On 14/07/2022 19:25, Paul wrote:
> On 7/14/2022 8:56 AM, David Brooks wrote:
>
>> Thank you so much for commenting, Paul.
>>
>> If you were to try to access ANY of the groups on 'news.myplugbox.com'
>> using Thunderbird, would you see this barrier put up before you?
>>
>> https://imgur.com/gallery/XIegOjU
>>
>> Please advise. Thank you.
>
> If you tick "Always Request Authentication" in the Thunderbird
> server settings page, it will prompt like that. And you need
> to do that, to become Authenticated.
>
> You cannot see 1,2,3,4,5 unless you enter valid account details.
>
> If you untick the box, then you see 1,2 and there will be no prompt.
>
> USENET protocol uses a "submit" method, rather than a "request" method
> for authentication. Nobody at myplugbox asked for that detail,
> but if you submit a userid and password, magic things may happen.
> That's how the USENET protocol works.

Your comments are always extremely helpful, Paul. Thank you.

I have now established that if one accesses the news.myplugbox.com
newsserver from the USA, there is *NO* log-on requirement to reach some
18 newsgroups, including a 'test' group.

Whenever anyone posts a message on any such group, it appears that they
expose their real IP address - revealing their physical location. Not
only that, but I'm fairly sure that such IP addresses can provide easy
access to hack into the users home computer(s).

AFAICT the newsgroup users have NO IDEA that their posted messages can
be read by /anyone/ who cares to look at what is said and the images
which are shared.

Because the server-owner, here in the UK, has put a blanket ban on all
visitors using BT as their ISP, access to the groups is only possible if
one can provide a User Name and Password. Rather heavy handed, I'm sure
you will agree.

From errors made by certain posters in the past, I am fully aware that
there ARE other 'private' newsgroups above and beyond the 18 mentioned
earlier. The question now is, ARE such groups being used for
/clandestine/ purposes and if so, WHAT?

--
Kind regards,
David

"mike" <this@address.is.invalid> wrote

| > Your numbers seem awfully slow, though. Displaying
| > an image should be virtually instant in all cases. So it
| > doesn't really matter.
| | You are not taking into account the /loading time/ to start the program.
| | That's usually long for any Adobe or Microsoft or other big-name program.
|

Yes, that's a good point. In many cases I'm just viewing
one image myself, so loading time matters. That's also
why I use Notepad for almost everything written. It's
instant. I hate to even receive a docx because it takes
Libre Office 5 seconds to get up off the floor.

On 14-07-2022 14:38 Mayayana <mayayana@invalid.nospam> wrote:

>| You are not taking into account the /loading time/ to start the program.
>|
>| That's usually long for any Adobe or Microsoft or other big-name program.
>|
>
> Yes, that's a good point. In many cases I'm just viewing
> one image myself, so loading time matters.

The loading time matters a lot when it's long as it is will all the big
name products from Adobe, Microsoft, and HP.

Given the good programs load quickly, the fastest way to view files is NOT
to start the program and then try to find the file using that program or
keeping that program wasting resources in the background, but to just
doubleclick on the image/audio/video file which starts the program.

That's why it's so nice Irfanview's loading time is essentially
instantaneous as it not only starts itself up quickly but loads the file
quickly that you doubleclicked upon.

MPC is also fast to come up for audio and video files, at least compared to
the likes of VLC or compared to any AV player that comes out of Microsoft.

With the speed of the program being very important since the program and
the file are opened at the same time from the users perspective, is there
ANY other image/audio/video viewing program that you can think of whose
startup is as instantaneous as Irfanview & MPC when you doubleclick on the
image or audio or video file?

On 15-07-2022 01:58 nospam <nospam@nospam.invalid> wrote:

>>> it's also not needed to step through images, which is the task you
>>> describe.
>>
>> What? Are you nuts? There's something wrong with anyone who says that.
>> What kind of person would say stepping through images is "not needed?"
>
> read it all again, this time for comprehension.

You're nuts if you think people don't just doubleclick on an audio, video,
or image file to instantly bring it up - and then spacebar/backspace step
forward & backward through each of the similar file types in the folder.

In article <taq36g$6uo6$1@solani.org>, mike <this@address.is.invalid>
wrote:

>
> >>> it's also not needed to step through images, which is the task you
> >>> describe.
> >>
> >> What? Are you nuts? There's something wrong with anyone who says that.
> >> What kind of person would say stepping through images is "not needed?"
> >
> > read it all again, this time for comprehension.
>
> You're nuts if you think people don't just doubleclick on an audio, video,
> or image file to instantly bring it up - and then spacebar/backspace step
> forward & backward through each of the similar file types in the folder.

like i said, read it again, this time for comprehension.

what you describe can be done on a mac without any third party apps,
which means zero launch time.

it's obvious that you're trolling, but at least put some effort into it.

In article <taq2ck$2qm09$1@dont-email.me>, Mayayana
<mayayana@invalid.nospam> wrote:

> In many cases I'm just viewing
> one image myself, so loading time matters.

instant is not fast enough?

> That's also
> why I use Notepad for almost everything written. It's
> instant. I hate to even receive a docx because it takes
> Libre Office 5 seconds to get up off the floor.

get a faster system.

on a mac, reading a docx is instant, without the need for libre office,
microsoft word or another third party app. the same applies to many
other formats.

