Introduction
SABnzbd
SABnzbd1 is a program to download binary files from Usenet servers. Many people upload all sorts of interesting material to Usenet and you need a special program to get this material with the least effort.
If you are a beginner with Usenet, you should first find a website explaining the concepts2.
You should especially find out about how to get the NZB files that define your downloads.
SABnzbd is certainly not the only program in its kind, but it does have some characteristics that make it attractive.
| Server-oriented | SABnzbd does not have a fancy Windows interface. Its typical use is for server-like installations, where SABnzbd happily runs in the background either on your desktop system or on a real server. You can run the program on one computer and access the user interface from another one. |
| Automated | SABnzbd takes care of all the hassle of downloading, verifying, repairing, unpacking and deleting garbage. You throw an NZB file at SABnzbd and some time later a complete and directly usable download is available. You can even throw in your own post-processing script to make it even more suited to your needs. |
| Light-weight | SABnzbd has a relatively low impact on the computer it runs on. It can be a fairly old type (Pentium II or III). Only when PAR2 repairing and unpacking occurs, you will notice the heavy disk activity. Hey, some people run it on a NAS device! |
| Nice looking | OK, the standard user interface is boring. However, several people have created better looking and fancier skins for it. Like the included Plush and Smpl skins |
| Extensible | Several people have created utilities to support SABnzbd. |
| Well supported | There is a lively User's Forum available |
For people not familiar with the English language, there's a beginner's tutorial in Dutch on an external website.3:
