In article <[email protected]>,
Sambo145 <[email protected]> wrote:
>I am a routine lurker at the wreck and have used aol for several years. Now
>they are doing away with newsgroups and I was wondering if anyone knew of a
>"simple" reader that I could use to continue enjoying the group. Thanks in
>advance.
The answer depends on what O/S you're using.
There are 'dedicated' newsreader programs (that's *all* they do), and there
are 'multifunction' programs that will read news as one of their capabilities.
a partial list:
multifunction programs, available on multiple platforms:
Netscape
Mozilla
"Thunderbird", also from Mozilla,org
Outlook/Outlook Express (*NOT* recommended, tho some people like it)
For UNIX, and look-alikes, like the LINUX derivatives:
trn
slrn
xrn
knode
For MacOS:
Thoth
For MS-Windows:
Free Agent (from Forte Systems)
Forte Agent (a 'pay for' upgraded version of free agent)
MicroPLanet Gravity
For more than you could possibly want to know, do a google search
on "newsreader software"
On 04 Feb 2005 02:03:19 GMT, [email protected] (Sambo145) wrote:
>I am a routine lurker at the wreck and have used aol for several years. Now
>they are doing away with newsgroups and I was wondering if anyone knew of a
>"simple" reader that I could use to continue enjoying the group. Thanks in
>advance.
Free Agent
On Fri, 04 Feb 2005 09:39:20 -0700, John DeBoo <[email protected]> wrote:
> George E. Cawthon wrote:
>
>> Mozilla Firefox for a browser. Mozilla Thunderbird for e=mail and a
>> news reader. Lots more protection than MS software and more stable.
>> Costs nothing! Installs easily. Keep your outlook (you have to use
>> it for other stuff) and MS worked it out so that Firefox couldn't be
>> used for MS updates.
>
> Why use 2 products when 1 will do - Netscape 7.2? One app to install,
> does email and newsgroups from the same screen and is Mozilla
> internally, and is also free.
Well, Netscape doesn't have killfile support, last I knew. Usenet without
killfiles is like a web browser without a popup blocker.
George E. Cawthon wrote:
> Mozilla Firefox for a browser. Mozilla Thunderbird for e=mail and a
> news reader. Lots more protection than MS software and more stable.
> Costs nothing! Installs easily. Keep your outlook (you have to use
> it for other stuff) and MS worked it out so that Firefox couldn't be
> used for MS updates.
Why use 2 products when 1 will do - Netscape 7.2? One app to install,
does email and newsgroups from the same screen and is Mozilla
internally, and is also free.
Owen Lawrence wrote:
> "Sambo145" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
>>I am a routine lurker at the wreck and have used aol for several years.
>
> Now
>
>>they are doing away with newsgroups and I was wondering if anyone knew of
>
> a
>
>>"simple" reader that I could use to continue enjoying the group. Thanks
>
> in
>
>>advance.
>
>
> I use Outlook Express. It's a piece of crap.
>
> It was already on my machine and I've been too lazy/busy to install anything
> better. I'm watching for a concensus here...
>
> - Owen -
>
>
Mozilla Firefox for a browser. Mozilla Thunderbird for
e=mail and a news reader. Lots more protection than MS
software and more stable. Costs nothing! Installs easily.
Keep your outlook (you have to use it for other stuff) and
MS worked it out so that Firefox couldn't be used for MS
updates.
Sambo145 wrote:
> I am a routine lurker at the wreck and have used aol for several years. Now
> they are doing away with newsgroups and I was wondering if anyone knew of a
> "simple" reader that I could use to continue enjoying the group. Thanks in
> advance.
I guess the questions are 1) Are you dropping AOHell. 2)what
browser are you going to be using if you are.
If you're dropping AOH the new ISP may well have NNTP acess. This
allows you to use any reader and most browsers to access the NGs.
If you aren't, you'll need to get a newsfeed. Many have been
suggested as have a large number of readers.
Dave in Fairfax
--
Dave Leader
reply-to doesn't work
use:
daveldr at att dot net
American Association of Woodturners
http://www.woodturner.org
Capital Area Woodturners
http://www.capwoodturners.org/
PATINA
http://www.Patinatools.org/
Mike Marlow wrote:
> Argh! The evidence is becoming overwhelming. I may not be able to escape
> reloading it. All of my machines run 2000 and as easy as it would be to do,
> can you believe I've not gone to the other machines to see if they act the
> same way? Lazy is hard at work here.
Before reinstalling the OS try running one of the spyware removal tools such as
Lavasoft's "AdAware" ( http://www.lavasoft.com/ ) or Spybot's "Search & Destroy"
( http://www.spybot.info/en/index.html ). I've recommended the software to many
of my customers having problems similar to yours and they solved the problem I
run both of them weekly on my home machines.
--
Jack Novak
Buffalo, NY - USA
(Remove "SPAM" from email address to reply)
On Sat, 05 Feb 2005 10:05:22 -0500, Bob G.
<[email protected]> wrote:
If you like Firefox, you should like Opera... it's fast
never crash and very stable. Best of all it's free.
I have been using Opera since Netcraps ver Ver.4.XX
>I find Firefox to be much faster the I.E..... BY FAR... and have not
>have any memory problems...
>
>I checked and the current version is only 1.0.... you still using a
>Beta version..?
"Sambo145" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
>
> "simple" reader that I could use to continue enjoying the group. Thanks
in
Hi! My name is Patrick and I use Outlook Express! <gasp!>
All I do is read and post. I like the fact that it does this very well. I
like the message retrieval and the ability to displace pictures. I don't
need and don't use any other features...
On Sun, 06 Feb 2005 15:02:08 -0500, Nova <[email protected]>
wrote:
>Mike Marlow wrote:
>
>> Argh! The evidence is becoming overwhelming. I may not be able to escape
>> reloading it. All of my machines run 2000 and as easy as it would be to do,
>> can you believe I've not gone to the other machines to see if they act the
>> same way? Lazy is hard at work here.
