How to Beat the Center for Copyright Information (and BitTorrent snooping, etc.)

If you haven't heard already, there's a new sheriff in town.  The CCI are set to police EVERYONE on the internet for "copyright infringement".  CCI have partnered with all the major ISP's are being put in position to essentially enable logging of P2P and BT traffic.  The plan?  Watch it, document it, and start identifying offenders.  Throttle that traffic, eventually cut it off, and fine them. 

Yup, and you thought "the blackout" had made a difference.  LOL.  Epic.fail.


So you, like a million other people, seeing this news...are wondering, "Well WTF do I do now?"

You're now aware that the BitTorrent downloads and uploads are totally visible.  And now, there's someone there watching, logging, and putting a bureaucracy around it.  This probably isn't going to end well for you, if you continue.

CCI and it's methods (straight out of the MPAA/RIAA handbook), are, put simply, RETARDED.  

So, how then should we beat the Center for Copyright Information?

How about a cyberlocker, or basically cloud storage.  Yup, that's an easy way to beat CCI.  All of that HTTPS will do the trick.  Of course, this isn't really BT friendly.

How about a "BT anonymizer".  Yup, that's an easy way to beat CCI.  But that's limited to BT only.

Those are both good options.  One is obviously a change in the pattern, totally different.  The other is tailored specifically to the BT task at-hand.  Both will prevent BitTorrent snooping.  Both will easily defeat CCI.

A better option, is to find a hybrid.  Find something that will cover the most, and take care of the task at hand.

Beat CCI with VPN.

Connecting to a VPN while using BT, or using the internet in general, will beat CCI and anyone else that attempts to employ the same lame type of policing on internet traffic.

We mentioned earlier the great speeds available on HideMyAss.  That's definitely an option right there.

What you're really looking for, out of a VPN service (especially if you intend to pay) is quality and security.  Go for L2TP and OpenVPN where possible.  Steer clear of PPTP only.  Providers with servers in the NL and in Sweden are good.  Logging will be less of a worry.  If you just use US or UK VPN, you're asking for trouble with BT/P2P useage.

For good VPN software and high speeds check out HideMyAss.

For the best deal on Usenet + VPN, go with Giganews + VyprVPN.

For a VPN focused on no logging and providing a lot of SE servers, go with VPNTunnel.SE.

For a provider using multihop VPN for added security, try iVPN.net.

For a new up and coming provider with a lot of servers and cheap prices see IPVanish.

For a little south-of-the-border flavor with your VPN, CactusVPN is cheap and easy.

For anyone who knows what "shell" means, you should check out Shells.net.

Ok so if that's not enough options for beating CCI, check back later.  I'm sure we will have thought of something else.  Probably while we were on the can.

HideMyAss VPN Review - 95% of Network Fast Enough for Streaming High Def!

httpI came across a really well done VPN review on HideMyAss.  The folks over at VPNandUsenetReviews.com did an amazing job on an indepth review of the HMA VPN software and service, including a full test. 

They did such a good job they documented just about everything in the software, and then went off and did a full speed test.  But they didn't stop there, they actually did some math on the results and produced some real conclusions!  Amazing...

The basic conclusion is that HMA has a really fast network.  Over 95% of it can support speeds suitable for streaming high def.  Even if you accept some of the highest measures of speeds required, over 70% of the HMA VPN network still meets the requirements.  Pretty cool when you consider it's only $11.52/mo.

The indepth review includes screenshots of almost all the HMA features in their VPN client software.  It also includes all the speed test results from the 20 something countries that HMA offers.  

Have a look at all the screenshots of the software and the full test here.

Personally I like both VyprVPN and HMA for VPN service and VPN clients.  I think either one is an excellent choice.  They both end up highly ranked over at that site too for obvious reasons (price, features, performance, etc.)

Usenet is going crazy with the retention upgrades

For my first post since returning from my "walkabout" I am going to talk about the retention insanity going on with usenet right now.

And when I say insanity, I mean crazy-cat-lady insanity.  Usenet service providers, like Giganews, are BLOWING UP their binary retention.  Massive improvements.

