Alt Binaries

Usenet Frequently Asked Questions

What is the retention time?   How long do you keep messages?

Usenet Retention is currently over 170 days in all newsgroups, including alt binaries. We are in the process of spooling to 200+ days on all news servers shortly.

Some providers have unlimited accounts, why don't you?

Although several large usenet providers offer 'unlimited' accounts; as many heavier users have found out, this is only the case until you download 'too much'. Only then does the client find that they have been throttled to an unusable speed, or has suddenly been canceled all together. We would rather be up front with exactly what our clients are getting.

Can I check my download stats online?

Yes, account stats are available by logging in to your account using the red link at the top of this page, or any page on Alt Binaries.

My Internet or Usenet provider blocks things, do you?

No, we provide direct, uncensored newsgroup access.

If my Internet provider blocks usenet access?

We provide direct, unfiltered usenet access, regardless of provider limitations.

Can I use any newsgroup client I want?

Yes.   We provide News Rover to our clients that prefer it, but any newsgroup client can be used.

What about limiting the speed of downloads?

No speed limits.   There are no limits on download speeds. The only limitation is your Internet connection. With usenet servers in the United States and in Amsterdam, most users can max out their connection.

How many connections can I use?

We recommend using 5-8 streams for optimal performance for most users, but up to 20 streams are allowed. With a normal route, 5-7 streams will fill up most broadband connections.

Do you log what I read online?

No Logs.   We keep no logs of what our clients download.

Do you have my favorite newsgroup?

Take a free trial just to be sure. Any newsgroup we do not have, we can add upon request.

Some news readers are not allowed by other usenet providers, can I use these?

Yes.   You can use any news reader you want, even the ones banned by other usenet providers.

News Rover is retail software.  Is this included?

Yes.   We provide News Rover to our usenet clients for free. News Rover is normally $29.95

Can I post messages to Usenet?

Yes.

How anonymous are my newsgroup posts?

Your IP address is not shown in your usenet posts. Unlike some other usenet providers, neither is your computer name, or username.

I lost my username and password!

Please have your Order Number ready and click here to retrieve your login.

How do I know when I have hit the limit for my account, and what will happen then?

Once an account limit has been reached, it will not be able to download for the remainder of the month, rather than re-billing early. Account statistics are reset on the 1st of each month, for easier user tracking. This should show up as a message in your newsgroup reader, saying that the download limit has been reached, but can also show up as "500 Syntax Error or Unknown Command" in some usenet readers that can not display the custom message.

How do I upgrade to a larger account?

Just log in to your account, from the top right of this page.

What if I ever decided to cancel?

Just log in, or e-mail Alt Binaries Support.

What alternative payment methods are accepted?

Money Orders, Cashier's Checks or well-concealed cash may be sent to:

Information Couriers, Inc.
1765 E. Nine Mile Rd. 1-201
Pensacola, FL 32514
USA

Please be sure to include your e-mail address as well, as this will be the only way to contact you with your new usenet account information.

If you would like to see other payment options added to Alt Binaries, please let us know.

I have a question not answered here, who can I ask?

Just contact Alt Binaries Support.

I have a great idea for a feature.

Let us know what new features you would like to see. If we use your idea, you will receive up to 1 year of free usenet access.

Alt Binaries Support is always available to answer any questions or concerns regarding Usenet.