wondering

[dazzer12]

hI
all

still listed as member been about years but not post ed on forums much, grabbed many nzbs over the years have looke at the forums but fnd all this indexing,trackers, trding and inits a little confusing
hoping your a friendly bunch around here n could give me some advise currently usin astraweb so really need to be fast regards grabbing anything as it is gone for me in hrs.

is there a better way? thx in advance.

[stryk]

hI
all

still listed as member been about years but not post ed on forums much, grabbed many nzbs over the years have looke at the forums but fnd all this indexing,trackers, trding and inits a little confusing
hoping your a friendly bunch around here n could give me some advise currently usin astraweb so really need to be fast regards grabbing anything as it is gone for me in hrs.

is there a better way? thx in advance.

[I can only speak for Usenet, I know nothing of torrents]

Hi, I was using Astra for the longest time, and they used to be #1 -- but these last few months their service has really gone down the shitter. Which sucks cause they were cheap (I signed up way back when they were doing an $11/month unlimited special through some porn forum in the Netherlands) and FAST.

My first suggestion to you would be to ditch Astra. I did very recently, and I'm glad.

Second - Check for posts once or twice per day, that way if anything is put up that might interest you then you have an opportunity to grab it. Kind of common sense but it's something I do that works out.

Personally, I like to check manually for posts, I stopped using auto-indexers/sickbeard/etc. This board is pretty good for that because it's manually updated rather than a newznab auto-generator deal. Which means, chances are if an NZB is posted then at least one person has already downloaded it and has verified the contents (not always the case 100% of the time, but more often than not I've found).

Anyway that's kinda how I do things, hope this helps a little. Any other questions feel free to ask.

[justlooking]

[QUOTE=dazzer12;3761478]hI
(I signed up way back when they were doing an $11/month unlimited special through some porn forum in the Netherlands) and FAST.

My first suggestion to you would be to ditch Astra. I did very recently, and I'm glad.

Second - Check for posts once or twice per day, that way if anything is put up that might interest you then you have an opportunity to grab it. Kind of common sense but it's something I do that works out.

Personally, I like to check manually for posts, I stopped using auto-indexers/sickbeard/etc.

I kind of disagree with you. First of all you could get Astraweb for $7.50/month http://www.news.astraweb.com/specials/2mospecial.html and auto-downloading seems to be the best way to be sure you get things if they're taken down quickly. Also, I've found Astraweb's European server keeps things longer than most of the competition. Unfortunately, newsreaders like Altbinz now seem to have a problem using two servers at once, for some reason. Also, there are some things on torrents that aren't on Usenet, so why not try both. This private tracker isn't elite by any means, but it looks useful in the event something has been taken down on Usenet. https://opentrackers.org/thecafe/

[stryk]

[QUOTE=stryk;3761485]

I kind of disagree with you. First of all you could get Astraweb for $7.50/month http://www.news.astraweb.com/specials/2mospecial.html and auto-downloading seems to be the best way to be sure you get things if they're taken down quickly. Also, I've found Astraweb's European server keeps things longer than most of the competition. Unfortunately, newsreaders like Altbinz now seem to have a problem using two servers at once, for some reason. Also, there are some things on torrents that aren't on Usenet, so why not try both. This private tracker isn't elite by any means, but it looks useful in the event something has been taken down on Usenet. https://opentrackers.org/thecafe/

I wasn't trying to imply that torrents were somehow inferior, or in any way "not as good" -- I just meant to say that I have virtually zero experience with them in a long time, so I couldn't speak with any authority or knowledge about them. Whatever works for people is cool, it doesn't really matter which protocol you use right? As long as you get what you're after.

I used to use Alt.Binz as a client, and I ran into the exact multi-server issues you mentioned. I switched over to the python-based SABNZBd and it took care of all that, and runs like a champ with virtually zero problems. Plus there are some nice browser plug-ins for Chrome and Firefox that integrate in with the client very well. I quite like it.

I did a sickbeard config and tied it in with SAB and it worked quite well for a while (although I don't download all that many TV shows). Then it all went haywire and I went back to just manually searching/checking, and that's what works best for me. If you can get it setup the way you like and get it working to your liking - hey more power to ya, rock on. Manual is just what works for me, personally. Sorry if it sounded like I was saying *not* to use it or anything like that, that's not what I meant at all.

As for Astra - sorry, but they just aren't nearly as good as they used to be. I've tried almost all of the different server companies and I actually found Astra to be on the lower end of the list now (in terms of stuff staying around & complete for any length of time, their bandwidth speeds are still great), which sucks - they used to provide an awesome service for a very reasonable price. I wouldn't recommend them to anyone today.