Now, for those not in the know about usenet, I'll offer you 3 quick primers:

1. Check out my previous posts on the subject
2. Get your learn on here (don't worry, it's an easy read)
3. There is no number three. 

Some of you are all, "whatever man, what's retention? why the hell do I care?"  Well, put simply.  Retention is how long a usenet service provider stores posts.  Period.  Retention is measured in days.  It's broken into 2 primary categories:  text and binaries.  Unless you hang out in sci.space.science like, um, nobody I know (ha)...all you care about is binary retention.  The larger the retention (in days) the more posts (i.e. stuff) available for you to sift through.  More stuff (i.e. information) equals more fun.  You care because this insanity of improvement has moved binary retention to within striking distance of 3 calendar years.   

Unless you're really dense, or in a total fog (totally understandable, I just popped out of mine), you should be thinking to yourself...."Hmmm, 3 years of content - HORRY SHIET!!"

In celebration of this insanity, Giganews is running a promotion.  Plus they have a great new signup discount as well.  Now is the time to check out usenet if you haven't done so already.  In addition to what's going on over at Giganews, you have Easynews, Newshosting, and UsenetServer all pulling the same shenanigans.  Massively improving their retention for customers.  Right now Giganews is in the lead, which is per the usual - they tend to keep the best retention in the business.  If you're interested in seeing some comparison between the providers, head here:  vpnandusenetreviews.com   

At this point it's a day for day uptick on the retention numbers.  Every one calendar day that passes, adds one day retention.  In other words, they've expanded their storage space so much they are comfortable letting retention grow every day.  I assume once they get uncomfortable this day for day uptick will stop.  Let's hope that's not before we hit 1,095 days (365x3=1095).

BTW, this shit has been in the news and all over the web lately on the usenet sites, review sites, and the like.  (just a friendly note on Slyck.com - decent content, but don't trust the recommendations.  Anyone that recommends Binverse does not have your best interests in heart...do your research)

Sharepod - Say Goodbye to iTunes and Copy your Music

Sharepod is free software to change, backup, and share the music on your iPod.

Drop iTunes.  It's a piece of crap.  It's so bloated I don't even think "Beat the Bloat" could solve the problem.

 Get with the times and check out Sharepod.  For one thing, the footprint is tiny.  Oh, and by the way, you can backup, copy, and share ANY music on ANY iPod. 

If ever there was a reason to dislike Apple, and/or Apple software, that reason is iTunes.  Unfortunately there are so many people that use this PoS, trying to get people to switch is damn near impossible.  iTunes is on version 10.x these days, and it still sucks mightily.  +100mb install file?  Yeah iTunes has that.  Persistent processes in the background, regardless of whether an iDevice is plugged in?  Yeah iTunes has that.  A totally retarded sync process? Yeah iTunes has that too.  Hangups during "verification"?  Oh yeah baby, iTunes is all over that.  Application lag on ultra-fast core i7 machines?  Aww yeah, iTunes for the win!

 So just kick the habit.  I know it's hard.  I know a bunch of you have iPods and are used to dealing with the hassle that is iTunes.  I won't even get into the iPhone, because without iTunes you can't even activate the damn thing (unless you do it in store, or elsewhere).  Still, there's no reason why you shouldn't check out Sharepod.

Hell, at least use it to copy/backup/share the music on your iPod.  That's something iTunes will NEVER do.  Throw your iPod down, connect the cable, and start the share love.  Friend comes over to your pad with sweet tunes on their iPhone/iPod?  Backup that shiat!  Get your SHARE ON, and spread the love amongst the people.  Get Sharepod!   

Question: Are you using either Usenet or VPN Services?

Do you use either Usenet or VPN services currently?

Hey Readers,

I'm curious - are you using either a Usenet newsgroup provider, or a VPN service provider?  If so, which provider are you using for the service?

Giganews, VyprVPN, StrongVPN, Easynews, NewsDemon, TuVPN - another service provider?...

Thou shalt secure thine connection before traveling

Doesn't really matter if it's a pay or free provider, of either service.  

