Usenet and Prowlarr

1. Understand the Components

Before diving into setup:

• Usenet Provider: Choose a reliable provider (e.g., Newshosting, Eweka, UsenetServer). Consider retention, speed, SSL support, and pricing.
• Usenet Client: SABnzbd or NZBGet will handle downloads.
• Indexer Manager: Prowlarr centralizes indexers and syncs them with apps like Sonarr/Radarr.
• Automation Apps: Sonarr (TV), Radarr (Movies), Lidarr (Music) integrate with Prowlarr for full automation.

2. Install SABnzbd (Usenet Client)

• Windows/Mac/Linux: Download from SABnzbd Official Site.
• Docker: Use LinuxServer.io image for portability.
• Initial Setup:
  • Launch SABnzbd → Wizard opens.
  • Enter Usenet provider details:
    • Server: e.g., news.usenetserver.com
    • Port: 563 (SSL)
    • Username/Password: From provider
    • Enable SSL for security.
  • Test connection → Save.
• Configure download folders and categories for integration with Sonarr/Radarr.\ Full SABnzbd Guide.

3. Install Prowlarr

• Windows/Mac/Linux: Download from Prowlarr.com or use Servarr Wiki Quick Start.
• Docker Setup:
  version: “3.8”
  services:
    prowlarr:
      image: lscr.io/linuxserver/prowlarr:latest
      container_name: prowlarr
      environment:
        – PUID=1000
        – PGID=1000
        – TZ=Etc/UTC
      volumes:
        – ./prowlarr/config:/config
      ports:
        – 9696:9696
      restart: unless-stopped
  Run:
  mkdir -p ~/prowlarr && cd ~/prowlarr
  nano docker-compose.yml
  docker-compose up -d
  “`[2](https://www.selfhostedninja.com/prowlarr-a-beginner-friendly-guide-to-self-hosting/).

4. Configure Prowlarr

• Access Web UI at http://localhost:9696.
• Add Indexers:
  • Go to Indexers → +.
  • Choose Usenet indexers (e.g., NZBGeek, DogNZB) or add Generic Newznab.
  • Enter API key and URL from indexer account.
  • Test → Save.
• Add Apps:
  • Go to Apps → +.
  • Add Sonarr/Radarr/Lidarr.
  • Enter app URL, API key (found in app settings).
  • Sync profiles for automation.
• Add Download Client:
  • Go to Settings → Download Clients.
  • Add SABnzbd:
    • Enter SABnzbd API key (Settings → General in SABnzbd).
    • Test connection → Save. Detailed Prowlarr Guide.

5. Best Practices

• Enable SSL for Usenet and reverse proxy (Nginx) for Prowlarr.
• Use per-indexer proxy in Prowlarr for geo-restricted sources.
• Set categories in SABnzbd matching Sonarr/Radarr (e.g., tv, movies).
• Schedule backups for Prowlarr and SABnzbd configs.
• Use Docker for easy updates and portability. Advanced Tips.