what's the best nzb client for total N00bs?

**WHiKWiRE** · 08-14-2011, 05:49 AM

Sabnzbd is python written, platform agnostic nzb newsreader with a web interface. The hallmark of the software is that it's fully automated; download, repair, unpack and delete. Also with the wealth of addons (Sickbeard and Sabconnect++) it should serve anyone's needs (unless you intend on browsing the headers). Just awesome

**pokekevin** · 08-15-2011, 03:50 AM

i use alts binz and its pretty easy to use

**Stabber** · 08-15-2011, 07:04 PM

alt.binz is noob friendly indeed , i wish it could support ipv6

**zot** · 08-15-2011, 11:07 PM

One method I used to help a usenet 'noob' was to use a *portable* application (basically anything that does not use the Windows registry or *\application\* data to store its configuration settings) and installed it on my own computer, then I filled out all the settings myself (including setting up fill-servers, etc) sharing my own block accounts. Then I archived all files and folders in a zip file and sent it over, telling the recipient to just open the zip file to C:\ and everything would be already set up.

That was a few years ago, when Alt.Binz still had working search engines. (but then after all that, she went back to using Limewire, I hate to say)

Another free --and very easy-- client worth mentioning is HelloNZB. (Sadly, no fill-server support and I think it stores settings in registry, therefore not portable, but otherwise an extremely easy, simple NZB downloader)

regarding Unzbin: One thing I should mention is that I had trouble getting Unzbin to work. It only ran when I went back to an older version of Dot.Net (also, other Dot.Net apps, NZB-O-Matic accepts quite old versions of Dot.Net, but NiouzeFire does not)

Since you also asked about sniffing Binload, I assume you're setting up this person with a Binload account? For a beginner, the Binload application itself might be as easy as it gets. (only 400 days retention, but 100% completion in everything I downloaded) But there is no telling how much longer Binload will be free. (I'm surprised it's lasted this long already)

Originally Posted by mesaman

Unzbin isn't on the list of usenet clients with fill-server capability, and that would be the main reason to switch to a newsreader with more features.

True, Unzbin does not appear to support fill-servers. Neither does Binreader. But both clients are very noob-friendly.

**PastTense** · 08-16-2011, 11:30 PM

I disagree with the recommendation about Sabnzbd. When it doesn't work it is very difficult for a noob to figure out the problem. Look at their forums to see what I mean:
http://forums.sabnzbd.org/

**mjmacky** · 08-16-2011, 11:51 PM

I'd agree that I wouldn't recommend Sabnzbd to a newcomer either. Yes it is very flexible and can integrate with many other pieces of software, but straight up use requires a bit more familiarity from what I remember when I experimented with it.

**WHiKWiRE** · 08-17-2011, 01:13 AM

I don't understand how Sabnzbd is that complicated. All you have to do is load the nzb and it does the rest.

**mjmacky** · 08-17-2011, 01:49 AM

Originally Posted by WHiKWiRE

I don't understand how Sabnzbd is that complicated. All you have to do is load the nzb and it does the rest.

It's not that complicated, and it's apparently not that simple either. I've given free "training" on Alt.binz before, but gauging the technical abilities of someone unfamiliar with this stuff in general, I wouldn't try to show anyone how to use sabnzbd without payment.