Newbie question: need advice on downloading files that don't hold you to ransom

[OM2]

I'm a complete newbie to usenet (I assume this is newsgroups?)
I signed up and paid for 200GB downloads - non recurring

I tried downloading something from 3 different posts
Same problem each time: the poster wants to hold you to ransom after you have unrar'd the files
They want you to go to some dodgy ad websites and fill in endless dodgy questionairres - many of which ask for you to hand over your mobile phone
(I assume you then get sent premium text messages)

How can I avoid such files?
I was told told Usenet was a million times better than file sharing websites
BUT, no good if I can't download without being held to ransom!

Thanks


OM

[user_]

You should download files from one of the recommended nzb sites. This site has decent selection of nzbs indexed. I like nzbs.org.

If you are doing a "raw" search through an index site, like nzbindex or something similar where you are creating your own nzb file, then look for post that start with a site name (e.g. "[UFA]") or an irc group name (e.g. "a.b.hdtv.x264").

[mjmacky]

binsearch and mysterbin tend to tell you whether or not the archives are passworded.

[OM2]

so search for nzb's ONLY?
will i be safe doing this?

this forum doenst seem to be good for software
what other forums should i also be using?
thanks

[Hole69]

Whatever you search for make sure it adds up. 1080p will be a few GB's, standard 1 cd is 700MB unless its x264, then it can be smaller. Those files you got are fakes and should be avoided. Simple.

[OM2]

ok. thanks for the advice. i think i'm slowly getting to grips with it all now