How to Download From Usenet With a Mac

Usenet is a website to post articles to newsgroups and upload pictures or software applications. Downloading from Usenet with a Mac can be a lot more difficult than it is with a PC. If you follow these steps you can more efficiently access Usenet downloads with a Mac.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Log on to usenet.com and join as a member. There is a fee for membership. You will receive a welcome email that explains how to find your way around Usenet.

2. Download the newsreader applications such as News Rover. Most of these programs are free to Usenet members. They allow you to download files from Usenet, and they decode binary files.

3. Use WinZip to join the numerous parts of the file together if you are already comfortable using a newsreader that does not have built-in decoding technology. Download all the file parts into a directory on your Mac and show your decoder where they are. This will recompile the file back into a usable state.

4. Go to the Eridanus website and download Baker 1.1. This is a utility that makes it easier for Mac users to download files from Usenet newsgroups. It automates most of the process.

5. Select the files you want to download using the "Queue Articles" window. When you click the "Start" button the Baker program will begin downloading the selected files.

Tips & Warnings

• You may need additional programs to play files that are downloaded from Usenet. Windows Media Player is needed to play movies. QuickTime or RealOne are needed to play music.