What is a Newsgroup?
A Simple Newsgroup Tutorial
- What is a newsgroup
- How newsgroups work
- Newsgroup advantages
- Newsgroup legacy
It’s hard to believe that there was an Internet before the World Wide Web, but there was. The earliest pre-web online community that played a significant role in shaping the Internet’s development is Usenet and its basic component, the newsgroup. The precursor to modern online forums and social media platforms, newsgroups laid the foundation for the interconnected global conversations we experience today.
Newsgroups and Usenet are a vibrant online community. Choose one of our best Usenet providers to see for yourself.
Defining Usenet Newsgroups
Usenet is a distributed networking protocol that predates the World Wide Web. It was created in 1980 by Tom Truscott, Jim Ellis, & Steve Bellovin and initially served as a way to transfer news articles and information between universities and research institutions.
A newsgroup, also known as a “Usenet newsgroup,” is an online forum and is the mechanism where users can exchange information, discuss various topics, swap binaries, and share ideas.
How do Newsgroups Work
Newsgroups function much like an early form of Internet forums or email chains. They are distributed across servers, meaning anyone with access to Usenet can read and post articles (messages) in the group. Unlike centralized websites, newsgroups don’t have a single point of control, making them more resilient and private.
To access a newsgroup, you need two things:
- A Usenet provider – This is the service that connects you to the Usenet network.
- A newsreader – This software acts as the interface that allows you to search for, read, and post in newsgroups. Some popular newsreaders include Newshosting and SABnzbd.
Once connected, you can subscribe to any newsgroup of interest. Articles and discussions are typically arranged by date or thread, allowing you to follow specific conversations.
Structure and Naming Conventions
Newsgroups are organized into categories called “hierarchies.” The naming convention for a newsgroup follows a hierarchical structure, with the names separated by periods. For example, “comp.os.linux” falls under the “comp” (computers) hierarchy, followed by the “os” (operating systems) category, and finally, the “linux” (Linux-related topics) newsgroup.
Newsgroups are organized into what is known as the “Big 8” hierarchies.
- comp.* (For computer aficionados)
- humanities.* (The haven for arts and literature enthusiasts)
- misc.* (The melting pot of diverse, uncategorized discussions)
- news.* (Focusing on Usenet itself and related discussions)
- rec.* (Dedicated to recreational activities from movies to music)
- sci.* (A hub for the scientifically curious)
- soc.* (Discussing societal topics and cultural nuances)
- talk.* (The birthplace of many a heated debate)
Over the course of the 1980s and 1990s, Internet access grew, an influx of users led to an expansion of topics within the Big 8 hierarchies. The lesser-regulated alternative hierarchy, alt.*, emerged alongside, bringing with it a plethora of diverse topics.
The hierarchy system helps users find and subscribe to newsgroups that align with their interests. It covers an extensive range of subjects, including technology, science, arts, hobbies, politics, culture, etc. Users can join multiple newsgroups and participate in discussions related to their chosen topics.
Posting and Reading Messages
Users need newsreader software that connects to a Usenet server to post, read and reply to messages in specific newsgroups. The messages, also called articles or posts, are distributed to all servers connected by the NNTP protocol globally, so all Users have access to every article posted to the newsgroups, no matter which local Usenet server they are connected to.
Binary Posts
Users also post larger files to Usenet called “binary posts” or “binary articles.” These files are divided into several different posts and the newsreader uses a special kind of file called an “NZB” to collect all the posts and reassemble them locally inside the newsreader.
How to Access Newsgroups
To start using newsgroups, you’ll need access to Usenet through a provider and a newsreader client. Here’s how you can get started:
- Choose a Usenet provider: Services like Newshosting, Easynews, or Tweaknews offer access to Usenet, often with a free trial. These providers connect you to the network and offer newsreader software to access the groups.
- Download a newsreader: Some Usenet providers include their own newsreader, which simplifies the process. Newsreaders allow you to search for newsgroups, browse articles, and join discussions.
- Search for newsgroups: Use the newsreader to search for topics of interest. You can browse by hierarchy or search directly for keywords related to your interests.
- Subscribe to a newsgroup: Once you find a group of interest, you can subscribe to it. This way, you’ll receive updates and can easily follow discussions.
Newsgroup Advantages
Newsgroups have several advantages that contribute to their continued popularity:
- Decentralization:
Usenet Newsgroups are not owned or controlled by any one entity like other popular social media platforms. Because NNTP is an open source protocol, it can be installed by anyone that wants to create a Usenet server and connect it to the global Usenet network. - Global Reach: Newsgroups are a forum to connect and communicate with individuals worldwide on an uncensored discussion platform.
- Privacy and Security: Newsgroup Users can have a certain level of anonymity, which encourages open and free discussions.
- Myriad topics covered: Newsgroups allow people to engage in focused discussions and connect with like-minded individuals.
Newsgroup Legacy
As the Internet evolved, new online communities emerged including: web-based forums, social media platforms, and instant messaging services. However, the impact of newsgroups on the development of online communities and the exchange of information should not be underestimated. They paved the way for all the subsequent online discussion and social media services we know today. Usenet was the first social network.
Today, millions of people post billions of articles every year to Usenet. New newsgroups are created regularly and flourishing.
Join the vibrant Usenet community! Sign up for a subscription today. We recommend Newshosting, Eweka, or Easynews for a simple onboarding experience.
Usenet FAQ
While both newsgroups and forums are platforms for discussion, newsgroups are decentralized and distributed across Usenet servers, whereas forums are hosted on specific websites. This makes newsgroups more resilient and private but also requires a Usenet provider and newsreader to access.
You can search for newsgroups using keywords related to your interests within your newsreader software. Many Usenet providers also offer searchable directories of newsgroups, making it easy to explore different topics and find relevant groups.
Yes, most Usenet providers require a subscription to access their network of newsgroups. Many offer free trials so you can test the service before committing to a paid plan. Some popular providers include Newshosting, Tweaknews, and Eweka.
Yes, newsgroups allow users to post their own articles or messages. Once you’re connected to a newsgroup through your newsreader, you can contribute to discussions or start your own threads by posting articles directly.
Yes, particularly for specialized topics. Usenet remains a popular platform for niche communities and enthusiasts looking to engage in discussions or share resources.
Newsgroups are decentralized, meaning they don’t rely on a single website or platform. This contrasts with other social media platforms, which are centralized and controlled by corporations. Newsgroups are more focused on topic-based discussions and typically provide a greater level of privacy.
Yes, you can access and download articles from newsgroups, depending on the group and your Usenet provider’s retention policy. Many providers offer long article retention periods, allowing you to access older posts and discussions.
Article retention refers to the length of time articles (posts) remain available on Usenet servers. Higher retention means you can access older posts. Many providers boast long retention periods, sometimes up to 5,000 days or more, which ensures you can retrieve articles from years ago.
Yes, many Usenet providers offer SSL encryption, ensuring that your activity on Usenet remains secure and private. This is important for maintaining anonymity and protecting your data while accessing newsgroups.