>
>Before reinstalling the OS try running one of the spyware removal tools such as
>Lavasoft's "AdAware" ( http://www.lavasoft.com/ ) or Spybot's "Search & Destroy"
>( http://www.spybot.info/en/index.html ). I've recommended the software to many
>of my customers having problems similar to yours and they solved the problem I
>run both of them weekly on my home machines.
I'll second that, except I'd suggest running both AdAware and Spybot.
They don't catch the same things.
Last week I installed AdAware on my father's computer. He's been
running Spybot regularly, but his computer was slower than it should
have been. AdAware found 134 files of bad stuff on his system.
Made a big difference in performance.
--RC
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit;
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad
-- Suzie B
On 04 Feb 2005 02:03:19 GMT, [email protected] (Sambo145) wrote:
>I am a routine lurker at the wreck and have used aol for several years. Now
>they are doing away with newsgroups and I was wondering if anyone knew of a
>"simple" reader that I could use to continue enjoying the group. Thanks in
>advance.
>
>Sam
----------------
Sure. Use your browser with Google Groups:
http://groups-beta.google.com/group/rec.woodworking/threads?gvc=2
On Fri, 04 Feb 2005 08:07:10 -0500, Will <[email protected]>
wrote:
>On their home page you will find the link for Thunderbird - it makes a
>great newsreader.
>http://www.mozilla.org/
Looks like it might be -- if I could ever get the darned thing to
work.
I spent about an hour playing with it last night and I couldn't even
get the 'junk' button ungrayed, never mind setting up the filters.
The documentation on its newsreader functions is sparse and unhelpful
as well.
--RC (who currently uses mozilla for mail and Free Agent as a
newsreader)
"Sometimes history doesn't repeat itself. It just yells
'can't you remember anything I've told you?' and lets
fly with a club.
-- John W. Cambell Jr.
On Sat, 5 Feb 2005 21:55:01 -0500, "Mike Marlow"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>
>"Steve Knight" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>>
>>
>> bad for you maybe but not for me.
>
>Go ahead... rub it in.
>
>> I have not had this problem unless my system
>> is slowing down and needs a reboot. this happens more often using outlook
>and
>> IE. but a reboot every few days keeps xp running ok.
>> so it sounds like there is a problem with your computer.
>> when both are running fast 1.0 blows away IE every time.
>>
>
>The first thing I thought of was that it had to be something with my laptop,
>but it's the only program that behaves that way. I've thought about
>removing it and re-installing it to see if that made any difference, but
>just haven't gotten around to it. Maybe...
Mike.... I think you "May" have a computer problem.. I run Firefox
on 5 different computers...in the house, garage and woodshop ..using
XP home, 2000 NT and "Me" ... as operating systems.
Firefox is faster then IE on every single one of them.... all but one
computer connects via a wireless network and the shop is 200 foot from
the AP...and I do not get a Great signal...still response is almost in
the blink of an eye...
Bob Griffiths.
>Nope - I have 1.0. What's that they say about rev 0 products? I find it to
>be just an absolute hog. It stays open in my taskbar most of the time but
>when I click on it, or click on a link in a post or likewise, it takes over
>10 seconds for the screen to come forward and then if I try to click on
>anything in the browser (menu item, address bar, etc.), I have to wait
>another 5-10 seconds for the action to occur. This is just bad software. I
>hate to give Microsoft any credit, but IE displays none of these problems.
bad for you maybe but not for me. I have not had this problem unless my system
is slowing down and needs a reboot. this happens more often using outlook and
IE. but a reboot every few days keeps xp running ok.
so it sounds like there is a problem with your computer.
when both are running fast 1.0 blows away IE every time.
--
Knight-Toolworks & Custom Planes
Custom made wooden planes at reasonable prices
See http://www.knight-toolworks.com For prices and ordering instructions.
If you want a simple newsreader with limited usefulness but simple to just
read text Outlook express is it. A lot of people on the newsgroups just hate
it (limited capabilities)but the others newsreaders can sometimes feel to
complex for people who are used to the handholding that AOL gives.I use
Xnews,and free agent and outlook express( different news reader for
different groups type)The best advice it to try some and see which one feels
best to you.
len
"Bob G." <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
>
> ===================
> I find Firefox to be much faster the I.E..... BY FAR... and have not
> have any memory problems...
>
> I checked and the current version is only 1.0.... you still using a
> Beta version..?
>
Nope - I have 1.0. What's that they say about rev 0 products? I find it to
be just an absolute hog. It stays open in my taskbar most of the time but
when I click on it, or click on a link in a post or likewise, it takes over
10 seconds for the screen to come forward and then if I try to click on
anything in the browser (menu item, address bar, etc.), I have to wait
another 5-10 seconds for the action to occur. This is just bad software. I
hate to give Microsoft any credit, but IE displays none of these problems.
--
-Mike-
[email protected]
"Nova" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Mike Marlow wrote:
>
> > Argh! The evidence is becoming overwhelming. I may not be able to
escape
> > reloading it. All of my machines run 2000 and as easy as it would be to
do,
> > can you believe I've not gone to the other machines to see if they act
the
> > same way? Lazy is hard at work here.
>
> Before reinstalling the OS try running one of the spyware removal tools
such as
> Lavasoft's "AdAware" ( http://www.lavasoft.com/ ) or Spybot's "Search &
Destroy"
> ( http://www.spybot.info/en/index.html ). I've recommended the software
to many
> of my customers having problems similar to yours and they solved the
problem I
> run both of them weekly on my home machines.
