21-November-2006

One of the most exciting features in Agent 4.2 is integrated support for importing and exporting NZB files.

What is an NZB File?

An NZB file contains a list of Usenet message headers. As an alternative to retrieving lots of headers from a news server, you can import a small number of headers from an NZB file. For example:

• An NZB file might contain the RAR and PAR headers for a large binary.
• Another NZB might contain all the JPG files in a picture series.
• Yet another might contain several interesting threads from a text newsgroup.

Importing NZB Files

Whether an NZB file comes from a web site, a newsgroup, or a friend, Agent makes it easy to import and download. Just open any file with an .NZB extension and Agent will show you this screen:

Here are just a few of Agent's features for importing NZB files and retrieving bodies:

• The complete list of headers can be previewed prior to import.
• The total size of all files (top right) and a separate total for just the PAR files is shown.
• NZB headers can be imported to the newsgroup designated by the NZB file (as shown) or to a custom folder that you designate. Many users set up special folders to fine tune NZB processing.
• The target folder determines how bodies are retrieved. Agent lets you override these settings each time you import.
• Body retrieval options include Mark headers for later retrieval or Get bodies immediately with the appropriate priority.
• Body retrieval can even be refined based on file extensions. For example, the default configuration avoids download of PAR files until you decide it's necessary.

Exporting NZB Files

NZB support would not be complete without the ability to create your own NZB files. Select the messages, export an NZB file and send it to a friend or post it back to Usenet. This makes it easy to share a download or refer to an interesting message thread.

About Forté

Forté is focused on developing Usenet and email functionality for the Agent family of products. We are also developing service offerings to complement our Agent Premium News (APN) Service.

Regards,

The Forté Team