[dazzer12]

thx a lot guys, manual is pretty much how I do it and I agree checking once or twice a day is best but lately I have so much on by the time I get to check anything I find I want has already gone.
I used to use giganews but cant justify the cost for the amount of stuff I do grab and now find myself searching torrent sites to find what disappeared from usenet, so I was wondering if an invite to ahalf decent site would be useful although I have no idea how to go about it.

how would I go about auto downloading stuff on astraweb via sabnzb all seemed so much eaier when I was younger.

[stryk]

thx a lot guys, manual is pretty much how I do it and I agree checking once or twice a day is best but lately I have so much on by the time I get to check anything I find I want has already gone.
I used to use giganews but cant justify the cost for the amount of stuff I do grab and now find myself searching torrent sites to find what disappeared from usenet, so I was wondering if an invite to ahalf decent site would be useful although I have no idea how to go about it.

how would I go about auto downloading stuff on astraweb via sabnzb all seemed so much eaier when I was younger.

Once you get sabnzbd set up (it's a free, open-source program), download a program called "sickbeard" and configure it to work with your sabnzbd setup and your usenet server. Then just tell it which shows you're interested in auto-grabbing and it pretty much does the rest for you.

SABnzbd: http://sabnzbd.org/
sickbeard: http://sickbeard.com/

There are install & setup tutorials on both their sites that are pretty straight forward and easy to follow.

[shaina]

[QUOTE=justlooking;3761628]

I wasn't trying to imply that torrents were somehow inferior, or in any way "not as good" -- I just meant to say that I have virtually zero experience with them in a long time, so I couldn't speak with any authority or knowledge about them. Whatever works for people is cool, it doesn't really matter which protocol you use right? As long as you get what you're after.

I used to use Alt.Binz as a client, and I ran into the exact multi-server issues you mentioned. I switched over to the python-based SABNZBd and it took care of all that, and runs like a champ with virtually zero problems. Plus there are some nice browser plug-ins for Chrome and Firefox that integrate in with the client very well. I quite like it.

I did a sickbeard config and tied it in with SAB and it worked quite well for a while (although I don't download all that many TV shows). Then it all went haywire and I went back to just manually searching/checking, and that's what works best for me. If you can get it setup the way you like and get it working to your liking - hey more power to ya, rock on. Manual is just what works for me, personally. Sorry if it sounded like I was saying *not* to use it or anything like that, that's not what I meant at all.

As for Astra - sorry, but they just aren't nearly as good as they used to be. I've tried almost all of the different server companies and I actually found Astra to be on the lower end of the list now (in terms of stuff staying around & complete for any length of time, their bandwidth speeds are still great), which sucks - they used to provide an awesome service for a very reasonable price. I wouldn't recommend them to anyone today.

This is interesting .....
I use altbinz and switch servers manually, because I also use giganews there is the odd takedown if I miss downloading for a few days. So I do use another off-shore provider, but I have to switch them manually. Are you telling me that Sabnzb automatically switches the different newsgroup providers to retrieve the files you want??
Also another question?? I don't use sick beard ,or couch potato, to be honest I am still old school I use quick par and WinRAR.
and I do just to make sure when these files are extracted I don't include those links (.exe files) and crap they include in some of the uploads, so if you are using a automatic type download system how does it recognize spam and other crap???
I also see a lot of the latest uploads to be more secret coded in the names, so they are harder to spot for the quick takedowns
How do those programs know what they are downloading automatically??? Is there settings to prevent it??

[Beck38]

There are two ways to 'avoid' disappearances (and they both rely on the poster):

A. play the 'quick to get' game, i.e., sickbeard et. al.; of course, the poster needs to be consistent with the naming convention.

B. posting name obfuscation; virtually unlimited in the ways this can work.

Any decent downloading or newsreader program (sabnzbd is a downloader) can be set up with multiple accounts, and will automatically go from one server to another to pick up any missing parts (again, it's how you set it up to do so).

Of course, 'A' and 'B' can be used together, again however the poster needs to be consistent as to the naming convention they use so that when folks set up 'sickbeard' or whatever, that it gets what you want. Most posters seem to simply name the names as 'in the clear' as possible and figure that it will 'disappear' in the x hours it takes to be 'discovered' and whacked (and that it will take longer to do so, depending upon where the server is located and such), and that the 'intended recipients' will have accounts at those 'slower' servers, or simply have their 'apparatus' running 24/7 so that even if the 'discovery' is quick on it's feet, it won't make any difference.

