What are newsgroups and how do I use them?

Newsgroups are simply online conversations between people who share common interests. Topics range from samba music to economic theory.

They are an excellent source of information and allow people from all over the world to communicate with one another.

Newsgroups are collectively known as USENET, a term for the global system of Internet newsgroups around the world.

USENET itself a goes back to the early Internet years, when computer-savvy users first realised the potential of communicating with each other over the emerging technology.

The process is simple. Someone will make an initial posting to the group, which is then picked up by another reader and answered. This posting is then replied to and so on - an online conversation known as a 'thread' has started. Hundreds of threads may develop in any newsgroup forum. Please note that some newsgroups are adult orientated and not suitable for children.

For more help on using the PlusNet newsreader or setting up an alternative newsreaders, check out our Using the PlusNet Newsreader Guide.

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