Top 10 Best News/Newsgroups/ Blog Tools for Windows PCs
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GSA News Reader
Enjoy reading the latest news and get the latest updates on your favorite websites with the help of this simple and easy to use RSS and news reader
The easiest way to get the latest news is via a RSS reader and there are many to choose from out there. GSA News Reader is one of the options that focuses on simplicity and ease of use, providing a straightforward application for getting updates from both RSS feeds and regular websites.
Read news from RSS feeds and other URLs
When launching GSA News Reader for the first time, you are prompted to choose one of the predefined feeds. The application displays a list of RSS feeds from various domains, ranging from business pages to entertainment feeds and other subjects, such as music, cars or technology.
Aside from the predefined links, GSA News Reader can handle any RSS feed or website address. In other words, you can populate your headline list with other URLs, as you please. The content of the clipboard is automatically detected by the application, so all that is left for you to do is assign a relevant name to the new entry.
Assign tags to URLs for fast searches
For each RSS feed, GSA News Reader enables you to set the checking time interval. Moreover, you can configure the application to ignore updates that include certain words, thus creating custom exceptions.
As you add more and more links to the reader, your headline list grows bigger and bigger. GSA News Reader features tag-based searching, which enables you to quickly find the link you are looking for. There are four predefined tags but you are free to add as many as you please. Organizing feeds in different categories from the start would also help you find certain feeds, and would definitely add to the application’s value.
A no-headache news reader
As expected with such an application, GSA News Reader displays updates and changes it detects in a popup window, playing a sound notification to keep you up-to-date with your favorite news. While it can be further improved to meet users’ requirements, it is a fact that this application delivers an easy way to get the latest news.
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SABnzbd
A useful newsreader and NZB file downloader that was especially designed in order to provide a simple means of getting the needed news and files
While social media platforms evolved in the past year, many still prefer the classics such as Usenet. Working in a similar manner as Facebook, Reddit or Twitter, Usenet used to be one of the most popular platforms where people could join groups on a full range of topics. Then again, Usenet is not exactly easy to use and your best bet in this case would be to rely on a client, such as SABnzbd.
Allows you to grab files from a wide variety of Usenet services
After a quick installation, the tool opens the interface in your default browser where you should take the time to configure the server. Luckily, the app comes with a wizard that guides you through the process. In case the server simply does not start, then you should check whether the port recommended is being used by another application or service.
Once you are passed the configuration, the app should not give you any troubles regardless of whether you want to upload or download content. Adding a NZB file can be done with dragging and dropping the file, whereas uploading entails attaching the file. The tool lets you add names, passwords, categories – which you can customize further from the Settings – , set priorities, specify the type of post processing and even add scripts, if you are using them.
An overall reliable client for anyone who prefers Usenet
The advantage the tool brings to the table is that, once correctly configured, most operations can be automated. Even if you close your browser, the app doesn't shut down, but rather continues to run in the background and option that can simplify things a lot.
All in all, SABnzbd is a specialized tool that packs numerous advanced and basic features to suit any needs and preferences. In case you rely on Usenet for your news feeds, then perhaps you can consider giving the application a try.
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NewsBin Pro
This application allows you to specify your desired servers so you can download files from Usenet newsgroups at a scheduled time
Newsbin Pro provides you with a feature-packed news reading tool that can be used for downloading and decoding posts from Usenet groups. Although nowadays it has a diminished importance with respect to forums and blogs, Usenet remains one of the oldest and widely used communication systems, where users can find files of all types and download them to their computer.
Newsbin Pro can access Usenet newsgroups and assist you in finding exactly what you are looking for. Its speed depends directly on your high bandwidth Internet connection and the system capabilities, with support for multiple simultaneous connections to the news servers.
As expected, an account with a Usenet news server is required in order to make the application work. The main interface is split into two separate panes, one for exploring the search results and the other for viewing the download queue.
The integrated Usenet Search function allows you to search newsgroups that include large volumes of binary content. Multi-part posts are automatically re-assembled, while the ‘AutoPAR’ feature helps you grab RAR archives posted with PAR2 files, repairs damaged files and replaces missing ones. Furthermore, the application displays downloaded images as you download them.