All pimps wear this hat

I'm trying to figure out what is actually in use out there.  I can look it up all I want, but I figure asking you readers is just as effective.

Is this how you get security on the net?

Please let me know in the comments!  Yes/No (to either service), and who is the provider...THANKS!

**bonus - if you're willing to comment on how the service is, in your opinion, that would be AWESOME!**

SickBeard and Newzbin - Example Setup

I know a lot of people use SABNzb for their Usenet/NZB needs, but a lot of people also use Newsbin.  SickBeard has an official thread over at SAB forums, but Newsbin doesn't really get as much love.

 

+ 

Here is a example setup of SickBeard and Newsbin.  A how-to if you will...this is really super easy, but very effective, and includes a significant amount of automation for "set it and forget it".

• Set Sickbeard to fetch NZBs automatically, but save them to a destination...like "C:\NZBHole"

SickBeard Configuration "NZB Black Hole" and destination folder

• Set Newsbin to auto-load NZBs on open, and provide the folder location  (NZBHole, see below graphic)

• Set Newsbin to save your NZB downloads to "master folder" and then have each NZB auto-create it's own sub-folder



Autoload NZB Path is where you set NZBHole - same as SickBeard NZB Black Hole folder

• Set SickBeard to Post-Process your downloads by providing the Newsbin download directory and activating "Rename" and "Scan & Process"

TV Download Dir is your Newsbin Download Directory

So now anytime you open Newsbin, it'll auto-load the NZBs that SickBeard has already retrieved for you.  So you can be fetching your TV and what-have-you hassle-free.  Some people might prefer this type of method to the SickBeard + SAB automation, because it's more of a manual-alright-time-to-download, instead of a this-just-runs-in-the-background.

Basically, as SickBeard runs in the background it fetches the NZB's of your favorite TV shows.  It will save them to the "C:\NZBHole" or whatever you setup.  When you open Newsbin, it will auto-read from that directory and begin download.  In other words, as soon as you open Newsbin, it starts downloading what SickBeard fetched.

Once it's downloaded and saved into your "Newsbin download folder", SickBeard will actively scan that folder, find the TV shows that were downloaded and do some cool stuff with them:

• It will move them to your destination directory (which is likely different than your "Newsbin download folder").  Even if this is another computer on the network (as it is with my setup).
• As the file is moved, it will be renamed, cleaned up, and meta data will be added.  

SickBeard MetaData Configuration

So what you have at the end is basically a free PVR working for you to automatically build your home library of TV.

Cut that cable cord!  (note:  big cable companies do not want you to do this, so get while the getting is good!)

Questions/Comments/Success Stories - let me hear about them in the comments or shoot me a message.  As always, if help is needed, I'll do my best.  Hopefully everything here is self-explanatory!

*note, I'll come back to this post and add some screenshots of setup to help folks (UPDATED!)

Giganews Usenet Review - SSL, Unlimited, FAST!

If you've been living under a rock for the last twenty years, you may not have heard of "Usenet".  In that case, I feel sorry for you.

Giganews Premium Usenet

For those of you that need some background, check this out:  Wiki

Slyck is also a good spot to start, if you are brand new, or just looking for some info.

In a nutshell, Usenet has been around for ages (long before p2p became popular), because, to put it simply, it's just a BBS on steroids.  However, one key distinction is that this BBS will allow file transfer.  Now, if you're still lost as to why this is important, don't worry, I'll follow this blog post up with a whole "WTF is Usenet".  But that's for later.

For now, I want to give you an inside look at one of the premier news services for Usenet:  Giganews

I have used multiple Usenet hosts in the past, oh many years...hosts I have used:

• Giganews
• Newshosting
• Easynews
• Newsdemon
• UsenetVault (now closed)
• Usenet4All

Giganews is most definitely a premium host.  When you've been on Usenet long enough, you'll start to understand the differences between shoddy hosts and premium hosts.  Let's take a look at some of Giganews benefits:

