1.User Friendly News Client
One of the most attractive features offered by some premium Usenet providers is an easy to use news client. A news client is a program used to access newsgroups. It allows users to read and post messages within newsgroups. Some of the best premium providers developed their own software with user functionality in mind. ISPs do not concentrate on such endeavors because Usenet isn’t part of their core business.
2. Technical Support
Running a Usenet service is a complex task. On the off chance problems occur, premium service providers are equipped with trained personnel to assist users with problems 24x7. Most providers respond within 24 hours. The best providers are able to respond within 10 minutes.
3. Account Auto Renewing
Most Usenet services are month to month terms with auto renewing at the end. If a user wants to cancel service, they should submit a cancellation before the next cycle begins. The cancellation process varies. The best services provide an easy to follow cancellation form on their website. Service will normally remain active until the end of the billing cycle. Users should consult with their individual provider to find the exact process and terms.
4. Spam Filtering
One of the most pervasive problems facing the Internet as a whole is spam. Usenet is no different. In order to minimize this problem, some premium Usenet services have high end spam filtering. Usenet is also home to many moderated newsgroups. When a user posts to a moderated group, the message must first be approved by a moderator before becoming visible within the newsgroup.
5. Completion Rates
Completion rate is an important factor in distinguishing good providers from lousy ones. If a provider advertises a completion rate of 90%, it means 90% of the articles posted will be available on their servers. The best providers offer completion rates over 98%. Premium Usenet providers offer the highest quality access to newsgroups.
Many users who switch from accessing newsgroups through their ISP to premium providers are astounded by the quality difference. One last bonus is that many Usenet providers offer risk-free trials to new users. These are a great way to test the service without making a financial commitment.
Ralph AtkinsonAbout the Guest Author:
Ralph Atkinson has been using Usenet since he was in college. He enjoys educating readers about online information resources through a premium Usenet service like Giganews. He believes that Usenet is the online service that everyone should use to access many newsgroups and dicussions that match his or her interests.