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.

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)

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!**

Giganews Vypr VPN - Secure Browsing on iPhone, iPad, Android, and Computer

So we've already established that Giganews is a pimp Usenet provider, and secure browsing is a good thing.

Check this out:  the Diamond package at Giganews gives you free access to Vypr VPN (from Goldenfrog).  Which, in addition to providing VPN for your computer, also provides VPN for your PHONE.  Yeah that's right, secure browsing on your iPhone, iPad, Android.  Setup is super easy too.

But let's take a step back, WTF are we talking about here?

We're talking about anonymous and secure internet.  Your email, IM, web browsing, VoIP, all that jazz.  Again, this is a good thing.  Still not sure why this is a good thing, read this here:  Why Vypr VPN?

In addition to the obvious benefits of secure web browsing, I would like to call your attention to this little known fact:  Public WiFi hotspots like those you use in airports and coffee shops are especially insecure. Anything you send or receive over WiFi is "visible" and vulnerable to hackers and identity thieves. 

VyprVPN lets you take a secure connection with you everywhere you go.

Illustration of internet traffic before Vypr VPN, and after

So you're sitting there at Starbucks right, or Safeway, or whatever and you're like "Sh1t I need to pay my bills..."  Next thing you know, you're logging into your bank website over the store's free public wifi.  Yeah, you're boned.  I just stole your login name and password.  Yup.  Sucks to be you.  Loving that free internet at the airport, aren't you?  All over your travel accounts (Airlines, Rental Car, Hotels)...yeah you're boned too.

But let's leave that alone for a second too, and go back to the whole VPN on your phone.  iOS and Android will both support VPN.  Supplying the server name, username, and password is about all it takes. 

Everything you need to know about setup can be found here, but install is a walk in the park, any monkey should be able to accomplish it.  Select your install type (Win, Mac, iPhone, Android, Linux, DD-WRT firmware) and the install instructions will walk you through the screens and settings.

iPhone with VPN on and VyprVPN network (misspelled)

Alright, we've established a few things here:

• Giganews is offering Vypr VPN for free for Diamond accounts
• Vypr VPN works for your computer and your phone
• Secure connect over VPN is good for a number of different reasons 
• Setup is easy - supply server address, user, and password

A word on performance.  Anyone who's ever used a proxy before, or a VPN (possibly for a remote work connection) understands how performance can become an important issue.  To be honest, I noticed zero difference in speedtests with VyprVPN on, or off.  I was getting a max connection either time.  The only limit is the amount I pay for through Comcrap, err Comcast.

I give VyprVPN 5 stars for this reason (performance), as well as ease of use, and functionality (works on your phone!)  No problems or issues to report.

So, if you're already a Giganews Diamond account holder, go setup VyprVPN (its free!).

Or, if you're not a Giganews account holder:
1 - check out Giganews, it's badass
2 - check out Vypr VPN, it is also badass

*last note: you can easily verify setup is working if you are connected and if your IP has changed.  if it is connected, and your IP has changed, your setup is successful!

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?