>
No - I meant I'm going to uninstall and reload Firefox. Spyware and Adware
are checked at least weekly on all my machines. I use both Search and
Destroy and AdAware. Great stuff. Just completed a defrag only a couple of
weeks ago as well, so I don't think the problem lies with my PC per se, but
rather with the load of Firefox on it.
--
-Mike-
[email protected]
John DeBoo wrote:
> George E. Cawthon wrote:
>
>> Mozilla Firefox for a browser. Mozilla Thunderbird for e=mail and a
>> news reader. Lots more protection than MS software and more stable.
>> Costs nothing! Installs easily. Keep your outlook (you have to use
>> it for other stuff) and MS worked it out so that Firefox couldn't be
>> used for MS updates.
>
>
> Why use 2 products when 1 will do - Netscape 7.2? One app to install,
> does email and newsgroups from the same screen and is Mozilla
> internally, and is also free.
Netscape 7.2 has some security flaws. It is essentially an AOL product
now. FireFox is a "new and improved" version. as is Thunderbird.
Mozilla 1.7x and 1.8x is "less insecure" They are the "better" Netscape
clones - Much better generally. More secure, faster.
--
Will
Occasional Techno-geek
Sambo145 wrote:
> I am a routine lurker at the wreck and have used aol for several years. Now
> they are doing away with newsgroups and I was wondering if anyone knew of a
> "simple" reader that I could use to continue enjoying the group. Thanks in
> advance.
>
> Sam
Mozilla is a good choice because it gives you mail,news,web,chat and is
free and stable.
Mike:
Taste isn't disputable. :-)
Firefox is faster than IVE in my experience. (IVE = Internet Virus
Explorer) I have only seen reviews that confirm that opinion. Might be
nice if you could point to a site that doesn't download as fast on FF -
I'll send it to the developers attention.
There are many badly designed sites that only work with IVE though. I
limit my visits to them. IVE and the bad sites are too risky -- "thank
you very much but no thanks" -- due to all the "Phishers" and pimply
faced teen-bopper hackers who exploit the weakness of IIS and IVE.
BTW No evidence of a memory leak here. Again it would be nice to have
evidence to report. If you can spot anything concrete the developers
should hear about it.
Mike Marlow wrote:
> <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
>>On Fri, 04 Feb 2005 08:07:10 -0500, Will <[email protected]>
>>wrote:
>>
>>
>>>On their home page you will find the link for Thunderbird - it makes a
>>>great newsreader.
>>>http://www.mozilla.org/
>>
>>Looks like it might be -- if I could ever get the darned thing to
>>work.
>>
>>I spent about an hour playing with it last night and I couldn't even
>>get the 'junk' button ungrayed, never mind setting up the filters.
>>
>>The documentation on its newsreader functions is sparse and unhelpful
>>as well.
>>
>
>
> I played with Thunderbird for a while too and decided it was not worth the
> effort. It does have some nice features that OE does not have, but for me
> they just didn't outweigh some of the other peculiarities of it. I'm past
> the point where diddling with software packages like this is fun, so I lost
> interest after a short time. I'm still using Firefox, but probably only for
> a short time. It's much slower than IE, and although I can't really prove
> it, it seems to have a memory leak of some major proportions. I've checked
> for patches or updates, but there are none on the Mozilla site. I'll
> probably just go back to IE and its shortcomings.
--
Will
Occasional Techno-geek
<[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Fri, 04 Feb 2005 08:07:10 -0500, Will <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
> >On their home page you will find the link for Thunderbird - it makes a
> >great newsreader.
> >http://www.mozilla.org/
>
> Looks like it might be -- if I could ever get the darned thing to
> work.
>
> I spent about an hour playing with it last night and I couldn't even
> get the 'junk' button ungrayed, never mind setting up the filters.
>
> The documentation on its newsreader functions is sparse and unhelpful
> as well.
>
I played with Thunderbird for a while too and decided it was not worth the
effort. It does have some nice features that OE does not have, but for me
they just didn't outweigh some of the other peculiarities of it. I'm past
the point where diddling with software packages like this is fun, so I lost
interest after a short time. I'm still using Firefox, but probably only for
a short time. It's much slower than IE, and although I can't really prove
it, it seems to have a memory leak of some major proportions. I've checked
for patches or updates, but there are none on the Mozilla site. I'll
probably just go back to IE and its shortcomings.
--
-Mike-
[email protected]
[email protected] (Sambo145) wrote in
news:[email protected]:
> I am a routine lurker at the wreck and have used aol for several
> years. Now they are doing away with newsgroups and I was wondering if
> anyone knew of a "simple" reader that I could use to continue enjoying
> the group. Thanks in advance.
If you just want to lurk, Google is simple. If you want to post, then
don't try to use Google. For some historical reasons, many of us filter
Google-sourced posts. You'll only be seen by a portion of the wReck
populace.
I use xNews as a reader. It's not perfect, but the threading is
reasonable, the filtering is as good as I need, binaries are handled pretty
well and the price is, well, free.
Check the recent past (archives) for free or reasonable newsfeed(s) to suit
your requirements.
Patriarch
[email protected] (Sambo145) wrote in
news:[email protected]:
> I am a routine lurker at the wreck and have used aol for several
> years. Now they are doing away with newsgroups and I was wondering if
> anyone knew of a "simple" reader that I could use to continue enjoying
> the group. Thanks in advance.
>
> Sam
Xnews. Easy to use. Good filtering.
[email protected] (Robert Bonomi) wrote in
news:[email protected]:
> For more than you could possibly want to know, do a google search
> on "newsreader software"
Actually, for more than you could want to know, but organized in a
more useful manner, look at www.newsreaders.com
Reviews of various readers, sorted by platform, with links to their
download sites when available.
John
"Owen Lawrence" <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
> I use Outlook Express. It's a piece of crap.
>
> It was already on my machine and I've been too lazy/busy to install
> anything better. I'm watching for a concensus here...
