How to Download and Decode
Last Updated: Sep 02, 2025
If you are using Usenet, then you will most definitely want to download files at some point. As discussed in our article, pro and cons of Usenet and in our article usenet vs torrents, Usenet offers
- Speed
- Security / Privacy
- Ease of Use
Given a good newsreader like the Newshosting Newsreader, downloading can be as easy as 1, 2, 3.
- Start Newshosting Newsreader and enter your username and password
- Search for a file
- Click Download
Common files you will be able to download may include pictures (jpg, gif, bmp), e-books (PDF, doc, djvu), compressed and split rar files.
Direct Downloading From Alt.Binaries
If you subscribe directly to a Newsgroup, then you can download directly without getting involved with nzb files, depending on your personal settings. Typically, this would be related to an interest in a Alt.binaries group which you could be scanning or reviewing directly.
File Formats You’ll Encounter on Usenet ( 2025 Update)
Usenet posts are still dominated by tried-and-true formats like RAR and PAR2, but newer compression and packaging standards are occasionally used. Here’s an updated breakdown:
RAR & Split Archives (.rar, .r00, .r01, .001, .002, etc.)
RAR remains the standard packaging format for binaries on Usenet. Large files are compressed and split into dozens (sometimes hundreds) of smaller pieces for easier upload.
Tools to use:
- WinRAR (Windows) — industry standard, paid but with free trial.
- 7-Zip (Windows, free, open source) — handles RAR, 7z, zip, and more.
- Keka (macOS, free) — full RAR/7z/zip support.
- Unarchiver (macOS, free) — lightweight and popular.
PAR / PAR2 (Parity Archive Files)
These ensure file integrity. If you’re missing pieces of a RAR set, the included PAR2 files can automatically repair them. This is unique to Usenet and critical for reliability.
Tools to use:
NZB (.nzb)
An XML-based pointer file that tells your newsreader exactly where to find all the pieces of a binary. Instead of downloading headers, just load an NZB.
Tools to use:
- SABnzbd (cross-platform, open source).
- NZBGet (lightweight, fast).
- Newsbin Pro (Windows, commercial, advanced).
ISO / BIN / CUE (Disc Images)
CD, DVD, or Blu-ray rips often come in ISO or BIN/CUE image formats. These can be mounted directly or burned.
Tools to use:
- Virtual CloneDrive (Windows, free).
- Daemon Tools Lite (Windows/macOS).
- Built-in ISO mounting in Windows 10+ and macOS Finder.
Video Containers (.mkv, .mp4, .avi, .mov)
Final media files are usually MKV or MP4. AVI and MOV are less common now but still appear in older posts.
Tools to use:
- VLC Media Player (cross-platform, free).
- Plex (media library/streaming).
- Kodi (open-source home theater system).
Audio Files (.mp3, .flac, .aac, .ogg)
Music releases may be lossy MP3s or lossless FLACs, sometimes bundled in RAR archives.
Tools to use:
- Foobar2000 (Windows, lightweight, versatile).
- MusicBee (Windows).
- VLC or Rhythmbox (Linux).
Other Compression Formats (.zip, .7z, .tar.gz, .xz)
While rar dominates, some uploaders now use 7z (better compression ratio) or Unix-based formats like tar.gz or xz.
Newer & Less Common Formats
- RAR5 (.rar with RAR5 standard) — Newer RAR version that requires updated software (older WinRAR versions fail). Supported in WinRAR 5+ and 7-Zip.
- .zst (Zstandard) — Occasionally seen for compressed text/data; open with Zstandard.
- .dmg (macOS disk image) — Rare, but sometimes posted for Mac software; open natively on macOS or with 7-Zip on Windows.
- .7z.001, .7z.002 — Split 7z files, handled like split RARs; recombine in 7-Zip.