On Jul 14, 2022 at 2:30:18 PM MST, "David Brooks" wrote
<MV%zK.367113$70_9.247364@fx10.ams1>:

> On 14/07/2022 19:25, Paul wrote:
>> On 7/14/2022 8:56 AM, David Brooks wrote:
>>
>>> Thank you so much for commenting, Paul.
>>>
>>> If you were to try to access ANY of the groups on 'news.myplugbox.com'
>>> using Thunderbird, would you see this barrier put up before you?
>>>
>>> https://imgur.com/gallery/XIegOjU
>>>
>>> Please advise. Thank you.
>>
>> If you tick "Always Request Authentication" in the Thunderbird
>> server settings page, it will prompt like that. And you need
>> to do that, to become Authenticated.
>>
>> You cannot see 1,2,3,4,5 unless you enter valid account details.
>>
>> If you untick the box, then you see 1,2 and there will be no prompt.
>>
>> USENET protocol uses a "submit" method, rather than a "request" method
>> for authentication. Nobody at myplugbox asked for that detail,
>> but if you submit a userid and password, magic things may happen.
>> That's how the USENET protocol works.
>
> Your comments are always extremely helpful, Paul. Thank you.
>
> I have now established that if one accesses the news.myplugbox.com
> newsserver from the USA, there is *NO* log-on requirement to reach some
> 18 newsgroups, including a 'test' group.
>
> Whenever anyone posts a message on any such group, it appears that they
> expose their real IP address - revealing their physical location. Not
> only that, but I'm fairly sure that such IP addresses can provide easy
> access to hack into the users home computer(s).
>
> AFAICT the newsgroup users have NO IDEA that their posted messages can
> be read by /anyone/ who cares to look at what is said and the images
> which are shared.

Given that there is no user account needed, why would they not know?

> Because the server-owner, here in the UK, has put a blanket ban on all
> visitors using BT as their ISP, access to the groups is only possible if
> one can provide a User Name and Password. Rather heavy handed, I'm sure
> you will agree.
>
> From errors made by certain posters in the past, I am fully aware that
> there ARE other 'private' newsgroups above and beyond the 18 mentioned
> earlier. The question now is, ARE such groups being used for
> /clandestine/ purposes and if so, WHAT?

How do you know there are other groups? Who are they for?

--
Personal attacks from those who troll show their own insecurity. They cannot use reason to show the message to be wrong so they try to feel somehow superior by attacking the messenger.

They cling to their attacks and ignore the message time and time again.

On 15/07/2022 00:25, Snit wrote:
> On Jul 14, 2022 at 2:30:18 PM MST, "David Brooks" wrote
> <MV%zK.367113$70_9.247364@fx10.ams1>:
>
>> On 14/07/2022 19:25, Paul wrote:
>>> On 7/14/2022 8:56 AM, David Brooks wrote:
>>>
>>>> Thank you so much for commenting, Paul.
>>>>
>>>> If you were to try to access ANY of the groups on 'news.myplugbox.com'
>>>> using Thunderbird, would you see this barrier put up before you?
>>>>
>>>> https://imgur.com/gallery/XIegOjU
>>>>
>>>> Please advise. Thank you.
>>>
>>> If you tick "Always Request Authentication" in the Thunderbird
>>> server settings page, it will prompt like that. And you need
>>> to do that, to become Authenticated.
>>>
>>> You cannot see 1,2,3,4,5 unless you enter valid account details.
>>>
>>> If you untick the box, then you see 1,2 and there will be no prompt.
>>>
>>> USENET protocol uses a "submit" method, rather than a "request" method
>>> for authentication. Nobody at myplugbox asked for that detail,
>>> but if you submit a userid and password, magic things may happen.
>>> That's how the USENET protocol works.
>>
>> Your comments are always extremely helpful, Paul. Thank you.
>>
>> I have now established that if one accesses the news.myplugbox.com
>> newsserver from the USA, there is *NO* log-on requirement to reach some
>> 18 newsgroups, including a 'test' group.
>>
>> Whenever anyone posts a message on any such group, it appears that they
>> expose their real IP address - revealing their physical location. Not
>> only that, but I'm fairly sure that such IP addresses can provide easy
>> access to hack into the users home computer(s).
>>
>> AFAICT the newsgroup users have NO IDEA that their posted messages can
>> be read by /anyone/ who cares to look at what is said and the images
>> which are shared.
>
> Given that there is no user account needed, why would they not know?

Most newsgroup users would have no idea how to read a message header!
They've been led to believe that they transposed from a place of safety
(Annexcafe) to another safe place on the Usenet (but, of course, it is
NOT part of Usenet!)

>> Because the server-owner, here in the UK, has put a blanket ban on all
>> visitors using BT as their ISP, access to the groups is only possible if
>> one can provide a User Name and Password. Rather heavy handed, I'm sure
>> you will agree.
>>
>> From errors made by certain posters in the past, I am fully aware that
>> there ARE other 'private' newsgroups above and beyond the 18 mentioned
>> earlier. The question now is, ARE such groups being used for
>> /clandestine/ purposes and if so, WHAT?
>
> How do you know there are other groups? Who are they for?

Careful monitoring of posts on the server over a long time period.

Who they are for is what I'd very much like to ascertain!

On Jul 14, 2022 at 4:38:15 PM MST, "David Brooks" wrote
<KN1AK.307166$B0_9.108198@fx13.ams1>:

> On 15/07/2022 00:25, Snit wrote:
>> On Jul 14, 2022 at 2:30:18 PM MST, "David Brooks" wrote
>> <MV%zK.367113$70_9.247364@fx10.ams1>:
>>
>>> On 14/07/2022 19:25, Paul wrote:
>>>> On 7/14/2022 8:56 AM, David Brooks wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Thank you so much for commenting, Paul.
>>>>>
>>>>> If you were to try to access ANY of the groups on 'news.myplugbox.com'
>>>>> using Thunderbird, would you see this barrier put up before you?
>>>>>
>>>>> https://imgur.com/gallery/XIegOjU
>>>>>
>>>>> Please advise. Thank you.
>>>>
>>>> If you tick "Always Request Authentication" in the Thunderbird
>>>> server settings page, it will prompt like that. And you need
>>>> to do that, to become Authenticated.
>>>>
>>>> You cannot see 1,2,3,4,5 unless you enter valid account details.
>>>>
>>>> If you untick the box, then you see 1,2 and there will be no prompt.
>>>>
>>>> USENET protocol uses a "submit" method, rather than a "request" method
>>>> for authentication. Nobody at myplugbox asked for that detail,
>>>> but if you submit a userid and password, magic things may happen.
>>>> That's how the USENET protocol works.
>>>
>>> Your comments are always extremely helpful, Paul. Thank you.
>>>
>>> I have now established that if one accesses the news.myplugbox.com
>>> newsserver from the USA, there is *NO* log-on requirement to reach some
>>> 18 newsgroups, including a 'test' group.
>>>
>>> Whenever anyone posts a message on any such group, it appears that they
>>> expose their real IP address - revealing their physical location. Not
>>> only that, but I'm fairly sure that such IP addresses can provide easy
>>> access to hack into the users home computer(s).
>>>
>>> AFAICT the newsgroup users have NO IDEA that their posted messages can
>>> be read by /anyone/ who cares to look at what is said and the images
>>> which are shared.
>>
>> Given that there is no user account needed, why would they not know?
>
> Most newsgroup users would have no idea how to read a message header!

