40tude Dialog

Advanced users will like the flexibility of this fully functional freeware newsreader, but novices may find it confusing. 40tude Dialog's multiple windows, tabs, buttons, and pull-downs are sure to overwhelm some users. The program starts well with a wizard to set your news and e-mail servers. There is a quick start guide, but it's longer than some program manuals, so it isn't really very quick.

40tude Dialog performs the basics well. It grabs all available newsgroups from your server. It's easy to filter the list with a simple, but flexible, pull-down. Subscribing to a newsgroup takes just a double-click on the group name. Downloading all messages isn't as easy. You need to click one button first to get new headers for your groups, then select messages, and finally click another button to download the messages. That's a couple of steps too many. Still, experienced users will really like the flexibility of this application. Toolbars open to reveal sort and filter opens. Pop-ups explain hidden features.

40tude Dialog has really tried to fit in every option newsgroup readers may need. That makes it a great program for the dedicated and experienced reader, but novices and occasional readers may find it too much trouble.