Doubt you'll get a consensus. XNews is very good, and free (I use
it). Other popular free readers are Free Agent, Gravity, and Dialog.
Being free, you could try them all.
John
On their home page you will find the link for Thunderbird - it makes a
great newsreader.
http://www.mozilla.org/
You can also get spoofstick for your Mozilla or MS Internet Virus Explorer
http://www.realtimecredentials.com/spoofstick/
It shows your current URL. Makes it harder to get "Phished".
Sambo145 wrote:
> I am a routine lurker at the wreck and have used aol for several years. Now
> they are doing away with newsgroups and I was wondering if anyone knew of a
> "simple" reader that I could use to continue enjoying the group. Thanks in
> advance.
>
> Sam
--
Will
Occasional Techno-geek
Sambo145 wrote:
> I am a routine lurker at the wreck and have used aol for several years. Now
> they are doing away with newsgroups and I was wondering if anyone knew of a
> "simple" reader that I could use to continue enjoying the group. Thanks in
> advance.
>
> Sam
Mozilla Thunderbird or Forte Agent are good. I like Thunderbird.
You can also access rec.woodworking through the web at groups.google.com
Steve
"Steve Knight" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
>
> bad for you maybe but not for me.
Go ahead... rub it in.
> I have not had this problem unless my system
> is slowing down and needs a reboot. this happens more often using outlook
and
> IE. but a reboot every few days keeps xp running ok.
> so it sounds like there is a problem with your computer.
> when both are running fast 1.0 blows away IE every time.
>
The first thing I thought of was that it had to be something with my laptop,
but it's the only program that behaves that way. I've thought about
removing it and re-installing it to see if that made any difference, but
just haven't gotten around to it. Maybe...
--
-Mike-
[email protected]
On 04 Feb 2005 02:03:19 GMT, [email protected] (Sambo145) wrote:
>I am a routine lurker at the wreck and have used aol for several years. Now
>they are doing away with newsgroups and I was wondering if anyone knew of a
>"simple" reader that I could use to continue enjoying the group. Thanks in
>advance.
agent is really good. they have a free version. also mozilla thunderbird will do
though I have never tried it with newsgroups.
http://tinyurl.com/4l0p
http://www.mozilla.org/
--
Knight-Toolworks & Custom Planes
Custom made wooden planes at reasonable prices
See http://www.knight-toolworks.com For prices and ordering instructions.
>>
>
>I played with Thunderbird for a while too and decided it was not worth the
>effort. It does have some nice features that OE does not have, but for me
>they just didn't outweigh some of the other peculiarities of it. I'm past
>the point where diddling with software packages like this is fun, so I lost
>interest after a short time. I'm still using Firefox, but probably only for
>a short time. It's much slower than IE, and although I can't really prove
>it, it seems to have a memory leak of some major proportions. I've checked
>for patches or updates, but there are none on the Mozilla site. I'll
>probably just go back to IE and its shortcomings.
===================
I find Firefox to be much faster the I.E..... BY FAR... and have not
have any memory problems...
I checked and the current version is only 1.0.... you still using a
Beta version..?
Bob Griffiths
On Fri, 04 Feb 2005 17:09:01 GMT, [email protected] wrote:
>When you download the program you get a fully functional version of
>Agent, but after 30 days it reverts to Free Agent.
Not if you get a code which is very easy to find on the internet.
Ya just need to know where to find one. :-)
"Sambo145" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I am a routine lurker at the wreck and have used aol for several years.
Now
> they are doing away with newsgroups and I was wondering if anyone knew of
a
> "simple" reader that I could use to continue enjoying the group. Thanks
in
> advance.
I use Outlook Express. It's a piece of crap.
It was already on my machine and I've been too lazy/busy to install anything
better. I'm watching for a concensus here...
- Owen -
On Fri, 04 Feb 2005 07:28:52 GMT, Nate Perkins
<[email protected]> wrote:
>[email protected] (Sambo145) wrote in
>news:[email protected]:
>
>> I am a routine lurker at the wreck and have used aol for several
>> years. Now they are doing away with newsgroups and I was wondering if
>> anyone knew of a "simple" reader that I could use to continue enjoying
>> the group. Thanks in advance.
>>
>> Sam
>
>Xnews. Easy to use. Good filtering.
===================
Sorry really screwed up....I have been told to subscribe to
Tera News..
not Xnews which is a reader not a service... sorry I should have been
awake by now...
Bob Griffiths
On Fri, 04 Feb 2005 09:39:20 -0700, John DeBoo <[email protected]> wrote:
>George E. Cawthon wrote:
>
>> Mozilla Firefox for a browser. Mozilla Thunderbird for e=mail and a
>> news reader. Lots more protection than MS software and more stable.
>> Costs nothing! Installs easily. Keep your outlook (you have to use
>> it for other stuff) and MS worked it out so that Firefox couldn't be
>> used for MS updates.
>
>Why use 2 products when 1 will do - Netscape 7.2? One app to install,
>does email and newsgroups from the same screen and is Mozilla
>internally, and is also free.
I've said that before... in defense of my trusty old Shopsmith..
Of course, in later years I've added several free standing tools, but the SS is
a great drill press.. wish I could say that NS was a great browser :(
I'll admit it.. I'm the one that bought Agent, instead of finding a crack..
mac
Please remove splinters before emailing
On Fri, 04 Feb 2005 15:45:23 GMT, "patrick conroy"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>
>Hi! My name is Patrick and I use Outlook Express! <gasp!>
>
I'm sorry
On Fri, 04 Feb 2005 07:28:52 GMT, Nate Perkins
<[email protected]> wrote:
>[email protected] (Sambo145) wrote in
>news:[email protected]:
>
>> I am a routine lurker at the wreck and have used aol for several
>> years. Now they are doing away with newsgroups and I was wondering if
>> anyone knew of a "simple" reader that I could use to continue enjoying
>> the group. Thanks in advance.