Not sure about "most", but many do. It is pretty easy in most clients, and
most of us on Usenet are older users who have been on here since the 1980s or
'90s. But there are certainly those who would not think about it.

> They've been led to believe that they transposed from a place of safety
> (Annexcafe) to another safe place on the Usenet (but, of course, it is
> NOT part of Usenet!)
>
>>> Because the server-owner, here in the UK, has put a blanket ban on all
>>> visitors using BT as their ISP, access to the groups is only possible if
>>> one can provide a User Name and Password. Rather heavy handed, I'm sure
>>> you will agree.
>>>
>>> From errors made by certain posters in the past, I am fully aware that
>>> there ARE other 'private' newsgroups above and beyond the 18 mentioned
>>> earlier. The question now is, ARE such groups being used for
>>> /clandestine/ purposes and if so, WHAT?
>>
>> How do you know there are other groups? Who are they for?
>
> Careful monitoring of posts on the server over a long time period.

What did you find?

> Who they are for is what I'd very much like to ascertain!

Why?

--
Personal attacks from those who troll show their own insecurity. They cannot use reason to show the message to be wrong so they try to feel somehow superior by attacking the messenger.

They cling to their attacks and ignore the message time and time again.

"mike" <this@address.is.invalid> wrote

| With the speed of the program being very important since the program and
| the file are opened at the same time from the users perspective, is there
| ANY other image/audio/video viewing program that you can think of whose
| startup is as instantaneous as Irfanview & MPC when you doubleclick on the
| image or audio or video file?

I haven't used anything but IV for over 20 years.
Though I often use Paint Shop Pro 5 for editing. That's
pretty much instant. I even have it on my right-click
menu: "Open with PSP"

PSP16, in contrast, is a sloppy pig that takes several
seconds to load and several more seconds before it's
working properly. I'll never buy anything else from Corel.
(Which is not to say I'd ever buy anything from Adobe. :)

I use MPC on XP. I've been using VLC on Win7/10, but
it's not something I use a lot, so I can't say I've noticed
how fast it is. I just know it malfunctions on XP.

On 15-07-2022 00:58 nospam <nospam@nospam.invalid> wrote:

> what you describe can be done on a mac without any third party apps,
> which means zero launch time.

IrfanView for Mac - the best Alternative
Jul 14, 2022
Many Mac users search in vain for the popular image viewer IrfanView.
https://technical-tips.com/blog/macos/irfanview-for-mac--the-4179

On 15 Jul 2022 at 03:07:20 BST, mike wrote:

> On 15-07-2022 00:58 nospam <nospam@nospam.invalid> wrote:
>
>> what you describe can be done on a mac without any third party apps,
>> which means zero launch time.
>
> IrfanView for Mac - the best Alternative
> Jul 14, 2022
> Many Mac users search in vain for the popular image viewer IrfanView.
> https://technical-tips.com/blog/macos/irfanview-for-mac--the-4179

Um. Best Alternative 1: Preview. Not sure of your point?

--
Cheers, Rob

On 15-07-2022 03:30 RJH <patchmoney@gmx.com> wrote:

> Um. Best Alternative 1: Preview. Not sure of your point?

You mac users don't get the point because you've never used Irfanview.
You don't even know what you're missing. You're blind to technology.

It's as if you lived your whole life in the Amazon rain forest.
You think a dugout canoe is the very latest in speedboat technology.

The point is there is a reason that nobody on Windows is looking for the
"best alternative to Irvanview" but all the mac users who know about
Irfanview are looking for those features on the mac and can't find them.

This is just one of very many mac users who knows what the mac is missing.

Mac Image Viewers: looking for an IrfanView clone
https://n0tablog.wordpress.com/2008/07/11/mac-image-viewers-looking-for-an-irfanview-clone/

In the Windows world IrfanView is the definitive image viewer: intuitive
yet powerful, it can be used for virtually any image processing, from
impromptu slide shows to massive batch operations.

Well, I switched to a Mac, so I tried to find an equivalent. Sadly, there
is not one, but there are some good partial substitutes.

The following are my very brief notes for my own use. They ignore the
features I do not care about.

What do I care about?

view images full screen,
navigate within (and, ideally, beyond) the folder while in fuyll-screen
mode
rotate with a hotkey
lossless rotate (for jpegs)
resize
crop
copy
Current Mac Preview looses the ability to go to the next image when in
full-screen mode, thus forcing me into this search.

