soon as possible. This only impacts using Internet Search, Newsbin will otherwise be fully functional.
New Twitter Account...
We have wrestled the @Newsbin account away from a Twitter Squatter. This is the first time we exercised the power of the trademark. If you are already following us, the change from @newsbinpro was automatic.
Quade is about ready to start internal testing of Version 6 Beta 9. We are going to shoot for a final release candidate by the end of this month. Public beta release announcements are made on Twitter and in our Version 6 Beta Forum in the special Registered Users section first. MOTD announcements come after we have confidence the beta release is stable.
Free Search Day is Over...
I've turned the free searches off for Internet Search. You will still be able to perform searches but you can no longer queue search results for download unless you have a subscription to the service. The cost is either $2.50 or $5.00 per month depending on the level of service you want. You can sign up through the Newsbin Control Panel
We have a Version 6 Beta 8 in the wings, just about ready for public release. The announcement will be made on our Version 6 Beta Forum in the special Registered Users section first.
Free Search Day!
All day today, search results from Internet Search can be queued for download whether you have a subscription or not. Click on the Search tab within Newsbin and make sure it is set to "Internet" mode to make use of this optional service we provide.
If you were following us on Twitter, you would've known about this 8 hours ago...
Internet Search Cycle Times...
You may have noticed that the Internet Search results have been as much as 4 to 5 hours old starting a few days ago. This was due to a massive spam flood that was occuring on Usenet. Our goal is to cycle the feed into our Internet Search database every hour and we have settled back in to that schedule. We have made changes to our system so we should be less affected by spam floods in the future but wanted to explain the slowdown.
I kept people up to date about the spam flood and Internet Search cycle times on Twitter. I typically tweet something about our progress every day, it is faster and easier than updating the MOTD.
Version 6 Beta 7 Available...
This is actually the first MOTD announcment for Version 6 but we are up to Beta 7 now. The previous betas have gotten enough testing to give us good feedback so we haven't announced it for wider distribution until now.
Version 6 has evolved to be very usable and reliable even though it is still in Beta testing. If you are trying for the first time, your stored header files will get converted. You can always go back to Version 5 if you have issues, your old header files are not removed.
Please read the notes on the Beta Release Page. The download link for Version 6 is on that page.
If you have questions or find issues, either contact Technical Support or post to the Newsbin Forums. You have to be a registered user to access the Beta portion of the forums.
Giganews is Approaching 1000 Days of Retention...
Giganews will be hitting 1000 days of retention in May. To celebrate, they have announced a contest counting down to this event. There are a number of ways to earn tickets to a drawing on May 2 where you can win a Drobo, iPad2, or PS3. More information is available here.
Follow Newsbin developments on Twitter!
UK Virgin Media Bandwidth Throttling...
We've been receiving more complaints lately from Virgin Media customers in the UK about slow download speeds. We did some research and found that VM is pretty aggressive about throttling heavy downloaders now. Your bandwidh can get throttled down by 75% for 5 hours at a time depending on your level of service with them. Virgin Media's Policy Table should help you figure out if you are getting throttled whenever you are experiencing slow download speeds.
In general, if you experience slow download speeds, check your Logging tab within Newsbin for errors first. If there is nothing obvious, we have a Troubleshooting FAQ with other ideas.
Message of the Month...
We've been busy working on Newsbin Version 6 and I have been negligent in keeping the Message of the Day updated. Sorry about that.
We are in our 4th public beta of Version 6 but have not made a broad announcement to limit the number of people using it while in these early stages. Only very experienced users with an open mind and a sense for adventure should try it. I have posted some Youtube videos showing what the new user interface looks like and the beta is available here.
As an option to waiting for MOTD updates, I have started a Twitter Feed. I try to make daily tweets just so people know we are still alive.
Searching Tip...
Not everyone is aware that Newsbin has a sub-search capability when performing either an Internet Search or a Local Search (searching stored headers). This allows you to perform an initial broad search then quickly narrow it down by adding more defining words. You do this in the same field you entered your original search term in.
For example, if you are looking for red corvettes, you might do a search on corvette. Once the results return, just type in "red" in the same field where you had typed corvette and the list will automatically filter down to show subjects that also contain the characters "red" in them.
This field supports regular expressions when in this mode so you can get creative.
Internet Search Updates...
We made changes to address complaints about some post sets being overly compacted so they were being hidden from search results. We have also made changes to the boolean indexing to break out individual keywords better regardless of punctuation. If you enter full keywords and avoid punctuation, you should acheive better results.
Search responses may be slower than normal for the next few hours until the index cache gets filled up again.
Read the Newsbin Internet Search Help page for information on using Internet Search.
If you are unfamiliar with the optional Newsbin Internet Search, you use it by clicking the Search tab within Newsbin and making sure it is set to "Internet". Everyone can perform searches but only subscribers can queue search results for download.