1. 256bit SSL Encryption - You want this, you really really want SSL if you're on Usenet.  Seriously people, pay the extra $5.  The best part about Giganews SSL is that does not slow down your download rate.  Typically proxies, VPNs, SSL, etc act like funnels on transfer speed (up and down).  A premium host will offer multiple options for SSL, as Giganews does, and it will not affect your speeds.  There is no difference between download speed with SSL, and without.  Therefore, the choice is obvious, go with SSL.  Save your own skin for christ sakes.  
2. 700+ days of Retention - The thing about Usenet is that it is extremely high traffic, and it turns over A LOT.  Kinda like ebaumsworld...  Without a host providing extra retention, you would be stuck looking at the last oh say 2 weeks or 1 month of postings.  It's like taking your CD/DVD catalog and cutting it into a 1/100th of its size.  The more retention you have, the further back you go, the more posts you will see, the more files available for you to review/download/etc.  Giganews is giving you 2 YEARS.  That's right, you can see posts as far back at 2008, and sometimes even earlier.  Premium hosts, like Giganews are always expanding their retention, so look for this number to go up!
3. 99+% Completion - Posts on Usenet can foul up, occasionally.  This is where you want completion.  This essentially means that the entire post, or file set, will be "complete" and ready for review/download.  Most premium hosts are offering 99% completion, which is good.  I have never had a problem with Giganews completion, though I have had problems with other providers.  (*cough* Newshosting *cough*)
4. Online Control Panel - Manage your account, upgrade/downgrade service, test your connection, etc.  It's your one-stop-shop to manage your service.  Giganews also has the handy feature of helping you run a traceroute so you are using the best server settings to get the fastest possible connection, depending on your location and internet connection.  
5. Up to 50 Simultaneous Connections (Max Speed) - This is where you max your download rate, all the time, every time.  The more connections the better.  Giganews will give you up to 50, depending on the plan you purchase.  Past providers have limited connections to 2, 4, or 8.  You can still go fast with that connection limit, but Giganews is giving you the ability to totally rock out with the cock out.  
6. Lots of Other Benefits - Discounts on newsreader software, like the oh-so-popular Newsbin.  Unlimited uploads.  Uncensored newsgroups.  Giganews accelerator.  Giganews Vypr VPN.  24x7x365 Support (which I've used only briefly and was extremely satisfied with).  FREE 14-day Trials! 

After many years, I find Giganews to be one of the best, if not the best host for Usenet access.  When you consider the speed, SSL, retention, completion, and ease-of-use it is very hard to beat them.  The argument often comes down to price.

When talking price, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Providers like Giganews often change their plans and their pricing, semi-regularly.  They also often new customer/new signup discounts.  
• Plans include options for download limits, speed limits, SSL/noSSL, etc. 

It's therefore important to compare apples-to-apples when trying to decide on which provider to go with.  An excellent package on Giganews is the 50GB per month with SSL.  This is $18/mo, and it gets you something like 30 connections.  The SSL add-on to the regular silver package is $5/mo.

You can get the complete run down on their prices for new customers and signups at their website by clicking on Pricing/Signup, at the top of page.

To summarize, Usenet will give you access to just about anything.  TV/DVD/CD/HighDef/Books/anything.  Make sure you get SSL, regardless.  Look for a premium provider.  You can't go wrong with Giganews.  I've been using their service for over a year now, and as you can see from the above, I've been through most of the other top tier providers (easynews, newshosting, etc), as well as some low rent providers (usenet4all, etc).  You will not be sorry if you go with Giganews.  The money will not be wasted, and your Usenet experience will be that much better for it.

Look for more posts on Usenet in the coming days and weeks.  Topics will include:

• WTF is this Usenet shit?  Why do I care?
• How do I download?  
• What's the best newsreader software for me?  
• WTF is an NZB, where do I get them, and how do I use them? 
• What is a PAR file? How do I use it to fix my archive?
• How do you post anonymously to Usenet? 

How to Upgrade Sickbeard - New Sickbeard Ver 461

SickBeard is rocking out with new releases these days.  Very cool.

If you don't know, SickBeard is an awesome utility to automatically search for, download, and organize TV.  For anybody with a HTPC, or a box streaming video to the TV (that will play file extensions other than some Mac bullsh1t), this utility can be your PVR.  For free.  Do you know Ron Popeil, Ronco?  "Set it and forget it, b1tch."