>>
>> Sam
>
>Xnews. Easy to use. Good filtering.
=================================
Not sure if AOL is truely in fact going to cut off newsgroups...seems
to me I read it was a false alert....
But even my wife who does have an AOL account uses Forte Free
Agent as her news reader... since it handles AOL's newsgroups a heck
of a lot better then AOL own software...
That said... I use Firfox for web browsing...its free and much better
then the browser Bill Gates wants us all to use...... Eudora (paid
edition) for e-mail ...just to good for someone wh gets 100's of
e-mails daily some personal some from mailing lists ...and I have been
using Free Agent (the free version of Agent) to read newsgroups... for
years and honestly I like it...
I may have to subscribe to a news service shortly however as my
wonderful Cable company no longer carries the Chevelle newsgroup
which is a major problem since I am restoring one... Xnews is the
service that I was recomemnded to pay for...understand it is cheap but
complete...
Bob Griffiths..
On 04 Feb 2005 19:18:23 GMT, [email protected] (Charlie Self)
wrote:
>Bob G. notes:
>
>>Not sure if AOL is truely in fact going to cut off newsgroups...seems
>>to me I read it was a false alert....
>
>AOL itself posts that alert EVERY time you go to open Newsgroups. If it is a
>false alert, you'd think someone would inform them.
>
>>But even my wife who does have an AOL account uses Forte Free
>>Agent as her news reader... since it handles AOL's newsgroups a heck
>>of a lot better then AOL own software...
>
>I tried getting that up, and I tried Mozilla. Neither one will work with my
>AOL--latest version.
>
>I was just about to say screw it, and use Google about once a month, but I'll
>keep trying for a bit longer.
>
>Charlie Self
>"I think we agree, the past is over." George W. Bush
====================
Charlie...I just went out and checked my wives computer and the
Ao-Hell she is running is 9.0 optimized.... BUT once she signs on she
minimizes Ao-hell and fires up Foirefox to browse the net...or fire up
Agent to read newsgroups... as much as I have tried to get her to use
a "real e-mail" program she just keeps aol for that...
She did say she had a "little" bit of trouple configuring Agent..could
not be much since She is more at home in front of a sewing maching
then a computer...
Bob Griffiths
In article <[email protected]>,
Charlie Self <[email protected]> wrote:
>Bob Griffiths responds:
>
>>Charlie...I just went out and checked my wives computer and the
>>Ao-Hell she is running is 9.0 optimized.... BUT once she signs on she
>>minimizes Ao-hell and fires up Foirefox to browse the net...or fire up
>>Agent to read newsgroups... as much as I have tried to get her to use
>>a "real e-mail" program she just keeps aol for that...
>>
>>She did say she had a "little" bit of trouple configuring Agent..could
>>not be much since She is more at home in front of a sewing maching
>>then a computer..
>
>Same AOL I'm running. I'd be in fat city, if...I knew where the hell AOL keeps
>its FTP and NNTP stuff so I could lay the numbers into Agent.
AOL does *NOT* use NNTP. They run a proprietary protocol, that *only* their
software knows how to talk to.
And, as you know, they're shutting those machines down.
You *cannot* access AOL 'news' with a conventional newsreader, like "Agent".
For text-only groups, sign-up with individual.net, and then put *their*
news-server info into Agent, or whatever.
>I haven't got a clue as to what is eating Mozzila's favorite son. It perks up,
>goes right along, and then cannot access AOL, even though it has my correct
>screen name and password.
Obviously, It can't access any of AOL's 'proprietary' content -- like the chat
rooms, etc.
And, in and of itself, it *won't* do the dialing like the AOL-ware will.
You need to start the AOL software _first_, then launch Mozilla's favorite
son.
Lastly, AOL _e-mail_ requires a *DIFFERENT*FROM*NORMAL* type of connection to
read mail. Besides the AOL software, there are a limited number of programs
that know how to make that kind of connection. Netscape version 7, and above
*is* one of the programs that _does_ know how. (when you create an 'account',
it has a special type "AOL account".)
Note: the Mozilla 'all-in-one' application, and, thus, presumably, Thunderbird
as well, does *NOT* know how to connect to AOL's mail-reading servers.
>Earthlink was even worse when I tried that. As has happened before, it left me
>with a wild desire to get it the hell OFF my computer, which I did. Now, I have
>to call and keep them from billing me.
>
>I find absolutely nothing wrong with AOL's email program, but, then, I've got
>almost no experience with others. It is simple to use, lets you do pretty much
>what you want, and, so far, has given me few problems. Too, it takes seconds to
>set up, something that can almost never be said of others I've tried to get
>running.
IF you're happy with AOL, I will suggest that you *KEEP* it. and just
'add something else' for 'news' access.
That 'something else' comes in two parts:
1) setting up an account with a news-server operator
2) setting up "appropriate" software on your machine.
for 1), there are several free services, and a bunch of relatively inexpensive
pay ones. A partial list:
Free:
individual.net text-only, good. see <http://news.individual.net>
terranews.com mediocre for the free service, much better if you pay for it.
groups.google.com clunky interface.
Pay:
supernews.com best-of-breed, the largest news-service provider
the standard-of-reference for 'spam-free' newsgroups
giganews.com #2 quite good about keeping spam out of the groups
newsguy.com a bunch smaller, but *excellent* service, and personal attn.
practically as good as supernews on despamming.
easynews.com the #3 provider. NO direct experience. They _were_ having
problems with being "behind the power curve" on resources,
resulting in reliability issues, and having a hard time
playing catch-up. WHEN they get those issues resolved
(and they well may be, _now_), they'll again be a top-tier
provider. (while they were having problems, I couldn't
recommend them)
terranews.com no direct experience. reports say their pay service is
very good.