On 15/07/2022 01:18, Snit wrote:
> On Jul 14, 2022 at 4:38:15 PM MST, "David Brooks" wrote
> <KN1AK.307166$B0_9.108198@fx13.ams1>:
>
>> On 15/07/2022 00:25, Snit wrote:
>>> On Jul 14, 2022 at 2:30:18 PM MST, "David Brooks" wrote
>>> <MV%zK.367113$70_9.247364@fx10.ams1>:
>>>
>>>> On 14/07/2022 19:25, Paul wrote:
>>>>> On 7/14/2022 8:56 AM, David Brooks wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Thank you so much for commenting, Paul.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> If you were to try to access ANY of the groups on 'news.myplugbox.com'
>>>>>> using Thunderbird, would you see this barrier put up before you?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> https://imgur.com/gallery/XIegOjU
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Please advise. Thank you.
>>>>>
>>>>> If you tick "Always Request Authentication" in the Thunderbird
>>>>> server settings page, it will prompt like that. And you need
>>>>> to do that, to become Authenticated.
>>>>>
>>>>> You cannot see 1,2,3,4,5 unless you enter valid account details.
>>>>>
>>>>> If you untick the box, then you see 1,2 and there will be no prompt.
>>>>>
>>>>> USENET protocol uses a "submit" method, rather than a "request" method
>>>>> for authentication. Nobody at myplugbox asked for that detail,
>>>>> but if you submit a userid and password, magic things may happen.
>>>>> That's how the USENET protocol works.
>>>>
>>>> Your comments are always extremely helpful, Paul. Thank you.
>>>>
>>>> I have now established that if one accesses the news.myplugbox.com
>>>> newsserver from the USA, there is *NO* log-on requirement to reach some
>>>> 18 newsgroups, including a 'test' group.
>>>>
>>>> Whenever anyone posts a message on any such group, it appears that they
>>>> expose their real IP address - revealing their physical location. Not
>>>> only that, but I'm fairly sure that such IP addresses can provide easy
>>>> access to hack into the users home computer(s).
>>>>
>>>> AFAICT the newsgroup users have NO IDEA that their posted messages can
>>>> be read by /anyone/ who cares to look at what is said and the images
>>>> which are shared.
>>>
>>> Given that there is no user account needed, why would they not know?
>>
>> Most newsgroup users would have no idea how to read a message header!
>
> Not sure about "most", but many do. It is pretty easy in most clients, and
> most of us on Usenet are older users who have been on here since the 1980s or
> '90s. But there are certainly those who would not think about it.

I'm sure you are right about Usenet folk. I was referring to those who
transferred from the 'private' Annexcafe newsgroups to the 'private'
server called myplugbox (or dogagent).

>> They've been led to believe that they transposed from a place of safety
>> (Annexcafe) to another safe place on the Usenet (but, of course, it is
>> NOT part of Usenet!)
>>
>>>> Because the server-owner, here in the UK, has put a blanket ban on all
>>>> visitors using BT as their ISP, access to the groups is only possible if
>>>> one can provide a User Name and Password. Rather heavy handed, I'm sure
>>>> you will agree.
>>>>
>>>> From errors made by certain posters in the past, I am fully aware that
>>>> there ARE other 'private' newsgroups above and beyond the 18 mentioned
>>>> earlier. The question now is, ARE such groups being used for
>>>> /clandestine/ purposes and if so, WHAT?
>>>
>>> How do you know there are other groups? Who are they for?
>>
>> Careful monitoring of posts on the server over a long time period.
>
> What did you find?

That even the most clever of folk can, and do, make mistakes.

>> Who they are for is what I'd very much like to ascertain!
>
> Why?

That is a VERY good question! At one stage I considered that they might
be being used for terrorist activities but now accept that it may simply
be for committing criminal computer trespass.

On the other hand, it may be a trap set by the Three Letter Aencies!
(TLA - like the CIA, FBI, MI5 and MI6!)

It would be nice to have my curiosity satisfied.

On Jul 15, 2022 at 12:27:49 AM MST, "David Brooks" wrote
<VF8AK.367115$70_9.352341@fx10.ams1>:

> On 15/07/2022 01:18, Snit wrote:
>> On Jul 14, 2022 at 4:38:15 PM MST, "David Brooks" wrote
>> <KN1AK.307166$B0_9.108198@fx13.ams1>:
>>
>>> On 15/07/2022 00:25, Snit wrote:
>>>> On Jul 14, 2022 at 2:30:18 PM MST, "David Brooks" wrote
>>>> <MV%zK.367113$70_9.247364@fx10.ams1>:
>>>>
>>>>> On 14/07/2022 19:25, Paul wrote:
>>>>>> On 7/14/2022 8:56 AM, David Brooks wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Thank you so much for commenting, Paul.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> If you were to try to access ANY of the groups on 'news.myplugbox.com'
>>>>>>> using Thunderbird, would you see this barrier put up before you?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> https://imgur.com/gallery/XIegOjU
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Please advise. Thank you.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> If you tick "Always Request Authentication" in the Thunderbird
>>>>>> server settings page, it will prompt like that. And you need
>>>>>> to do that, to become Authenticated.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> You cannot see 1,2,3,4,5 unless you enter valid account details.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> If you untick the box, then you see 1,2 and there will be no prompt.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> USENET protocol uses a "submit" method, rather than a "request" method
>>>>>> for authentication. Nobody at myplugbox asked for that detail,
>>>>>> but if you submit a userid and password, magic things may happen.
>>>>>> That's how the USENET protocol works.
>>>>>
>>>>> Your comments are always extremely helpful, Paul. Thank you.
>>>>>
>>>>> I have now established that if one accesses the news.myplugbox.com
>>>>> newsserver from the USA, there is *NO* log-on requirement to reach some
>>>>> 18 newsgroups, including a 'test' group.
>>>>>
>>>>> Whenever anyone posts a message on any such group, it appears that they
>>>>> expose their real IP address - revealing their physical location. Not
>>>>> only that, but I'm fairly sure that such IP addresses can provide easy
>>>>> access to hack into the users home computer(s).
>>>>>
>>>>> AFAICT the newsgroup users have NO IDEA that their posted messages can
>>>>> be read by /anyone/ who cares to look at what is said and the images
>>>>> which are shared.
>>>>
>>>> Given that there is no user account needed, why would they not know?
>>>
>>> Most newsgroup users would have no idea how to read a message header!
>>
>> Not sure about "most", but many do. It is pretty easy in most clients, and
>> most of us on Usenet are older users who have been on here since the 1980s or
>> '90s. But there are certainly those who would not think about it.
>
> I'm sure you are right about Usenet folk. I was referring to those who
> transferred from the 'private' Annexcafe newsgroups to the 'private'
> server called myplugbox (or dogagent).
>
>>> They've been led to believe that they transposed from a place of safety
>>> (Annexcafe) to another safe place on the Usenet (but, of course, it is
>>> NOT part of Usenet!)
>>>
>>>>> Because the server-owner, here in the UK, has put a blanket ban on all
>>>>> visitors using BT as their ISP, access to the groups is only possible if
>>>>> one can provide a User Name and Password. Rather heavy handed, I'm sure
>>>>> you will agree.
>>>>>
>>>>> From errors made by certain posters in the past, I am fully aware that
>>>>> there ARE other 'private' newsgroups above and beyond the 18 mentioned
>>>>> earlier. The question now is, ARE such groups being used for
>>>>> /clandestine/ purposes and if so, WHAT?
>>>>
>>>> How do you know there are other groups? Who are they for?
>>>
>>> Careful monitoring of posts on the server over a long time period.
>>
>> What did you find?
>
> That even the most clever of folk can, and do, make mistakes.
>
>>> Who they are for is what I'd very much like to ascertain!
>>
>> Why?
>
> That is a VERY good question! At one stage I considered that they might
> be being used for terrorist activities but now accept that it may simply
> be for committing criminal computer trespass.

