How to Improve Usenet Speed in NewsLeecher

NewsLeecher is a powerful newsreader that supports advanced features and strong performance. To make the most of your Usenet access, it's important to configure it for optimal speed and reliability. This guide outlines recommended settings and tuning tips.

1. Use the Correct Server Settings

Make sure you’ve entered the correct server address for your Eweka account:

• Server Address: news.eweka.nl

• Port Numbers: 563 for SSL (recommended), or 119, 80, or 81 for non-SSL

• Connections: Set up to 20 connections (the Eweka maximum)

Check your username and password to verify they are accurate. Using incorrect credentials may cause slow or failed access attempts.

2. Enable SSL

SSL encryption protects your activity and may result in more stable performance. Use port 563 to enable SSL. To activate SSL in NewsLeecher:

1. Go to the server settings.

2. Check the option for SSL.

3. Use port 563.

3. Match Your Number of Connections to Your Internet Speed

Setting too many connections may overwhelm your system or network, while too few may underuse available bandwidth. Here are some general guidelines:

Start with the recommended number and adjust as needed to avoid performance drops.

4. Destination Folders Settings

Solid state drives (SSD) are faster than NAS or spinning disk-based drives (HDD). Saving to a location on an SSD drive will speed up processing.

5. Limit the Number of Simultaneous Tasks

Running too many tasks at once may reduce stability. Keep simultaneous tasks low—especially on older computers or slower connections. Prioritize fewer tasks to improve reliability.

6. Check for Interference from Security Software

Firewalls, antivirus tools, or VPNs might interfere with Usenet activity. Try temporarily disabling these (when safe) to test their impact on speed. If they affect performance, add NewsLeecher as an exception.

7. Avoid Wi-Fi When Possible

A wired Ethernet connection is typically more stable and faster than Wi-Fi. If you're experiencing inconsistent speeds, switching to a wired connection may help.

8. Keep NewsLeecher Up to Date

Use the latest version of NewsLeecher to benefit from performance improvements and bug fixes. Outdated versions may include inefficiencies that affect speed.

9. Verify Article Retention Settings

Eweka offers one of the highest article retention levels. Make sure NewsLeecher is set to access the full article history available. Go to your server settings and confirm that the article retention range is not limited by local settings.

10. Download Settings

If you know your Internet connection’s speed limit, entering that number in the Download section will help NewsLeecher allocate processing power more efficiently.

Also, moving small articles to the top of the queue may speed up transfers. Select this option and define the size threshold within the Download section.

Download Scheduler

Use the scheduler to limit or pause NewsLeecher’s bandwidth usage by time of day and day of the week. This can help manage usage during peak hours.

11. NZB Files

Use the Auto Import Scanner setting to specify a watch folder. Any NZB placed in this folder will automatically be imported into NewsLeecher.

12. Repair / Extract

Check the option to Postpone RAR Extraction While Downloading. This prevents your system from handling extraction and access tasks simultaneously, which may improve overall performance.