NewsWatcher

Freeware

Current Version: 2.2.2

NewsWatcher is a fabulous newsreader by the estimable John Norstad. It's powerful, easy-to-use, reliable, and extremely fast. It's also remarkably well-documented, with three types of help: 1) extensive balloon help for every object in the program; 2) an exhaustive reference guide available from the (balloon) help menu; and 3) the most incredibly well-written 150+ page electronic documentation (available separately) that I've ever seen for any program, commercial or otherwise. This documentation is not only well-written--it's stunningly informative, with exhaustive and lucid information on everything from the most advanced aspects of NewsWatcher to a superbly organized section of information on the Usenet itself. If you're just starting out in the world of Macintosh newsreading, there isn't a better newsreader to begin exploring with. And when you're ready for more power, you can "upgrade" to one of NewsWatcher's more powerful variants (also available on this page) that add sophisticated features (such as filtering) that serious news junkies just can't live without. NewsWatcher (like its variants) is freeware, and very much worth a look. Version 2.2 addresses many Good Netkeeping Seal of Approval issues, as well as fixing minor bugs; versions 2.2.1 and 2.2.2 are bug-fix releases.