Meganewsservers.com Stay far, *FAR* away from these folks. They don't have
Aka "Hostopia" a _clue_ as to how to run a news-server business. (Or
a mail-server business -- as they try, under the name of
'megamailservers.com'.)
News-reader software:
You've found Agent/Free Agent. It's quite good; the pay version is better. :)
There's also "Gravity" <http://www.gravity.com>, which a lot of people like.
And, of course,
Netscape
Mozilla, (the all-in-one, or "Thunderbird" the mail/news only product)
MS Outlook / Outlook Express -- *NOT* recommended!!
see <http://www.newsreaders.com> for more than you could possibly want to
know about _real_ newsreader software, the extent of the choices, and where
to get what.
In article <[email protected]>,
Charlie Self <[email protected]> wrote:
>Robert Bonomi writes:
>
>>And, as you know, they're shutting those machines down.
>>
>>You *cannot* access AOL 'news' with a conventional newsreader, like "Agent".
>
>I don't want to access AOL news. AOL does that fine. I wanted to use Agent in
>conjunction with AOL to access Usenet NGs.
AHA! Quote: "What we have here is a failure to communicate". <grin>
I was using 'news' to *mean* exactly what you call "USENET NGs" -- *NOT* in
the sense of "current events stuff". In the computer crowd, 'news' has a
primary meaning that refers to USENET, with the 'current events' referent
being a _distant_ second-place -- *unless* context makes obvious that the
second-place meaning is what is intended. Sorry I wasn't clear.
A little history:
Traditionally, USENET was the network of server machines that exchange
'postings', 'articles', whatever-you-want-to-call-them. This network
was *very* different from the "Internet" although a fair number of USENET
servers _did_ talk to each other via the Internet. But a _lot_ of the
transmission occurred over point-to-point DIAL-UP, via automated scheduling.
In some instances people even moved stuff between locations via magnetic
tapes. The remark about "never underestimate the bandwidth of a station-
wagon full of mag tapes" *does* have a basis in fact. The station wagon
was transporting USENET data between a couple of colleges in the Research
Triangle Park vicinity, in North Carolina.
The information that was exchanged between these servers was known as
"USENET news", "netnews" , or just "news", for short.
This is why the 'categories' are known as "_NEWS_ groups". And, why
individual postings are often referred to as "_NEWS_ articles".
(I'm an _old_ f*rt -- I had USENET 'news' -- and e-mail, via the same
link -- for almost 10 years *before* I had an 'Internet' connection.)
Anyway, Agent _can_ do what you want. *BUT* you have to have made arrangements
with "somebody else" (other than AOL) for USENET access, _first_.
You'll have to specify the 'NNTP server' (aka 'news server') as the name
that that "somebody else" told you to use, and then, when the prompts come
up, enter the username/password that *THEY* assigned you (*not* your AOL
username/password).
the AOL software already authenticated you to AOL, now you go "through" the
connection AOL sets up -- but not *TO* AOL -- for USENET. Thus, only the
"somebody else" that runs the NNTP server needs to validate you. So you have
to give them _their_ username/password information.
i.e., start up AOL 9, and, after it logs in, minimize it, and run Agent.
And, when the username/password prompts come up, answer with the 'magic
words' that the NNTP server operator gave you for that purpose.
The *ONLY* thing you goofed up on, was using the wrong username/password.
The "wrong key" for _this_ lock. <grin>
> For that, Agent requires FTP and
>NNTP numbers, which I cannot locate in AOL. You say it doesn't have such
>numbers, which is fine. I can dump Agent and free up some disc space.
*NO* 'conventional' USENET (aka 'news') software can talk to AOL's USENET
servers. AOL's servers do *NOT* speak "NNTP". The *only* thing that can
talk to AOL's USENET serves is AOL's integrated software. And _that_ will
work *only* as long as AOL keeps those servers running. which is the root
of the entire problem. <wry grin>
>>>I haven't got a clue as to what is eating Mozzila's favorite son. It perks
>>up,
>>>goes right along, and then cannot access AOL, even though it has my correct
>>>screen name and password.
>>
>>Obviously, It can't access any of AOL's 'proprietary' content -- like the
>>chat
>>rooms, etc.
>>
>>And, in and of itself, it *won't* do the dialing like the AOL-ware will.
>>You need to start the AOL software _first_, then launch Mozilla's favorite
>>son.
>>
>
>Did that. Made no difference, except that I could get to the stage where I
>entered my AOL username and password for Mozilla to use. It then was unable to
>access AOL.
Of course. see above. Mozilla's USENET (aka 'news') functionality uses NNTP
to talk to servers. AOL's USENET server does *NOT* speak NNTP. doomed to
failure.
*HOWEVER*, if you got to _that_ point, with the pop-up windows prompting
for the username, and then the password, you were *VIRTUALLY* THERE. You
had _ALMOST_EVERYTHING_ done correctly.
You _were_ actually connected to somebody's NNTP server. (I don't know whose,
but "somebody's" :) You were just using a username/password that was *not*
recognized by that server. You need one issued by the folks that run *that*
server, not the one from AOL.
>>Lastly, AOL _e-mail_ requires a *DIFFERENT*FROM*NORMAL* type of connection to
>>read mail. Besides the AOL software, there are a limited number of programs
>>that know how to make that kind of connection. Netscape version 7, and above
>>*is* one of the programs that _does_ know how. (when you create an
>>'account',
>>it has a special type "AOL account".)
>>
>>Note: the Mozilla 'all-in-one' application, and, thus, presumably,
>>Thunderbird
>>as well, does *NOT* know how to connect to AOL's mail-reading servers.
>>
>
>Again, I do NOT want to read AOL mail or news. I want to access Usenet.
My misunderstanding. Couldn't figure out _why_ you were entering your *AOL*
username/password into Mozilla, except for that reason.