What makes you think this? Not saying you are wrong, just not sure where you
are getting the idea.
>
> On the other hand, it may be a trap set by the Three Letter Aencies!
> (TLA - like the CIA, FBI, MI5 and MI6!)
>
> It would be nice to have my curiosity satisfied.

What makes you think it is anything other than just "some guy" with his own
Usenet server?

--
Personal attacks from those who troll show their own insecurity. They cannot use reason to show the message to be wrong so they try to feel somehow superior by attacking the messenger.

They cling to their attacks and ignore the message time and time again.

On 15/07/2022 08:37, Snit wrote:
> On Jul 15, 2022 at 12:27:49 AM MST, "David Brooks" wrote
> <VF8AK.367115$70_9.352341@fx10.ams1>:
>
>> On 15/07/2022 01:18, Snit wrote:
>>> On Jul 14, 2022 at 4:38:15 PM MST, "David Brooks" wrote
>>> <KN1AK.307166$B0_9.108198@fx13.ams1>:
>>>
>>>> On 15/07/2022 00:25, Snit wrote:
>>>>> On Jul 14, 2022 at 2:30:18 PM MST, "David Brooks" wrote
>>>>> <MV%zK.367113$70_9.247364@fx10.ams1>:
>>>>>
>>>>>> On 14/07/2022 19:25, Paul wrote:
>>>>>>> On 7/14/2022 8:56 AM, David Brooks wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Thank you so much for commenting, Paul.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> If you were to try to access ANY of the groups on 'news.myplugbox.com'
>>>>>>>> using Thunderbird, would you see this barrier put up before you?
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> https://imgur.com/gallery/XIegOjU
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Please advise. Thank you.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> If you tick "Always Request Authentication" in the Thunderbird
>>>>>>> server settings page, it will prompt like that. And you need
>>>>>>> to do that, to become Authenticated.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> You cannot see 1,2,3,4,5 unless you enter valid account details.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> If you untick the box, then you see 1,2 and there will be no prompt.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> USENET protocol uses a "submit" method, rather than a "request" method
>>>>>>> for authentication. Nobody at myplugbox asked for that detail,
>>>>>>> but if you submit a userid and password, magic things may happen.
>>>>>>> That's how the USENET protocol works.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Your comments are always extremely helpful, Paul. Thank you.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I have now established that if one accesses the news.myplugbox.com
>>>>>> newsserver from the USA, there is *NO* log-on requirement to reach some
>>>>>> 18 newsgroups, including a 'test' group.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Whenever anyone posts a message on any such group, it appears that they
>>>>>> expose their real IP address - revealing their physical location. Not
>>>>>> only that, but I'm fairly sure that such IP addresses can provide easy
>>>>>> access to hack into the users home computer(s).
>>>>>>
>>>>>> AFAICT the newsgroup users have NO IDEA that their posted messages can
>>>>>> be read by /anyone/ who cares to look at what is said and the images
>>>>>> which are shared.
>>>>>
>>>>> Given that there is no user account needed, why would they not know?
>>>>
>>>> Most newsgroup users would have no idea how to read a message header!
>>>
>>> Not sure about "most", but many do. It is pretty easy in most clients, and
>>> most of us on Usenet are older users who have been on here since the 1980s or
>>> '90s. But there are certainly those who would not think about it.
>>
>> I'm sure you are right about Usenet folk. I was referring to those who
>> transferred from the 'private' Annexcafe newsgroups to the 'private'
>> server called myplugbox (or dogagent).
>>
>>>> They've been led to believe that they transposed from a place of safety
>>>> (Annexcafe) to another safe place on the Usenet (but, of course, it is
>>>> NOT part of Usenet!)
>>>>
>>>>>> Because the server-owner, here in the UK, has put a blanket ban on all
>>>>>> visitors using BT as their ISP, access to the groups is only possible if
>>>>>> one can provide a User Name and Password. Rather heavy handed, I'm sure
>>>>>> you will agree.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> From errors made by certain posters in the past, I am fully aware that
>>>>>> there ARE other 'private' newsgroups above and beyond the 18 mentioned
>>>>>> earlier. The question now is, ARE such groups being used for
>>>>>> /clandestine/ purposes and if so, WHAT?
>>>>>
>>>>> How do you know there are other groups? Who are they for?
>>>>
>>>> Careful monitoring of posts on the server over a long time period.
>>>
>>> What did you find?
>>
>> That even the most clever of folk can, and do, make mistakes.
>>
>>>> Who they are for is what I'd very much like to ascertain!
>>>
>>> Why?
>>
>> That is a VERY good question! At one stage I considered that they might
>> be being used for terrorist activities but now accept that it may simply
>> be for committing criminal computer trespass.
>
> What makes you think this? Not saying you are wrong, just not sure where you
> are getting the idea.

It all stems back about 15 years to when I received an 'out of the blue'
email from a Microsoft MVP called 'Kuay Tim' suggesting that I'd be
better off asking questions on the Annexcafe User2User newsgroups
(rather that on the Microsoft newsgroups).