Bleh. I use 'B' exclusively.

[shaina]

There are two ways to 'avoid' disappearances (and they both rely on the poster):

A. play the 'quick to get' game, i.e., sickbeard et. al.; of course, the poster needs to be consistent with the naming convention.

B. posting name obfuscation; virtually unlimited in the ways this can work.

Any decent downloading or newsreader program (sabnzbd is a downloader) can be set up with multiple accounts, and will automatically go from one server to another to pick up any missing parts (again, it's how you set it up to do so).

Of course, 'A' and 'B' can be used together, again however the poster needs to be consistent as to the naming convention they use so that when folks set up 'sickbeard' or whatever, that it gets what you want. Most posters seem to simply name the names as 'in the clear' as possible and figure that it will 'disappear' in the x hours it takes to be 'discovered' and whacked (and that it will take longer to do so, depending upon where the server is located and such), and that the 'intended recipients' will have accounts at those 'slower' servers, or simply have their 'apparatus' running 24/7 so that even if the 'discovery' is quick on it's feet, it won't make any difference.

Bleh. I use 'B' exclusively.
Yes and I understand and agree with most of what you are saying, but when I started with newsgroups I used xnews, and manually searched for everything (all those bloody headers, told you dinosaur I am) then nzbs came to fashion and at the time you had grabbit or altbinz (and I use the free altbinz not the subscriber one still) that was the big choice , so with altbinz I belong to multiple newsgoup providers, and I haven't figured out a way that it switches providers automaticly ,in other words if I start downloading files and I see nothing coming in (just blank in the folder). Even if I have both providers checked off it does not recognize which provider does have all the files and automaticly download them, I have to uncheck one in the settings re-apply the nzb and then the files start coming in.
I tried sanzb for a couple of days and I didn't notice any difference other than it is internet based, and no speed changes on the downloads ,nor did it automatically change providers to find the files I was downloading

And now on the second note the files names now are so far out there , they are not even close to the name of the movie or tv show (especially hbo shows), to hide the speedy takedowns I would imagine , but I am relying on the paid nzb sites I belong to and this great site to provide me the nzb to download what I am looking for. And to save me the time of downloading old school way with manual headers and xnews.
So if you use couch potato, or any of those similar new programs,(and I assume these find the files you are looking for automatically), what are you naming in the search for it to locate a movie or tv show, when you will have no idea what the files are really called , unless someone is doing the dirty work and downloading headers and finding what was uploaded.
That's what puzzles me???
Thank you for you knowledge and feedback

[Beck38]

I tried sanzb for a couple of days and I didn't notice any difference other than it is internet based, and no speed changes on the downloads ,nor did it automatically change providers to find the files I was downloading

Apparently you didn't look too far into the setup (for sabnzbd), as it has the ability to do just about as many servers as one would want, and to 'toggle' which ones are either 'primary' or 'fills'.




And now on the second note the files names now are so far out there , they are not even close to the name of the movie or tv show (especially hbo shows), to hide the speedy takedowns I would imagine , but I am relying on the paid nzb sites I belong to and this great site to provide me the nzb to download what I am looking for. And to save me the time of downloading old school way with manual headers and xnews.
So if you use couch potato, or any of those similar new programs,(and I assume these find the files you are looking for automatically), what are you naming in the search for it to locate a movie or tv show, when you will have no idea what the files are really called , unless someone is doing the dirty work and downloading headers and finding what was uploaded.
That's what puzzles me???
Thank you for you knowledge and feedback

A lot of 'stuff' is 'private web site' oriented, and in the majority of cases 'joining' (i.e. paying) is the only way to get the 'keys' to 'unlock' the obfuscation and/or passwords. It's been a long time since I spent time figuring out the percentage of usenet binary traffic that is so locked up, but I'm sure it's well over 50%; how much of that is 'paid' participation is, again, a really good question.

A lot (if not most) of these folks who are trying to get usenet to pay for their living style do post the nzb's to many of the semi-public newznab site (with the actual names and such), so they are generally over-run with that fare. If you are trying to use usenet to supplement your broadcast tv viewing, you need to find a site that caters to that (and the same with any other niche type programming, i.e., non-movies).

But there are a lot of non-obfuscated postings out there, and a goodly amount of ones with minor scrambling (of sorts, easy to figure out). I've always been a proponent of posting an nfo 'in the clear', even if the actual nzb/binaries are 'cloaked' in some manner, with that nfo having some sort of 'hint' back to the posting. That way, the major search sites (nzbindex and binsearch) can 'hoover them up' and it only takes a bit of brain power to 'make the link'.