The latest build is #461, put out a day or so ago.  I've been running this for awhile now, and am upgrading from build #455 (have also done other upgrades in the past).

I figure some people might like a quick how-to on upgrades for SickBeard, since the Wiki is a little thin on the subject.  I could edit/create the page on Wiki, but, meh.

So here's the deal:

• Download the new build zip
• Unzip the files to your installation location (note: i normally don't just unzip them into the prior build...i wouldn't recommend that either...unzip to a new location)
• In your previous sickbeard installation folder, look for the following two files:  config.ini and sickbeard.db
• That is your configuration settings file, and the sickbeard database, respectively
• Copy these files to the new installation directly (where you unzipped the new build)
• Put them in the same directory as sickbeard.exe
• Make sure you have shutdown your old sickbeard if it's running (note: this is prob a good step 1, lol)
• Run Sickbeard.exe

That's it, you're done.  You should be now running the new build, and you are likely looking at a new firefox tab of the SickBeard home screen.

Example of SickBeard home screen - displays TV shows being tracked

To sum up, upgrading is easy.  Download the new build.  Install.  Copy your old Config.ini and Sickbeard.db files to the new install.  Run.

NEWZBIN IS BACK UP!!

Title says it all!  The uber site NEWZBIN is back up and online!!

According to their news bulletin, there is still a lot of work to do, but here are the basics:

• it's up and online, some folks were waiting on dns...also check your cache if you're having problems.  it's been online for a day or two now.
• supposedly accounts and credits are getting transferred (according to their news bulletin) but I was unable to login with old credentials...YMMV
• no payments or credits are being accepted currently
• search and nzb download appear to be fully functional!

In summary, go get your FREAK ON over at NEWZBIN

I've always firmly believed in "getting, while the getting is good." 

Recall the legal story leading to shutdown, the liquidation, the heist of the source code...this is just one of those stories that keeps getting better, and better.

Top Free HTPC Applications

I dropped CableTV quite awhile ago, but honestly, with a HTPC (Home Theatre PC) I don't miss a thing.

Now that all the major content providers are pushing their TV on the web its much easier for folks to walk away from the CableTV bill, and still get "TV".  Nevermind HD OTA (High Definition Over-the-Air) antennas...I'm talking just web here.  There's a truckload of content out there right now.  Free.

If you have an HTPC, and/or have dropped cable and own a computer with an internet connection (preferably high speed), you should be familiar with some basic apps:

1. XBMC
2. Boxee
3. Eventghost
4. ImgBurn / DVD Decrypter

XBMC is probably one of the oldest and well known apps for HTPC it would be ashame if this were the first time you were hearing of it.  Free, open source, and it'll play just about anything.  Great UI for use with a TV, including old TV's, or new TV's.  Playing HD, SD and just about everything.  File formats galore.

Boxee is newer, but is actually based largely on XBMC (check the credits).  The key difference, I think, between Boxee and XBMC lies in the additional Boxee Apps and "social networking aspect".  Boxee is an excellent app to use for free TV.  Boxee can scrape together all the free content out there (Hulu, CBS, Fox, Comedy Central, etc) and display in one easy UI.  Very user friendly.  Very easy.  Try it.

Eventghost is small app that makes it easy to drop the keyboard and stick with a typical "TV remote".  Especially if you own a learning remote, programmable remote, or Logitech-Harmony-style remote.  With Eventghost you can basically push a button on your remote, have Eventghost "ghost" that input and perform any number of different actions on the PC.  Translated:  Hit button on remote, turn on XBMC.  Hit button on remote, turn PC on/off, etc.

ImgBurn and DVD Decrypter are probably some of the easiest and most reliable ways to rip any existing content owned on disc to the hard drive.  Add this to your library, and suddently a gigantic DVD/HDDVD/BluRay shelf full of discs becomes one neat little library of 1's and 0's on your HTPC hard drive.  Imagine your entire movie library at your fingers...






So that's it, basic 4 apps for HTPC.  And you drop CableTV.  Do it!