>> On the other hand, it may be a trap set by the Three Letter Aencies!
>> (TLA - like the CIA, FBI, MI5 and MI6!)
>>
>> It would be nice to have my curiosity satisfied.
>
> What makes you think it is anything other than just "some guy" with his own
> Usenet server?

Because Dave Higham, the server owner, provided back-up to the Annexcafe
newsgroups and has now given authority to 'Winston' to control his
server as if it is his own. I suspect that if YOU try asking questions
on the current User2User group YOU will be banished from there too!

On 15 Jul 2022 at 06:48:42 BST, mike wrote:

> On 15-07-2022 03:30 RJH <patchmoney@gmx.com> wrote:
>
>> Um. Best Alternative 1: Preview. Not sure of your point?
>
> You mac users don't get the point because you've never used Irfanview.
> You don't even know what you're missing. You're blind to technology.
>

Well, I have (see upthread).

> It's as if you lived your whole life in the Amazon rain forest.
> You think a dugout canoe is the very latest in speedboat technology.
>
> The point is there is a reason that nobody on Windows is looking for the
> "best alternative to Irvanview" but all the mac users who know about
> Irfanview are looking for those features on the mac and can't find them.
>

I don't think many Mac users frequent that site :-)

> This is just one of very many mac users who knows what the mac is missing.
>
> Mac Image Viewers: looking for an IrfanView clone
> https://n0tablog.wordpress.com/2008/07/11/mac-image-viewers-looking-for-an-irfanview-clone/
>
> In the Windows world IrfanView is the definitive image viewer: intuitive
> yet powerful, it can be used for virtually any image processing, from
> impromptu slide shows to massive batch operations.
>
> Well, I switched to a Mac, so I tried to find an equivalent. Sadly, there
> is not one, but there are some good partial substitutes.
>
> The following are my very brief notes for my own use. They ignore the
> features I do not care about.
>
> What do I care about?
>
> view images full screen,
> navigate within (and, ideally, beyond) the folder while in fuyll-screen
> mode
> rotate with a hotkey
> lossless rotate (for jpegs)
> resize
> crop
> copy

Do you actually read anything you post? That (almost 10 years old) link lists
several features the poster requires - all of which are present in Preview.
While a swallow a summer does not make, an old post on the web that actually
refutes your point defies common sense.

> Current Mac Preview looses the ability to go to the next image when in
> full-screen mode, thus forcing me into this search.

Not that I would ever use it, but I can do that here on an up to date Mac.

--
Cheers, Rob

On Jul 15, 2022 at 1:29:10 AM MST, "David Brooks" wrote
<qz9AK.468817$83a5.287815@fx05.ams1>:

> On 15/07/2022 08:37, Snit wrote:
>> On Jul 15, 2022 at 12:27:49 AM MST, "David Brooks" wrote
>> <VF8AK.367115$70_9.352341@fx10.ams1>:
>>
>>> On 15/07/2022 01:18, Snit wrote:
>>>> On Jul 14, 2022 at 4:38:15 PM MST, "David Brooks" wrote
>>>> <KN1AK.307166$B0_9.108198@fx13.ams1>:
>>>>
>>>>> On 15/07/2022 00:25, Snit wrote:
>>>>>> On Jul 14, 2022 at 2:30:18 PM MST, "David Brooks" wrote
>>>>>> <MV%zK.367113$70_9.247364@fx10.ams1>:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> On 14/07/2022 19:25, Paul wrote:
>>>>>>>> On 7/14/2022 8:56 AM, David Brooks wrote:
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Thank you so much for commenting, Paul.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> If you were to try to access ANY of the groups on 'news.myplugbox.com'
>>>>>>>>> using Thunderbird, would you see this barrier put up before you?
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> https://imgur.com/gallery/XIegOjU
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Please advise. Thank you.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> If you tick "Always Request Authentication" in the Thunderbird
>>>>>>>> server settings page, it will prompt like that. And you need
>>>>>>>> to do that, to become Authenticated.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> You cannot see 1,2,3,4,5 unless you enter valid account details.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> If you untick the box, then you see 1,2 and there will be no prompt.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> USENET protocol uses a "submit" method, rather than a "request" method
>>>>>>>> for authentication. Nobody at myplugbox asked for that detail,
>>>>>>>> but if you submit a userid and password, magic things may happen.
>>>>>>>> That's how the USENET protocol works.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Your comments are always extremely helpful, Paul. Thank you.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I have now established that if one accesses the news.myplugbox.com
>>>>>>> newsserver from the USA, there is *NO* log-on requirement to reach some
>>>>>>> 18 newsgroups, including a 'test' group.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Whenever anyone posts a message on any such group, it appears that they
>>>>>>> expose their real IP address - revealing their physical location. Not
>>>>>>> only that, but I'm fairly sure that such IP addresses can provide easy
>>>>>>> access to hack into the users home computer(s).
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> AFAICT the newsgroup users have NO IDEA that their posted messages can
>>>>>>> be read by /anyone/ who cares to look at what is said and the images
>>>>>>> which are shared.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Given that there is no user account needed, why would they not know?
>>>>>
>>>>> Most newsgroup users would have no idea how to read a message header!
>>>>
>>>> Not sure about "most", but many do. It is pretty easy in most clients, and
>>>> most of us on Usenet are older users who have been on here since the 1980s or
>>>> '90s. But there are certainly those who would not think about it.
>>>
>>> I'm sure you are right about Usenet folk. I was referring to those who
>>> transferred from the 'private' Annexcafe newsgroups to the 'private'
>>> server called myplugbox (or dogagent).
>>>
>>>>> They've been led to believe that they transposed from a place of safety
>>>>> (Annexcafe) to another safe place on the Usenet (but, of course, it is
>>>>> NOT part of Usenet!)
>>>>>
>>>>>>> Because the server-owner, here in the UK, has put a blanket ban on all
>>>>>>> visitors using BT as their ISP, access to the groups is only possible if
>>>>>>> one can provide a User Name and Password. Rather heavy handed, I'm sure
>>>>>>> you will agree.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> From errors made by certain posters in the past, I am fully aware that
>>>>>>> there ARE other 'private' newsgroups above and beyond the 18 mentioned
>>>>>>> earlier. The question now is, ARE such groups being used for
>>>>>>> /clandestine/ purposes and if so, WHAT?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> How do you know there are other groups? Who are they for?
>>>>>
>>>>> Careful monitoring of posts on the server over a long time period.
>>>>
>>>> What did you find?
>>>
>>> That even the most clever of folk can, and do, make mistakes.
>>>
>>>>> Who they are for is what I'd very much like to ascertain!
>>>>
>>>> Why?
>>>
>>> That is a VERY good question! At one stage I considered that they might
>>> be being used for terrorist activities but now accept that it may simply
>>> be for committing criminal computer trespass.
>>
>> What makes you think this? Not saying you are wrong, just not sure where you
>> are getting the idea.
>
> It all stems back about 15 years to when I received an 'out of the blue'
> email from a Microsoft MVP called 'Kuay Tim' suggesting that I'd be
> better off asking questions on the Annexcafe User2User newsgroups
> (rather that on the Microsoft newsgroups).
>
>>> On the other hand, it may be a trap set by the Three Letter Aencies!
>>> (TLA - like the CIA, FBI, MI5 and MI6!)
>>>
>>> It would be nice to have my curiosity satisfied.
>>
>> What makes you think it is anything other than just "some guy" with his own
>> Usenet server?
>
> Because Dave Higham, the server owner, provided back-up to the Annexcafe
> newsgroups and has now given authority to 'Winston' to control his
> server as if it is his own. I suspect that if YOU try asking questions
> on the current User2User group YOU will be banished from there too!