Revised comment: You're entering the *wrong* username/password. You have to
use the one that is given to you BY THE PEOPLE THAT RUN THE nntp SERVER you
are trying to connect to. Since AOL does *NOT* have an NNTP server (the USENET
servers that they are going to be shutting down are -not- NNTP compatible;
they speak their own private bastard language, rather than the standard), your
AOL username/password will _not_ be usable for any attempted NNTP access.
>Following Mozilla's own instructions gets me nowhere.
Again, you have to enter the name (or IP address) of the *NNTP* server
to use. AOL doesn't have one of those. So there's nothing for Mozilla
to talk *to* at AOL. And if you specify "somebody else's" USENET server
(aka 'news' server, aka 'NNTP' server), then, "obviously" the AOL username/
password won't work -- you have to use the username/password that "somebody
else" gave you, for accessing _their_ systems.
>More disc space freed up.
>
>I will probably just use Google Groups. It is not particularly handy, and
>doesn't seem to have filters, but I have neither the time nor inclination to
>develop expertise in attaching various bits and pieces to AOL. I've already
>pissed away a couple of days fiddling with this when I could have been doing
>something profitable from either a fiscal or enjoyment stage.
>
>I have no idea why these programs won't work with AOL 9.0, or whether it's
>something I'm doing. I'd say the latter is most likely. But, as someone who
>writes instruction manuals, I see that as a major fault in the instructions,
>which, IMO, are often written so that someone can feel superior when saying
>something like, "but, you see, everyone who KNOWS computers knows that step, so
>it doesn't need to be written down."
It's the particular _combinations_ of things you're trying that doesn't work.
Desktop (i.e. 'client') software that uses NNTP to communicate with a remote
USENET server is *unable* to communicate with AOL's soon-to-be-eliminated
newsgroup servers.
Trying to use your AOL username/password to authenticate yourself when
talking to "somebody else's" NNTP server doesn't work. "Wrong key for the
lock".
To make software like "Agent" work, there are two things you have to do:
1) Set up an account for access with "somebody" that runs an NNTP _server_.
2) Enter _three_ pieces of information -- *as*provided* by that 'somebody'
in step 1 -- into Agent's configuration. The "server name" (or address),
the 'username', and the 'password'. Trying to use a username/password
from a source =other= than the 'somebody' from step 1 is guaranteed to
fail.
AOL does *not* run NNTP servers, Thus they do not qualify for step 1.
Therefore, you _cannot_ use your *AOL* username/password as part of
step 2. Thus you have to make arrangements with "somebody else".
For figuring out 'how to make things work', "news.individual.net" is a
good choice, because it doesn't cost anything to set up an account there.
Just point your web browser at <http://news.individual.net> and click on
the 'registration' link.
Robert Bonomi writes:
>And, as you know, they're shutting those machines down.
>
>You *cannot* access AOL 'news' with a conventional newsreader, like "Agent".
I don't want to access AOL news. AOL does that fine. I wanted to use Agent in
conjunction with AOL to access Usenet NGs. For that, Agent requires FTP and
NNTP numbers, which I cannot locate in AOL. You say it doesn't have such
numbers, which is fine. I can dump Agent and free up some disc space.
>>I haven't got a clue as to what is eating Mozzila's favorite son. It perks
>up,
>>goes right along, and then cannot access AOL, even though it has my correct
>>screen name and password.
>
>Obviously, It can't access any of AOL's 'proprietary' content -- like the
>chat
>rooms, etc.
>
>And, in and of itself, it *won't* do the dialing like the AOL-ware will.
>You need to start the AOL software _first_, then launch Mozilla's favorite
>son.
>
Did that. Made no difference, except that I could get to the stage where I
entered my AOL username and password for Mozilla to use. It then was unable to
access AOL.
>Lastly, AOL _e-mail_ requires a *DIFFERENT*FROM*NORMAL* type of connection to
>read mail. Besides the AOL software, there are a limited number of programs
>that know how to make that kind of connection. Netscape version 7, and above
>*is* one of the programs that _does_ know how. (when you create an
>'account',
>it has a special type "AOL account".)
>
>Note: the Mozilla 'all-in-one' application, and, thus, presumably,
>Thunderbird
>as well, does *NOT* know how to connect to AOL's mail-reading servers.
>
Again, I do NOT want to read AOL mail or news. I want to access Usenet.
Following Mozilla's own instructions gets me nowhere.
More disc space freed up.
I will probably just use Google Groups. It is not particularly handy, and
doesn't seem to have filters, but I have neither the time nor inclination to
develop expertise in attaching various bits and pieces to AOL. I've already
pissed away a couple of days fiddling with this when I could have been doing
something profitable from either a fiscal or enjoyment stage.
I have no idea why these programs won't work with AOL 9.0, or whether it's
something I'm doing. I'd say the latter is most likely. But, as someone who
writes instruction manuals, I see that as a major fault in the instructions,
which, IMO, are often written so that someone can feel superior when saying
something like, "but, you see, everyone who KNOWS computers knows that step, so
it doesn't need to be written down."
Charlie Self
"I think we agree, the past is over." George W. Bush
"Charlie Self" wrote in message
> I have no idea why these programs won't work with AOL 9.0, or whether it's
> something I'm doing. I'd say the latter is most likely.
They will, and I would say the latter is the case.
AOL will actually give you a tcp/ip connection to the Internet itself, so,
once you successfully log onto AOL, your computer is actually _on_ the
Internet. (See the *tip below for more on that.) you should be able to
minimize AOL, then use ANY program that will converse in Internet protocols.
(nntp, ftp, http(browser)), etc to access a server that speaks that Internet
protocol ... In your case, an "nntp server".
IOW, in your current quest to find a news server you can, fireup AOL as your
"on-ramp" to the Internet, then once connected, minimize it and FORGET
about AOL, its logins and its passwords and go to 1 below.
