Logging in to Usenet for the first time can be overwhelming. With so many newsreader options, over 100,000 discussion groups, and all the features to automate your account, you might be left with more questions than answers. Our Usenet 101 series is dedicated to clearing up the confusion and clearly outlining everything you need to know about Newshosting and Usenet.
Today’s topic: Usenet newsgroup basics.
You can read our first Usenet 101: Usenet for Beginners here.
What is a newsgroup?
A Usenet newsgroup is similar to a message board that can hold anything from discussion groups to shared, user-generated binary files. Newsgroups are generally public for all subscribers, but some are moderated or private altogether.
Though the name is misleading, newsgroups don’t usually discuss news (though they certainly can). Messages within a newsgroup are known as articles, and are accessed using a software client known as a newsreader.
Who can use a newsgroup?
Usenet subscribers worldwide can access newsgroups. If a user can’t find a newsgroup they’re looking for within the hundreds of thousands available, a new newsgroup can be created. Unlike discussion boards, newsgroups are not heavily moderated by admins.
If a user is interested in a particular topic, they can monitor that category’s newsgroup, read previously posted content, and even contribute to the discussion. The best way to get started with your favorite newsgroup is to sign up for Newshosting today. You can get started by creating a new Newshosting Usenet account here.
How are Usenet newsgroups organized?
Usenet newsgroups are easy to navigate thanks to an organizational system called a hierarchy. Each level of the hierarchy is labeled by a decimal system, for example, soc. would identify social issue discussions, and comp. indicates computer/technology groups.
While there were only 8 original newsgroups, aka the ‘Big 8’, there are now over 100,000+ additional newsgroups in a variety of languages covering almost any topic you could think of. The description after the original newsgroup name provides more information about that particular newsgroup (i.e. alt.business.consulting would be related to…business consulting; rec.animals.wildlife covers, you got it, wildlife animals).
How is information shared in newsgroups?
Newsgroups use a standard called NNTP, or Network News Transfer Protocol. This is how news servers create, read and post articles by an end-user.
There are a variety of 3rd-party newsreaders that can be used to access Usenet. NZBs are a quick, easy way to access user posts. As Usenet messages are typically divided into multiple posts with small packets of information in each, an NZB client will access and translate the messages. A text file is exactly what it sounds like. A binary file is the combination of characters that your selected client interprets into readable text, audio, a photo or video, depending on the selection.
We’ll get into a more detailed discussion of newsreader clients including NZB clients, text readers, and posting clients in a future post.
How long can I access a newsgroup with a Newshosting subscription?
Unless a newsgroup is terminated by a moderator or closed for lack of use, it will exist on Usenet indefinitely. The content within the Usenet newsgroup, however, is only stored for a finite amount of time. This is because the servers hosting the information only have a certain amount of space. The amount of time a newsreader can access posts on Usenet is known as article retention. It’s important to pick a trusted Usenet provider like Newshosting that provides a large amount of article retention (currently 5945 days and counting!).
Important factors to consider
Like any purchase, Usenet users want to ensure they receive a good value for their subscription fee. Here are some other benefits Newshosting offers to keep in mind, and why they’re important:
Data Transfer
The speed and amount of file storage from the Usenet provider’s server to the user’s computer.
- Depending on which plan you select, Newshosting offers from 50 GB with rollover to unlimited data transfer!
Article Retention
The amount of time posts are accessible on Usenet.
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Newshosting currently offers 5945 days of article retention, which increases daily!
Encryption
The ability to securely send and receive files.
- Newshosting provides free 256-bit encryption for all plans!
Speed
How fast files can be transferred from Usenet servers to a user.
- While speeds will vary for individuals based on their ISP (Internet Service Provider), Newshosting Usenet provides unlimited speed on all plans.
Connections
The number of simultaneous requests that can be made for newsgroup access.
- Newshosting provides up to 100 connections per user.
Customer Support
- If you’re a new Usenet user, odds are a bit of help will be needed to navigate the system. Our support team is available 24/7/365 to assist. We also provide video tutorials and FAQs if you prefer to navigate Usenet solo.
Freebies
- Try Newshosting for 30 days, risk free, and get 256-bit encryption on all connections. Further, our XL Powerpack subscribers have access to a free Easynews account for web browsing, free VPN to securely browse usenet, and unlimited data transfer and speed!
Interested in learning more about Usenet? Try Newshosting and see for yourself. Sign up securely with a 30 day money-back guarantee now!
