Any packet sniffing would would be able to see what you are downloading using the normal one and it runs on the usual 119 news port.
SSL is secure and makes viewing the content much harder to nosy eyes!
I recently signed up to the $11 deal mentioned on here. Does that include SSL?
Hmm, tried it last night and doesn't work, using newsleecher. Switched back to normal and its fine?
I was using Giganews from late 2007 until earlier this week...paying like the equivalent of £15-£20 a month for the unlimited account (Platinum)...then I heard about Astraweb, I signed up straight away when I saw the price, cancelled my Giganews account and havent looked back. Cheers 