Most computer users think that if they are not looking at a website, then they are not “on” the Internet. Nothing could be farther from the truth. For most computer users, if their computers are turned on, then they are “on” the Internet.
Internet-enabled programs use various communication standards known as “protocols.” You are “on the Internet” while using Website browsers such as Firefox or Internet Explorer, which use HTTP (HyperText Transport Protocol). Email programs, for example Outlook Express and Mozilla Thunderbird, also use the Internet with POP (Post Office Protocol) and SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol). If you use an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) program to transfer files, you are again using the Internet. Your computer is probably running a few unseen Internet programs “in the background” at all times. These hidden programs can include Windows Update and antivirus/antispyware/firewall updates. They can also include viruses and spyware lurking in your computer.
For some reason, most Internet Service Providers (ISP) like Cox and AT&T don’t publicize the very useful and interesting NNTP standard (Network News Transport Protocol). NNTP allows you to access the vast world of Usenet Newsgroups, which are discussion groups dedicated to single topics. There are over 30,000 active newsgroups covering an amazing array of subjects, from Dustin Hoffman to beekeeping, football to electrochemistry, architecture to Zippo lighters and everything in between. There are also many creepy and potentially dangerous newsgroups, just like there are many creepy and dangerous websites. No matter what your interest may be, there’s probably a newsgroup for you.
The best way to access the wild world of newsgroups is by using a “newsreader” program, which will enable you to view and participate in newsgroup discussions. Some email programs, such as Outlook Express and Thunderbird, include newsreader capabilities that can be easy to use. However, for full newsgroup functionality you’ll want a dedicated newsgroup program such as Nomad News or 40tude Dialog. I use 40tude Dialog and it works well.
In order to configure your newsreader you’ll need to know the Internet address of the news server hosted by your ISP. For those using Cox cable Internet, news.west.cox.net is the address to use. I use news.houston.sbcglobal.net for my AT&T Yahoo (formerly SBC) DSL service. 40tude Dialog walks you through a series of setup screens (I chose not to have it handle my email) where you plug in the news server address and a few other minor items, such as how many message headers per session you want to download (I chose 300). When the program is ready to go, you’ll want to download the latest newsgroup list, which changes almost daily. Download the message headers for those groups to which you wish to subscribe, and join in the fun.
Searchable newsgroup archives exist, dating back to about 1980. Deja News, started in 1995, was one of the original searchable Usenet archives. Unfortunately, the archives were shut down in 2001. The archives were then acquired by Google, renamed Google Groups (http://groups.google.com), and currently contain a wealth of interesting information.
One caveat about using newsgroups is that you should never give out your real email address. Otherwise, you are inviting a guaranteed daily boatload of spam. Play it safe, and happy newsgroup surfing.