[shaina]

To Beck 38

Yes I also remember the nfo file in the headers, to tell you what the coded files were. But now I rely on posters who make my life easier with a link (nzb), for me to download what I want, without looking all over the place which is great.
Now you mentioned with Sanbnzb you have 1 primary and 1 backup. That is where I am screwing up, I have all of mine set a primary, could that be the problem ??
And as for sickbeard and all of those programs to be honest I am not ready for that yet my internet speed is over 300Mbps I queue all the movies a tv shows and less than a hour it is ready to be extracted (yes I still do all of that manually) and played throughout the house
Thank you very much for your help

[vigor5000]

You shouldn't set them all as primary, try to make your fastest server primary with the rest as backup.

[shaina]

You shouldn't set them all as primary, try to make your fastest server primary with the rest as backup.
Thank you...
I use Giganews always , and flip between Eweka and Xs usenet, If Giganews doesn't find what I am trying to download. SO I am assuming to use Giganew as primary and which ever one I am using for the month set as backup correct??
And all these years I have never thought the settings were there, I hope it works , it will be another step solved.

Thank you for your help


You shouldn't set them all as primary, try to make your fastest server primary with the rest as backup.

What would be strange about that setup is when I try to download older posts with Giganews, and it doesn't find them, but Ewaka did. So if I do set Giganews as primary , does it stil try to download the whole queued download before it switches to backup server ??
If that is the case I am usually near the pc and I could switch it manually quicker than it running through the whole queued download (example Get Smart Box Set aprox 30 gigs).

[vigor5000]

Yes that's how you would set it up. If Giganews doesn't have the articles then it will try Ewaka and Xsusenet(not sure the order it does it because you cant set the priority, it might be the order in the server list) right away.
The only time the other downloads in the queue get started is if like you said Giganews doesn't have any articles and it is set up as your primary it will move on to whatever is next in the queue, if it has the articles or move on in the queue until there is an it can download something.

[shaina]

Yes that's how you would set it up. If Giganews doesn't have the articles then it will try Ewaka and Xsusenet(not sure the order it does it because you cant set the priority, it might be the order in the server list)
right away. The only time the other downloads in the queue get started is if like you said Giganews doesn't have any articles and it is set up as your primary it will move on to whatever is next in the queue, if it has the articles or move on in the queue until there is an it can download something.

Great will give it a test to see if it works. My ISP has no limit on downloads so I can fiddle with it to see which way will download faster.

Thank you again for some great help

[famoussasjohn]

thx a lot guys, manual is pretty much how I do it and I agree checking once or twice a day is best but lately I have so much on by the time I get to check anything I find I want has already gone.
I used to use giganews but cant justify the cost for the amount of stuff I do grab and now find myself searching torrent sites to find what disappeared from usenet, so I was wondering if an invite to ahalf decent site would be useful although I have no idea how to go about it.

how would I go about auto downloading stuff on astraweb via sabnzb all seemed so much eaier when I was younger.

Once you get sabnzbd set up (it's a free, open-source program), download a program called "sickbeard" and configure it to work with your sabnzbd setup and your usenet server. Then just tell it which shows you're interested in auto-grabbing and it pretty much does the rest for you.

SABnzbd: http://sabnzbd.org/
sickbeard: http://sickbeard.com/

There are install & setup tutorials on both their sites that are pretty straight forward and easy to follow.


Never used these before, but how well do they work for shows that are named completely different from their release? A lot of releases now have their names obstructed and possibly show up as "[240538]-[02/22] - "240538.r00" yEnc (1/20)" instead of the actual release which would be for a recent supernatural episode. Does it work in finding releases like this or do they have to actually be titled "Supernatural"?

[shaina]

Yes that's how you would set it up. If Giganews doesn't have the articles then it will try Ewaka and Xsusenet(not sure the order it does it because you cant set the priority, it might be the order in the server list) right away.
The only time the other downloads in the queue get started is if like you said Giganews doesn't have any articles and it is set up as your primary it will move on to whatever is next in the queue, if it has the articles or move on in the queue until there is an it can download something.

This setup didn't work with altbinz ,giganews just downloaded air and removed all the queued files. I switched the Usenet provider manually. re queued the nzb and the files downloaded , they were not complete, but the par files fixed and completed the download.


