Go to the "Settings" button and click "Quick Setup", you will be asked to enter a news server. If you don't enter any address you won't be able to download any news. 

The "View" button offers a big variety of bars, it's up to you to decide wether which ones to keep and whice ones to let unchecked. 

The "Settings" button give you access to the sofware's options, where you can add or edit a server, use the quick setup or take a guided tour of the program. 

If you want to download only the files you want, then go to the "Settings" button and use "Filter Editor", in order to select only the needed files.