USENET

1
USENET
Usenet Host with Multiple Newsgroups

• Conceptually like reading magazines
• USENET hosts
• Like bookstores
• Each host has many Newsgroups on specific topics
• You can read postings to these Newsgroups
• Anyone can post new messages to these Newsgroups

2
USENET

• Browsing Newsgroups
• Host maintains many conferences (Newsgroups)
• Connect to any USENET host (there are thousands)
• Subscribe to Newsgroups (there are thousands)
• Read postings to subscribed newsgroups

Usenet Host with Multiple Newsgroups
Client Host
Connect, choose Newsgroup
Read Postings
3
USENET

• There are many USENET hosts
• Postings to one are replicated (copied) to all
  others
• May take time
• Not all USENET hosts support all Newsgroups

Copy
Posting
Copy
4
USENET Newgroups

• Organized Hierarchically to help users find
  relevant newsgroups

Root (all groups)
Comp
Alt
Comp.risks
Comp.dcom
Comp.dcom.cabling
Comp.dcom.servers
5
Reading Newsgroups
Menu Bar
Subscribed Newsgroups Comp.dcom.cabling ...
Comp.dcom.Cabling Question on cabling Re
Question on ...
Subject Re Question on cabling From Pat Lee
ltPat.Lee_at_Busad.Waikiki.edu ----------- Bill, we
ran into the same problem. Use duct tape.
6
Threads

• Replies are grouped under original messages
• Original message plus replies is called a thread
• Easy to follow content

RJ-45 problem Question Regarding Cabling Re
Question Regarding Cabling Re Question
Regarding Cabling Re Re Question
Regarding Cabling Enhanced Category 5?
Thread
7
LISTSERVs vs. USENET

• LISTSERVs
• No need to check for new postings delivered via
  e-mail
• Must remember how to unsubscribe
• Must find the LISTSERV host holding the
  conference
• USENET
• Will not clog your mailbox with junk mail
• Log into almost any USENET host to find a
  particular Newsgroup

8
Moderated Conferences

• Moderated Conference
• Moderator reads postings that arrive
• Posts to conference only if relevant, polite
• Unmoderated Conferences
• No moderator
• All postings are made available as soon as they
  arrive