Newsbin Pro enables you to assign posts to different categories and even publish new messages containing requests, text or files. It comes with advanced organization options, allowing you to mark and delete posts, create categories and manage groups.
The advanced filtering capabilities and the regular expressions support are designed to help you quickly find the desired post, while the NZB processing features allow you to quickly initiate the download process. The information exchange can be encrypted using the SSL certificate, provided the news server supports it.
Download prioritization, automatic download mode, download management options, newsgroup header updates and interface customization options are some of the other advantages that this application has to offer.
Considering the above, Newsbin Pro can be considered a reliable news client that provides quick access to the vast resources of the Usenet network. The split file processing options, together with the complex filtering options make it a worth-having tool for those who are still downloading from Usenet.
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Desktop Ticker
A simple-to-use and powerful program that helps you view your favorite feeds scrolled on your screen, while allowing you to import the list with URLs from OPML, XML, or plain text files
Desktop Ticker is a lightweight software application whose purpose is to help users keep an eye on their favorite news.
Intuitive way to read preferred news
The tool sports a clean and intuitive layout that allows you to set up the dedicated parameters with minimum effort.
Desktop Ticker is able to display the article titles, which scroll across the screen, and summaries when you hover the mouse cursor over the desired title.
Additionally, you can read the entire article in your default web browser by simply clicking on its title.
What’s more, you are allowed to scroll backward or forward, add new feeds to the list by inserting valid URLs, manage the article order by moving the feeds up or down, edit the stock symbols, as well as import the list with URLs from OPML, XML, or plain text file.
Other important features worth mentioning are represented by the possibility to move the main window to the top or bottom part of the screen, set the opacity level, select the speed (slower or faster), and pick the scrolling direction (right to left, left to right).
Adjust update time, background, and notifications
Last but not least, you are allowed to insert a “Reload” button into the primary window for helping you refresh data with just one click, add and remove RSS feeds, copy the text or link to the Clipboard, email the article using your default client, as well as jump to a particular article.
When it comes to configuration settings, it is possible to pick the updating time, show all items, recent and new articles, or only new items, pick the background color scheme and size, and select a sound for notifications.
During our testing we have noticed that Desktop Ticker displays data very quickly, and no errors showed up throughout the entire process. It is quite friendly with system resources, so the overall performance of the computer is not burdened.
A few last words
As a conclusion, Desktop Ticker proves to be a reliable RSS feed application that comes packed with a hand set of features. Thanks to its intuitive layout, it is suitable for all types of users, regardless of their experience level.
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Download Hubs
Desktop Ticker is part of these download collections: Open RSS
Craigslist Notifier
An intuitive and user-friendly software utility that send you instant notifications from Craigslist, according to the filters you previously set up
Craigslist is a popular web-based platform that enables users to post a wide range of announcements related to housing, jobs, selling or buying items and many more. The service is available worldwide, and if you are looking to find a new job or a new house, and you want to be informed whenever a suitable announcement is posted, you can rely on Craigslist Notifier.
The application installs smoothly and due to its highly intuitive graphic interface, even those who are not PC experts can easily find their way around it.
Basically, you need to first choose the country and region you are interested in, then narrow it down by also specifying the category: for sale, community, housing, personals, services, jobs or gigs.
You can further limit the available results by entering the minimum and the maximum prices you are looking for, while also excluding the posts that do not feature an image.
Additionally, you can save the search criteria as a separate file so you can rely on it for future searches, thus saving a lot of time you would otherwise spend entering all the details all over again.
Once you have come up with the ideal configuration regarding the search criteria, you can start looking for posts that match your requirements and monitor them. You can adjust the check interval and you can also set Craigslist Notifier to send the alerts to your email inbox, so as to make sure you do not miss them; you can also choose to receive them via SMS.
All in all, Craigslist Notifier can be of great use to all those who rely on Craigslist to find valuable items for sale in their current area of residence. Nonetheless, a license will need to be purchased by those who want to unlock the full functions of the application.
