Return HomeUSENET, which started in 1979, is a collection of discussion groups (called "newsgroups") on just about any topic you care to name. A newsgroup is comprised of messages about a common topic stored as "articles" in a database on a computer serving as a news server. Thousands of news servers all over the world are networked together, passing around the articles that are created (or "posted") on each server. Because there are so many articles, most news servers can only store a certain number of them. Articles are kept for a limited time and then often are archived.
Unlike a discusion group on a mailing list server, messages to a newsgroup are not mailed directly to you. Instead, articles on the news server are accessed with special programs that permit you to read articles written by others and to respond with messages of your own.
Well first you need an Internet provider that offers a news server. Assuming you have that, you need software to access the news group and often need to know the name of the group you are interested in. Many web browsers, like Netscape or Internet Explorer, provide easy access to Usenet. However, dedicated news software generally works better.
Once you have the software and connection you need to find a group. Some software will list all newsgroups available to you. While there are over 13,000 groups, not all are available on every server. The Usenet Info Center Launch Pad is helpful if you are looking for a group on a particular topic. If there is a group you are particularly interested in, make sure your Internet provider supports it.
My participation in Usenet newsgroups consists mainly of
Behavior in newsgroups varies based on the group. Some are very well behaved. Others maintain a professional tone. Others are more like a WWF match! Since you can participate without anyone knowing who you are, it is easy to inflame others which usually results in Flames being returned. Before you post anything, follow the group to see what kinds of topics are welcome and how the group behaves. Netiquette is the term that applies to on-Line behavior. Most groups publish a Netiquette guide and an FAQ (frequently asked questions) regularly. In many groups asking a question from the FAQ will get you blasted.