You goal is to get Usenet access, so first understand a couple of simple
concepts (ALL the below is completely independent of, and has nothing
whatsoever to do with, how you connected to the Internet (AOL in your
case)):
1. You must have access to an (usenet news) "nntp" server - free or pay, and
you must know:
1a. Its Internet "address", either by ip address, or by host/machine
name)
("122.123.123.123" or "news.giganews.com" are examples of both)
1b. and, unless it is an "anonymous" free service, you normally must
have a login and password to connect.
2. You must also have a program that will speak to the nntp server and allow
you to read and post (Agent, OE, etc.), and you must configure that program
to both:
2a. Go to the Internet address of the nntp server and attempt to
connect
2b Provide whatever login and password are required by that nntp
server to connect.
It appears, from what you've written, that you are most likely stumbling on
2 above. That should be fairly easy to suss out once you understand the
above. and have the three pieces of information that you need to access, and
connect to the server.
Hope this just doesn't confuse the issue further.
<*tip>
A tip to tell if you do indeed have an ACTIVE connection to the Internet. In
most current versions of Windows, and after connection with AOL and
minimizing it:
Click on the "Start Menu" and select "Run."
Type "cmd" in the dialog box and click "OK" or press <Enter>.
A command prompt will then appear that looks similar to an MS-DOS prompt.
Type in "ipconfig" (without the ") and press <Enter>.
If an IP address that looks similar to 123.123.123.123 is returned on the
screen, you should have an active connection to the Internet and all
programs that use the various tcp/ip Internet protocols should be working.
</tip>
There will be some exceptions to this, but it AOL programs are working, then
that will further confirm that you are indeed connected.
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 11/06/04
Bob Griffiths responds:
>Charlie...I just went out and checked my wives computer and the
>Ao-Hell she is running is 9.0 optimized.... BUT once she signs on she
>minimizes Ao-hell and fires up Foirefox to browse the net...or fire up
>Agent to read newsgroups... as much as I have tried to get her to use
>a "real e-mail" program she just keeps aol for that...
>
>She did say she had a "little" bit of trouple configuring Agent..could
>not be much since She is more at home in front of a sewing maching
>then a computer..
Same AOL I'm running. I'd be in fat city, if...I knew where the hell AOL keeps
its FTP and NNTP stuff so I could lay the numbers into Agent.
I haven't got a clue as to what is eating Mozzila's favorite son. It perks up,
goes right along, and then cannot access AOL, even though it has my correct
screen name and password.
Earthlink was even worse when I tried that. As has happened before, it left me
with a wild desire to get it the hell OFF my computer, which I did. Now, I have
to call and keep them from billing me.
I find absolutely nothing wrong with AOL's email program, but, then, I've got
almost no experience with others. It is simple to use, lets you do pretty much
what you want, and, so far, has given me few problems. Too, it takes seconds to
set up, something that can almost never be said of others I've tried to get
running.
Charlie Self
"I think we agree, the past is over." George W. Bush
Bob G. notes:
>Not sure if AOL is truely in fact going to cut off newsgroups...seems
>to me I read it was a false alert....
AOL itself posts that alert EVERY time you go to open Newsgroups. If it is a
false alert, you'd think someone would inform them.
>But even my wife who does have an AOL account uses Forte Free
>Agent as her news reader... since it handles AOL's newsgroups a heck
>of a lot better then AOL own software...
I tried getting that up, and I tried Mozilla. Neither one will work with my
AOL--latest version.
I was just about to say screw it, and use Google about once a month, but I'll
keep trying for a bit longer.
Charlie Self
"I think we agree, the past is over." George W. Bush
Get Agent. There's a pay version and a free version.
Both are available at www.forteinc.com
On 04 Feb 2005 02:03:19 GMT, [email protected] (Sambo145) wrote:
>I am a routine lurker at the wreck and have used aol for several years. Now
>they are doing away with newsgroups and I was wondering if anyone knew of a
>"simple" reader that I could use to continue enjoying the group. Thanks in
>advance.
>
>Sam
On Fri, 04 Feb 2005 08:22:04 -0700, Wes Stewart <n7ws_@*yahoo.com>
wrote:
>On 04 Feb 2005 02:03:19 GMT, [email protected] (Sambo145) wrote:
>
>>I am a routine lurker at the wreck and have used aol for several years. Now
>>they are doing away with newsgroups and I was wondering if anyone knew of a
>>"simple" reader that I could use to continue enjoying the group. Thanks in
>>advance.
>
>Free Agent
Agent is the standard newsreader, but Free Agent has some significant
drawbacks. Notably it doesn't have filters (or spell check, but that's
less of an issue.)
When you download the program you get a fully functional version of
Agent, but after 30 days it reverts to Free Agent.
OTOH if you like the way Agent/Free Agent does things, it's worth
springing for the $30 or so for the full version.
--RC
"Sometimes history doesn't repeat itself. It just yells
'can't you remember anything I've told you?' and lets
fly with a club.
-- John W. Cambell Jr.
"Bob G." <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> Mike.... I think you "May" have a computer problem.. I run Firefox
> on 5 different computers...in the house, garage and woodshop ..using
> XP home, 2000 NT and "Me" ... as operating systems.
Argh! The evidence is becoming overwhelming. I may not be able to escape
reloading it. All of my machines run 2000 and as easy as it would be to do,
can you believe I've not gone to the other machines to see if they act the
same way? Lazy is hard at work here.
>
> Firefox is faster then IE on every single one of them.... all but one
> computer connects via a wireless network and the shop is 200 foot from
> the AP...and I do not get a Great signal...still response is almost in
> the blink of an eye...
>
Same here. One machine connects via cat5E and the rest are wireless.
Everything works fine until someone picks up that damned 2.4GHz phone...
--
-Mike-
[email protected]