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Download Hubs
Craigslist Notifier is part of these download collections: CraigsList Clients
RSS Guard
A fast and reliable feed reader that allows you to view the latest news, providing tray notifications and proxy support for anonymous browsing
RSS Guard is a multilingual RSS feed reader aiming to help you stay up to date with the latest news on your favorite websites. Providing support for RSS, ATOM and RDF standards, this application stands out from the crowd through ease of use and the fast configuration.
Read the latest news on your feeds within a simple interface
Adding a new feed URL is not difficult at all, since you simply have to paste the URL into the designated window and wait for RSS Guard to verify its validity and grab information about it from the Internet.
If the feed exists and it is accessible, you are prompted to assign it a title and include it in a category of your choice, with extra options for selecting the encoding mode and the feed type.
The main window neatly displays the latest 30 entries, their title, alongside the number of unread posts. Feeds can be automatically updated at a user-defined time interval, while the integrated web browser helps you quickly access any webpage you want.
Easy configuration and accessible options
There are various other settings that allow you to configure the program's behavior. It can be set to automatically delete read messages upon exit, instantly open messages using the default browser, launch the simple feed message in the navigator and so on.
Proxy support for anonymous browsing and immediate copying of the message link to the clipboard are other features that can help you manage and organize feeds easier.
A simple, yet useful feed reader
Designed with simplicity in mind, RSS Guard adopts a forthright approach that makes it suitable for beginner users. Its feature set proves that it can be used for reading the most recent online news on a daily basis.
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Download Hubs
RSS Guard is part of these download collections: Open RSS
News Reader for CNN
Read CNN articles directly from your desktop with this news reading application that features all the categories in a simple interface
Nowadays, we get most of our news from the Internet, which is the reason why all the major publications and TV station also strive to have a strong online presence. Most news sites are usually well-designed and easy to browse, but if for any reason you don’t like reading the news in your browser, you can try a feed reading app.
One relevant example is News Reader for CNN.
Read and watch CNN from your desktop
The Windows 10 application has a very simple design, but one that is certainly less distracting than going directly to cnn.com. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with the platform, just that on any news website’s front page you will usually get highlights that are meant to capture your interest, smaller bits from every category and, of course, ads, none of these were put there to help you focus.
News Reader for CNN also has ads (unless you choose to remove them for a cost), but displays its news in either a grid or list view. Like on any contemporary website, titles are accompanied by photos and short descriptions, so it will be very easy to scroll through these items until something captures your interest.
In the news
Or, if you want to read all the latest articles, you can just click on the first one and then move to the next news piece without having to go back in the feed. You can choose to browse only certain categories (like U.S. Politics, Business, Entertainment, Sport, basically the same categories that you can find on CNN’s website). Also, you can choose between a light and dark theme for the app.
Probably the most useful feature is the program’s live tile support; this means that, after you pin News Feed for CNN to Start, its corresponding tile (that is also adjustable in size) will act as a mini-news feed (with text and images) every time you access the Start menu.
Despite the fact that the people who get their daily information from sources other than CNN probably won’t find this tool very useful, News Reader for CNN is still a well-designed tool that can make news reading more pleasant.
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Fluent Reader
Stay up to date and informed about your favorite topics using a modern and minimalistic-looking RSS reader with full dark mode support
Fluent Reader is a tool meant to offer an alternative for those who want to stay up to date, read the news, or follow their favorite topics, but keep their privacy intact and stay far from cookie and registration policies, and data agreements.
A truly fluent and interactive tool
Fluent Reader is a program with a very descriptive name. It is a tool meant to be useful and easy to handle. Although nowadays many people avoid RSS technology for news reading, as it is much easier to have subscriptions and click on given preferences, using an RSS reader it is still an optimal alternative for the do-it-yourself type of individuals and people who love privacy.
Using the program is a fluent and smooth experience. It does not overcomplicate things, has perfectly well-functioning features, and offers a minimalistic GUI with a full dark mode alternative. You can choose to have your favorite articles displayed in lists or in the card view mode. The tool also allows importing/exporting OPML files or loading the content from direct URLs. When it comes to content manipulation there are options such as: reading the full text or loading given webpages by default, filtering the content by reading its status, searching for given articles using regular expressions.
