alt.binaries.programming
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Welcome to the FAQ for alt.binaries.programming. Please read the information here before asking any questions in the group. If this file does not answer your questions feel free to ask in the group and we may just add your question/s here to help others.
What is a FAQ and why should I read it?
What’s the first thing I should do?
What server should I use?
What is the best program to use to download all these files?
How do I post in the group?
What are rar, arj, zip, ace, diz, and nfo files?
How do I request something?
What can and can’t I put in my message?
What happens if I abuse the FAQ?
What is a FAQ and why read it?
FAQ stands for Frequently Asked Questions. Reading this FAQ will help you learn about what to do and what not to do in the group alt.binaries.cbts. Why do some of these rules seem so strict? We want people in the group to enjoy themselves.
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What’s the first thing I should do?
Simply put, watch and learn. Most people on Usenet are experienced and do not appreciate someone coming into a group and making something enjoyable a living hell. Then read the FAQ and when you’re done read it again. If you have any questions that are not covered by the FAQ feel free to ask them and they may be included in this FAQ.
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What server should i use?
Any server will do, as long as it’s a GOOD server. This will benefit you in many ways. You will get complete posts, you will get them quickly, and you won’t have to ask constantly for reposts. If you use your ISP’s news server it may not be good enough. Many ISP’s only keep posts on binary groups for 2 days, while some premium servers listed below often guarantee to keep posts for a minimum of 5 or more days.
If you find you are missing about 5 to 10 percent of the posts, or posts are no longer available after 48 hours I would suggest looking into a few of the premium servers listed on this site.
A list of servers can be found at http://www.usenetplus.com/browse/usenet-providers/30-1.html
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What is the best program to use to download all these files?
While there are a number of programs to download from usenet (called clients) there are only a few that are worthwhile. Outlook Express is not one of those programs. I would suggest for downloading large amounts of binary files (attachments) that you go with a program called Newsbin Pro. Newsbin Pro mainly downloads binaries and can be used to share bandwidth between news servers and to download parts from multiple servers (great for getting missing pieces). It is the best program for downloading binaries and can be used for posting as well. The next best program would be Agent. Agent is an “all around” type of program which can download binaries as well as read and post text messages.
Newsbin Pro can be downloaded at http://www.usenetplus.com/detail-10-newsbin-pro.html
Agent can be downloaded at http://www.usenetplus.com/detail-1082-agent.html
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How do I post in the group?
First of all if this is your first time posting I would suggest you make a test post in alt.binaries.test.
Second I would suggest that you get a copy of Power Post or Agent Post if you would like to post anything.
Only post files relevant to the name of the group, files that are allowed are programming languages and environments, programmnig helpers and assistants, source code, help file creation utilities, programming tutorials or CBT’s, amd other files related to programming and compiling an application. Files that are not allowed include freeware (posting links for the URL is acceptable) and shareware unless it already cracked or contains a working crack.
Posting large files or CD images should be done over a few days to allow slower users to be able to download the files. As an estimate, post approximately 100 megs a day.
Reposts generally should not be made for at least five days. This will help to keep posts in order, help retention time on news servers, and allow everyone to get the files they need/want.
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What are rar, par, nzb, arj, zip, 001, ace, diz, and nfo files?
A .nfo and a .diz file are simply text documents. Open these with notepad or wordpad. These usually contain important information about the file you are downloading.
A .par file and it’s associated files (.p01 .p02 etc) are parity file that are used to repair broken, damaged or missing files. More information is available at http://www.parfiles.net
A .nzb file is a single downloadable file used to download one or more parts of a multipart binary. They are intended to save a user from having to search for articles on usenet. You can find info on nzb files and clients that can use nzb files at http://www.usenetplus.com
A .rar file and it’s associated files (.r01 .r02 etc) are compressed files made with WinRAR. WinRAR is available at http://www.rarsoft.com.
A .arj file and it’s associated files (.a01 .a02 etc) are compressed files made with Winarj. Winarj is available at http://www.jps.net/ilmaestro/Index.html.
A .zip file is compressed files made with Winzip with a .zip extension. Winzip is available at http://www.winzip.com.
A .ace file and it’s associated files (.c01 .c02 etc) are compressed files made with WinAce. WinAce is available at http://www.winace.com.
A .001 file and it’s associated files (.002 .003 etc) are compressed files. These are quite commonly compressed with WinRAR although any compression format could have been used. Ask the poster of the file what format it is in.
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How do i request something?
To request a file send a normal message to the group and in the subject type
REQUEST - File name - thank you
There is no need to put anything in the message body. Make sure you say please and/or thank you in your post. Have patience as some people may have the file you want, but have already posted a large amount recently. Do not post a request more than once a day as well.
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What can and can’t i put in my message?
There are a number of items with posting and messages. A few of them are no swearing, no racial slurs, no sexism, don’t type in all caps, no funky text (eleet speak as it’s called), no religion, no spam, no advertisements, no banner sites, no forced URL’s, and no discrimination. Please remember this is a general group, keep it clean for the under 18’s. Also no test posts are permitted. Please use alt.binaries.test for testing.
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What happens if I abuse the rules in this FAQ?
There are a few things that can and/or will happen. Firstly you may get flamed by the others in the group. Secondly you may get reported to your ISP for abuse of the terms and services of your account. Most ISP’s state that you must follow the rules set forth in a FAQ for a newsgroup and violating that FAQ is considered abuse and you may lose your account.
Last updated April 12 2007
