Re: Using KNode 0.7.2, Wondering What Else is Out There

__/ [ SINNER ] on Thursday 30 March 2006 17:30 \__

* Roy Schestowitz wrote in news.software.readers:

First proper message to this newsgroup, so please be polite and
gentle. *smile*

I have been using the same newsreader for a very long time. I am still
using KDE 3.1 (with Knode 0.7.2), which I believe dates back to 2002
or 2003. Can any KNode buff please tell me what the latest of KNode
has to offer? I have KDE 3.4 installed at home, so I could access that
newer version of KNode, via SSH, having migrated all the settings.
Here are the reasons for my reluctance/dilemma:

* KNode appears admirably (almost unbelievably) stable over
here on KDE 3.1. I rarely hear about similar experiences in
the other newsgroups where KNode is sometimes described as
"fragile".

* I seem to have all functionality available -- anything I
have ever come across anyway, including good filtering. The
only other application I ever lust for is Pan, but I don't
know it reasonably well. I know it from afar.

I guess what it all boils down to is the following question. Should I
consider leaving a fully-functional and stable KNode 0.7.2 in favour
of a different reader or a newer version of KNode? Is there any
compelling reason for doing so? I post over 1,000 messages a month, so
investment of time in transition (setup, learning) is not an issue. I
am very willing to explore.


Not to dis Knode or anything...

While it may be 'stable' it lacks function in a couple of areas. It would
seem however, since you didn't mention those areas, that they have not
affected your opinion of the application, which is fine. If it does what
you need, don't poke the skunk.

Unless its changed recently, multipart binaries are not doable. Filters
have some decent features but it lacks a robust score feature. It is not
really configureable beyond some basic options. If you use it for text
only groups and dont read a lot of groups where you might need some fancy
scoreing, then you can stick with it.


I understand what you say and filtering is *precisely* the weak spot,
which I suspected needed an uplift. When the Mandriva/Linux "Dan C" mail
floods began, many came to realise that KNode filters had no handle on
headers that served as good discriminants. I use filters differently at
the moment. I highlight my own messages, as well as short messages (<10
lines) and GG messages (Yuk!). I do nothing beyond this, but I probably
should. Out of sight is out of mind.

As regards binaries, I happen to participate in no group that 'trades'
these. If any attachments ever come up, it is most likely spam.


In here many of us tend to be a bit whory when it comes to newsreaders so
many of us have a multitude installed at any one time. I'd suggest you do
the same and see what appeals to you. There are dozens available.


Well, I use the reader just about as often as the Web browser. Why not get
a broader scope and be confident about the tool used? Just imagine that my
first UseNet messages were despatched from rusty OE.


Let me be the first to recommend slrn and while we are at it why not
throw in a local server (Leafnode) for good measure. I would suggest
going with the 2.x branch.


The command line scares me due to usability matters. I find it hard to be-
lieve that effective interaction can be achieved without pointing devices
and 'modifiability'. To me, CLI-based readers remain off bounds. The only
merit I can think of is access via SSH/Telnet with a slow connection or
without X-server (notably Windows).

Best wishes and many thanks,


Roy

--
Roy S. Schestowitz | Useless fact: Digits 772-777 of Pi are 999999
http://Schestowitz.com | SuSE Linux ¦ PGP-Key: 0x74572E8E
7:25pm up 22 days 9:10, 10 users, load average: 0.67, 0.63, 0.63
http://iuron.com - next generation of search paradigms
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