If Giganews doesn't have the articles then it will try Ewaka and Xsusenet .

Hi vigor5000
I have a question ???
I know when a Usenet provider (Giganews) has multiple server connection areas in the world to connect (USA, Europe ,Asia) and they are used to help quality of speed connection. But is there a difference in retention that can be accessed on what connection you are using???

[vigor5000]

This setup didn't work with altbinz ,giganews just downloaded air and removed all the queued files. I switched the Usenet provider manually. re queued the nzb and the files downloaded , they were not complete, but the par files fixed and completed the download.


If Giganews doesn't have the articles then it will try Ewaka and Xsusenet .

Hi vigor5000
I have a question ???
I know when a Usenet provider (Giganews) has multiple server connection areas in the world to connect (USA, Europe ,Asia) and they are used to help quality of speed connection. But is there a difference in retention that can be accessed on what connection you are using???

You should be doing this in SABnzbd.
With Giganews no there shouldn't be a difference but with providers like Astraweb which have a US and EU server there can be a difference in the available posts.

[Beck38]

I've always told everyone, that if a plant has a US/EU server, to put the closest as your 'primary' and the opposite as the first 'fills', then any additional fills/block account as the next in line. That way, your 'unlimited' account gets used first (either US or EU) and then any additional account get used 'last'.

Of course, if as a EU user you feel that the EU (usually Amsterdam) server is a bit wacky, and you're willing to take the speed slowdown going across the pond and across the North American continent to San Jose (we're talking Astraweb here, but could be Giganews for that matter as they're in LA so not much difference if you're sitting in Berlin or London).

Although SABnzbD doesn't actually have the secondary servers specifically 'numbered' (unless the newer versions have corrected that), how you put them in counts as long as they are toggled as secondary (first one, then second, then... etc.).

[shaina]

You should be doing this in SABnzbd.
With Giganews no there shouldn't be a difference but with providers like Astraweb which have a US and EU server there can be a difference in the available posts.

I know you discussed doing the "backup" provider with SABnzb , I just thought I could get lucky and it would work with Altbinz. Oh well I am going to stick with Altbinz , and if I have to switch manually so be it.
It really amazes me that Giganews does advertise the longest retention, yet you still get a lot of files missing. And it is not like they are removed from the specific group server , because Eweka picks up the files or even XS Usenet as well (sometimes a repair is needed).
My only assumption would be the take down notices for certain providers is affecting it

Thanks again for your advice


I've always told everyone, that if a plant has a US/EU server, to put the closest as your 'primary' and the opposite as the first 'fills', then any additional fills/block account as the next in line. That way, your 'unlimited' account gets used first (either US or EU) and then any additional account get used 'last'.

Of course, if as a EU user you feel that the EU (usually Amsterdam) server is a bit wacky, and you're willing to take the speed slowdown going across the pond and across the North American continent to San Jose (we're talking Astraweb here, but could be Giganews for that matter as they're in LA so not much difference if you're sitting in Berlin or London).

Although SABnzbD doesn't actually have the secondary servers specifically 'numbered' (unless the newer versions have corrected that), how you put them in counts as long as they are toggled as secondary (first one, then second, then... etc.).
Sorry I don't want to harp on this , but you say it switches automatically , but when the cue is applied and it goes down the files to download, if there is no files once it goes through them. Are you saying it recues the files automatically for the backup provider to attempt the same files??And is there settings in Altbinz for that.

Thanks

[Beck38]

Never have used Altbinz, old NewsRover here, works about the same as SabnzbD. When it hits any missing parts from the primary, it starts munching on the secondaries; if your watching the downloading 'page' you can see it all working.

[shaina]

Never have used Altbinz, old NewsRover here, works about the same as SabnzbD. When it hits any missing parts from the primary, it starts munching on the secondaries; if your watching the downloading 'page' you can see it all working.

Holy Shit! Now there is one I completely forgot about, I am going to check NewRover out again, and maybe do the switch to that.


Never have used Altbinz, old NewsRover here, works about the same as SabnzbD. When it hits any missing parts from the primary, it starts munching on the secondaries; if your watching the downloading 'page' you can see it all working.

I was researching NewsRover on a bunch of different sites. They all give it good reviews, but none of them tell you if it is a one time fee or monthly? could you give some help on how it works with the fees and updates ????. It looks like I could just transition to NewsRover with ease.

Thanks

[Beck38]

NewsRover = $30; unlimited servers, you can specify (and change at will) how you want it numbered (primary through multilpe secondaries). SSL built in, along with tons of stuff I never use. It's not my primary downloader Sabnzbd is) but I still use it a couple time a week.