OK, a lot of history there I am not familiar with.

--
Personal attacks from those who troll show their own insecurity. They cannot use reason to show the message to be wrong so they try to feel somehow superior by attacking the messenger.

They cling to their attacks and ignore the message time and time again.

On 15/07/2022 19:07, Snit wrote:
[....]
>>> What makes you think it is anything other than just "some guy" with his own
>>> Usenet server?
>>
>> Because Dave Higham, the server owner, provided back-up to the Annexcafe
>> newsgroups and has now given authority to 'Winston' to control his
>> server as if it is his own. I suspect that if YOU try asking questions
>> on the current User2User group YOU will be banished from there too!
>
> OK, a lot of history there I am not familiar with.

Worry not, Snit.

Stir the pot on User2User - if you dare! ;-)

On Jul 15, 2022 at 11:20:34 AM MST, "David Brooks" wrote
<SdiAK.3994$H329.3179@fx03.ams1>:

> On 15/07/2022 19:07, Snit wrote:
> [....]
>>>> What makes you think it is anything other than just "some guy" with his own
>>>> Usenet server?
>>>
>>> Because Dave Higham, the server owner, provided back-up to the Annexcafe
>>> newsgroups and has now given authority to 'Winston' to control his
>>> server as if it is his own. I suspect that if YOU try asking questions
>>> on the current User2User group YOU will be banished from there too!
>>
>> OK, a lot of history there I am not familiar with.
>
> Worry not, Snit.
>
> Stir the pot on User2User - if you dare! ;-)

If I see a conversation that looks interesting I will join in.

--
Personal attacks from those who troll show their own insecurity. They cannot use reason to show the message to be wrong so they try to feel somehow superior by attacking the messenger.

They cling to their attacks and ignore the message time and time again.

On 15/07/2022 20:39, Snit wrote:
> On Jul 15, 2022 at 11:20:34 AM MST, "David Brooks" wrote
> <SdiAK.3994$H329.3179@fx03.ams1>:
>
>> On 15/07/2022 19:07, Snit wrote:
>> [....]
>>>>> What makes you think it is anything other than just "some guy" with his own
>>>>> Usenet server?
>>>>
>>>> Because Dave Higham, the server owner, provided back-up to the Annexcafe
>>>> newsgroups and has now given authority to 'Winston' to control his
>>>> server as if it is his own. I suspect that if YOU try asking questions
>>>> on the current User2User group YOU will be banished from there too!
>>>
>>> OK, a lot of history there I am not familiar with.
>>
>> Worry not, Snit.
>>
>> Stir the pot on User2User - if you dare! ;-)
>
> If I see a conversation that looks interesting I will join in.

Before you do, you should be made aware of the rules!

=

Path: myplugbox.com!.POSTED.user-12l2drp.cable.mindspring.com!not-for-mail
From: =?UTF-8?B?Li4ud8Khw7HCp8KxwqTDsQ==?= <winstonmvp@gmail.com>
Newsgroups: server.news
Subject: Trolls on the DogAgent Server
Date: Mon, 22 Jul 2019 02:03:51 -0400
Organization: MyPlugBox
Lines: 6
Message-ID: <qh3jkc$c17$2@myplugbox.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;
boundary="----=_NextPart_000_01DF_01D54031.B554DAF0"
Injection-Date: Mon, 22 Jul 2019 06:03:56 -0000 (UTC)
Injection-Info: myplugbox.com;
posting-host="user-12l2drp.cable.mindspring.com:69.81.55.121";
logging-data="12327"; mail-complaints-to="usenet@myplugbox.com"
X-Priority: 3
X-MSMail-Priority: Normal
Importance: Normal
X-Newsreader: Microsoft Windows Live Mail 16.4.3528.331
X-MIMEOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V16.4.3528.331
Xref: myplugbox.com server.news:444

This is a multi-part message in MIME format.

