I'm not sure there's a single "best" program.
It might depend what you want to do: i.e.

1. Read currently posted text messages
         ?? I don't do this
2. Search for archived text messages
         Google "Groups" tab searches more than 700,000,000 posts !
         http://www.google.com/googlegroups/help.html
         This is great if it serves your needs.
3. Download currently posted binaries
         ?? I use NewsGrabber (no longer available)
4. Search & download selected binaries when they become available
         ?? Open to suggestion. I think some do this.

>Hello,  I need to get a newsreader, but don't know what to
>look for, re what's good or not or why.  I'm on 98SE, dsl, and
>use Eudora for email, not OE.  I'd like something simple
>and clean.  Years ago, I looked into Agent, but never
>pursued it and don't remember why, except that not
>until recently have I needed to enter the realm of
>news groups and forums (**much** prefer lists).
>I'd appreciate any guidance.  Thanks tons, Diane