Transparent and private
The program's distinctive advantage is the fact that it offers privacy. In a world where everyone wants your data, it is difficult to bypass these processes because the majority of services are super appealing and smart, which means very little thinking and action is needed from the end-user. Although it could be more difficult setting your RSS info stream, once it's done, you can enjoy it freely, for a long period of time.
Based on what we have seen so far, Fluent Reader is a program that gives you the advantage of privacy. Another big advantage is that the tool is free and open-source (you can also check out more about it on GitHub) — which gives you the advantage of transparency. Upon installing the app, you get a free trial; this is actually an unlimited trial and all payments are considered donations and totally not mandatory.
Simpler is better
Fluent Reader is a simple tool. And that makes it perfect. It has all the features and the customization you could need from an RSS reader. Besides that, it is a free resource and has an excellent-looking GUI. From now on, reading your favorite articles and staying up to date with your favorite topics will be an effortless experience. Start using Fluent Reader today and you can be thankful for the future.
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PressReader
An extensive and user-friendly software solution for all those who want to read newspapers and magazines released in other countries
Depending on the country where you live, you probably have one or several newspapers and magazine that you like to read in your spare time.
However, when travelling abroad, chances that you can no longer indulge in this pastime, since the said newspapers are hard, if not impossible, to find. You can still use PressReader for Windows 10/8.1, an app especially created to allow you to browse through any paper you feel like, whenever you choose.
Newspaper reader especially tailored for touchscreen devices
This utility can only be installed on computers running Windows 8 or 8.1, and you can also allow it to run in the background so as to take advantage of the lock screen notifications.
Furthermore, you can make the most of this application even if you are using a touchscreen-enabled device, provided you rely on the gestures detailed within the tool’s main window.
Read international newspapers directly from your desktop
You need to start by selecting the country you are interested in, then browse through all the available magazines and newspapers, then choose the ones you like best. Next, you need to download the said papers to your computer so as to be able to examine them whenever you feel like it.
In other words, you can start reading the top articles from a newspaper published in your home country, then unwind browsing through a local magazine, all without needing to leave your desk.
Customize the newspaper font type and size
Once you have located the article you are interested in, you can adjust the font size to your liking, to ensure you can effortlessly read all the lines. You also get the possibility to switch to a different font, from the several available ones.
It goes without saying that you can navigate to other pieces of news that might draw your attention, as PressReader for Windows 10/8.1 comes with handy features for displaying the articles in a neat and well-organized manner.
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NZBGet
Accessible, reliable and powerful nzb file downloader that can accessed with ease from the Command Line window or via the web interface
NZBGet is a binary news grabber that enables you to connect to Usenet and download NZB files. The application works either as a command-line utility or a Windows service, but it is advisable that you run it at least one time in console mode, in order to generate the necessary configuration file.
NZBGet can download single NZB files or create download queues when run as a server, waiting to receive requests (NZB files or URLs) from the launched clients. This latter mode allows remote interaction between multiple computers in the same network, regardless of their operating system.
The download queue can be managed as you feel fit. New files can be inserted to the beginning of the list, priorities can be assigned to tasks and running downloads can be easily paused. Furthermore, you can modify the position of an item in the queue, permanently remove it from the list, join or split groups, create categories and so on.
There are commands for demanding lists of items from a server and viewing its status, as well as filtering the content of a list using regular expressions. You can limit the download speed on a server or insert texts into its log. NZBGet enables you to edit individual files and write custom post-processing instructions (scripts) for situations when the download succeeds or fails.
For your convenience, the application can also be accessed via the web interface. The only things you need are a web browser and the server and port number specified in the configuration files. This web-based interface provides an environment to organize and view records in the queue, offering full control over the download process.
NZBGet assists you in grabbing and organizing Usenet files. It has a low impact on system resources and allows you to control bandwidth usage. And for those who don't find the console GUI easy to work it, the web interface should do the trick.
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