------=_NextPart_000_01DF_01D54031.B554DAF0
Content-Type: text/plain;
charset="UTF-8"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

In the past 5 months a variety of groups on this DogAgent server:
a. Have been subject to posts by known and previously banned trolls and =
undesirable intruders.
b. Some Dogagent users have replied to banned trolls and undesirable =
intruders(unaware to whom they were replying)
c. A few Dogagent users have replied to banned trolls and undesirable =
intruders(fully aware to whom they were replying.
- this is the worst case(one knew and still replied and most likely =
included the trolls original content)
d. Moderators or group owners have requested and/or agreed to =
cancellation of post, replies and threads
e. Cancelled replies and threads to prevent propagation of unwelcome =
content

Going forward (Server wide) to protect the integrity and DogAgent =
community
Having been given permission by our server owner(Dave H.) to act as his =
Regent with 100% support the following will occur.
1. Trolls/Intruders posts will be cancelled
2. Replies to post will be cancelled(no need to propagate more garbage =
=E2=80=93 this applies to both (b) and (c)
3. Threads may be cancelled when necessary to prevent multiple =
propagation of said garbage.
4. Items (a,b,c,d, e) are a fact and Items (1,2,3, 4) are not up for =
discussion.

Regards,
--=20
....w=C2=A1=C3=B1=C2=A7=C2=B1=C2=A4=C3=B1

On 15/07/2022 20:39, Snit wrote:
> On Jul 15, 2022 at 11:20:34 AM MST, "David Brooks" wrote
> <SdiAK.3994$H329.3179@fx03.ams1>:
>
>> On 15/07/2022 19:07, Snit wrote:
>> [....]
>>>>> What makes you think it is anything other than just "some guy" with his own
>>>>> Usenet server?
>>>>
>>>> Because Dave Higham, the server owner, provided back-up to the Annexcafe
>>>> newsgroups and has now given authority to 'Winston' to control his
>>>> server as if it is his own. I suspect that if YOU try asking questions
>>>> on the current User2User group YOU will be banished from there too!
>>>
>>> OK, a lot of history there I am not familiar with.
>>
>> Worry not, Snit.
>>
>> Stir the pot on User2User - if you dare! ;-)
>
> If I see a conversation that looks interesting I will join in.

I thought you might be curious about who is paying for the server being
used.

On Jul 15, 2022 at 2:46:53 PM MST, "David Brooks" wrote
<hflAK.569413$i8Z9.163452@fx09.ams1>:

> On 15/07/2022 20:39, Snit wrote:
>> On Jul 15, 2022 at 11:20:34 AM MST, "David Brooks" wrote
>> <SdiAK.3994$H329.3179@fx03.ams1>:
>>
>>> On 15/07/2022 19:07, Snit wrote:
>>> [....]
>>>>>> What makes you think it is anything other than just "some guy" with his own
>>>>>> Usenet server?
>>>>>
>>>>> Because Dave Higham, the server owner, provided back-up to the Annexcafe
>>>>> newsgroups and has now given authority to 'Winston' to control his
>>>>> server as if it is his own. I suspect that if YOU try asking questions
>>>>> on the current User2User group YOU will be banished from there too!
>>>>
>>>> OK, a lot of history there I am not familiar with.
>>>
>>> Worry not, Snit.
>>>
>>> Stir the pot on User2User - if you dare! ;-)
>>
>> If I see a conversation that looks interesting I will join in.
>
> I thought you might be curious about who is paying for the server being
> used.

Not really.

--
Personal attacks from those who troll show their own insecurity. They cannot use reason to show the message to be wrong so they try to feel somehow superior by attacking the messenger.

They cling to their attacks and ignore the message time and time again.

On Jul 15, 2022 at 2:21:24 PM MST, "David Brooks" wrote
<pTkAK.330325$B0_9.266789@fx13.ams1>:

> On 15/07/2022 20:39, Snit wrote:
>> On Jul 15, 2022 at 11:20:34 AM MST, "David Brooks" wrote
>> <SdiAK.3994$H329.3179@fx03.ams1>:
>>
>>> On 15/07/2022 19:07, Snit wrote:
>>> [....]
>>>>>> What makes you think it is anything other than just "some guy" with his own
>>>>>> Usenet server?
>>>>>
>>>>> Because Dave Higham, the server owner, provided back-up to the Annexcafe
>>>>> newsgroups and has now given authority to 'Winston' to control his
>>>>> server as if it is his own. I suspect that if YOU try asking questions
>>>>> on the current User2User group YOU will be banished from there too!
>>>>
>>>> OK, a lot of history there I am not familiar with.
>>>
>>> Worry not, Snit.
>>>
>>> Stir the pot on User2User - if you dare! ;-)
>>
>> If I see a conversation that looks interesting I will join in.
>
> Before you do, you should be made aware of the rules!

True enough!

Thanks.

--
Personal attacks from those who troll show their own insecurity. They cannot use reason to show the message to be wrong so they try to feel somehow superior by attacking the messenger.

They cling to their attacks and ignore the message time and time again.

On 15/07/2022 23:51, Snit wrote:
> On Jul 15, 2022 at 2:21:24 PM MST, "David Brooks" wrote
> <pTkAK.330325$B0_9.266789@fx13.ams1>:
>
>> On 15/07/2022 20:39, Snit wrote:
>>> On Jul 15, 2022 at 11:20:34 AM MST, "David Brooks" wrote
>>> <SdiAK.3994$H329.3179@fx03.ams1>:
>>>
>>>> On 15/07/2022 19:07, Snit wrote:
>>>> [....]
>>>>>>> What makes you think it is anything other than just "some guy" with his own
>>>>>>> Usenet server?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Because Dave Higham, the server owner, provided back-up to the Annexcafe
>>>>>> newsgroups and has now given authority to 'Winston' to control his
>>>>>> server as if it is his own. I suspect that if YOU try asking questions
>>>>>> on the current User2User group YOU will be banished from there too!
>>>>>
>>>>> OK, a lot of history there I am not familiar with.
>>>>
>>>> Worry not, Snit.
>>>>
>>>> Stir the pot on User2User - if you dare! ;-)
>>>
>>> If I see a conversation that looks interesting I will join in.
>>
>> Before you do, you should be made aware of the rules!
>
> True enough!
>
> Thanks.

Do you consider yourself one of the undesirables?

MANY folk on Usenet consider /you/ to be a Troll.