[shaina]

NewsRover = $30; unlimited servers, you can specify (and change at will) how you want it numbered (primary through multilpe secondaries). SSL built in, along with tons of stuff I never use. It's not my primary downloader Sabnzbd is) but I still use it a couple time a week.

And is it a one time fee and free lifetime upgrades of the program ?
Reason I ask because AltBinz does offer that I just keep using the free one with no updates

[Beck38]

Go to the website, all info there.
http://www.newsrover.com

[shaina]

Go to the website, all info there.
http://www.newsrover.com

Sorry I cant see anywhere on the site for lifetime or free upgrades

Registration is only $29.95 (USD) nothing added
I was just wondering because you have purchased it if you are getting free updates and not charged for upgrading

thanks

[Beck38]

I thought it was pretty self explanatory:
http://www.newsrover.com/upgrade.htm

It uses Giganews search engine and that part is the 'subscription'; I've had it for over 10 years and let the search function expire LONG ago. I think they did require 1 one paid s/w upgrade many years ago, which I did not buy. The program is so stable ( I run on a w2k machine as an example) that unless you want to extend the gn/search functionality, which you get a free year to begin with, pay the 30 and that's it.

14+ years and works fine for me, but I wouldn't use anything other than SabnzbD for heavy D/L'ing.

[shaina]

I thought it was pretty self explanatory:
http://www.newsrover.com/upgrade.htm

It uses Giganews search engine and that part is the 'subscription'; I've had it for over 10 years and let the search function expire LONG ago. I think they did require 1 one paid s/w upgrade many years ago, which I did not buy. The program is so stable ( I run on a w2k machine as an example) that unless you want to extend the gn/search functionality, which you get a free year to begin with, pay the 30 and that's it.

14+ years and works fine for me, but I wouldn't use anything other than SabnzbD for heavy D/L'ing.

That's what I was looking for.. If you don't want to install future updates , I didn't know if NewsRover locks up until you take the update , and there were forced future charges that were unnecessary.

Seeing it is more web based rather than a downloaded program to your pc , Does Sabnzb when it is running slow up multitasking or surfing on the web??(not referring to extracting and checking if the files are completed I would disable automatic function and do it manually)

[Beck38]

Like everything, it all depends. Of course, being that anything bought or constructed in the last 10 years is at least a dual-cpu, and quad-cpu machines (or more) are only a bit more, unless you've got a really old machine on a REALLY old motherboard, probably not.

My oldest machine (w2K), 15 years old, has a dual-core, and runs SABnzbD just fine, but when I put the hammer down on some downloads I usually use a 4core machine (Vista/4G/3Ghz), which these days would still be considered 'low rent'.

[shaina]

Like everything, it all depends. Of course, being that anything bought or constructed in the last 10 years is at least a dual-cpu, and quad-cpu machines (or more) are only a bit more, unless you've got a really old machine on a REALLY old motherboard, probably not.

My oldest machine (w2K), 15 years old, has a dual-core, and runs SABnzbD just fine, but when I put the hammer down on some downloads I usually use a 4core machine (Vista/4G/3Ghz), which these days would still be considered 'low rent'.

Sounds good... Thanks for the info. I do most of my downloads on a dual-core pc , and a gigabyte Ethernet card , 8gigs of ram (running windows 7 pro, if I were you I would get rid of Vista that will speed it up for sure). I have a few quad core laptops in the house. If I use them , it will be a pain in the ass to keep transferring the downloads to my dual-core , where I store everything for to run the network in the house.
Maybe I will try SABnzb out again and see how it goes. I may look at NewsRover as well , hopefully one will improve removing a few manual steps.

Thanks for all your help and suggestions

[Beck38]

I've had win7, too many problems in the heterogeneious environment of my network (windows/linux/nas) that ms could never solve. Vista has probs but MS and I know what they are and have simple work arounds that win7 can't figure out, so I'm stuck with that until win10(!).

[shaina]

I've had win7, too many problems in the heterogeneious environment of my network (windows/linux/nas) that ms could never solve. Vista has probs but MS and I know what they are and have simple work arounds that win7 can't figure out, so I'm stuck with that until win10(!).

That's funny I would luv to keep windows xp on my pc, and my pc board and cpu chip only recommends to go no higher than Vista (for drivers of course). I installed vista on my pc and it slowed up everything so bad I just bumped to windows 7 and I found it very similar to xp in speed , so I stuck with it.