Usenet – Download to the MAX
I've been interested in Usenet since a few months ago after having some problems with the inconsistent download speed by those file sharing service provider (RS, MU, etc.), especially Rapidshare. Sometimes the download speed can drop to 20kB/s, a super-slow speed for a premium user. This happens after they've restricted their bandwidth usage. Before they have those rules, the average speed always consistent between 130-160kB/s. Well, maybe it's about my 1 mbps streamyx connection but when I tested with Megaupload, I get a steady 70-100+kB/s speed and with my hosting server, I get 160+kB/s consistently (the server is not located in Malaysia). So, I blame RS for this.
Thus, I've been trying to find a solution for this problem since I can't upgrade my streamyx speed due to the limited service availability in my area. Then I found Usenet and signed up for some free trial usenet services since TMNet's usenet doesn't have those "alt.binaries" stuffZ 
. The free thingy managed to give me a speed of 80+kB/s, which is quite good for a free service (I won't get that speed from free account on either RS or MU), and today after "topping up" my PayPal account, I signed up for a pay-per-block (per usage) package. With the usenet server located in EU, I get a consistent 140-150+kB/s download speed which is very satisfying for me, plus they also have a one month unlimited usage package which is more cheaper than a one month RS account.
go Usenet!!
**btw, my mom and my aunt had gone to hajj last Friday. Semoga ibadah mereka diterima Allah. Amin...