How do Newsgroups get distributed?

When somebody uploads a newsgroup article to their news server, it is then distributed to all the other news servers that carry that group all over the world. Subscribers will download the article from their chosen server.  All servers will only retain the article for a fixed period of time, typically a week.  After that, it will be deleted, known as "expiring".  When you subscribe to a group, and choose to download all articles, you will find that nothing is older than a week or, just possibly, two weeks.  In the case of binary groups, the expiry time can be as little as 24 hours.  Therefore it pays to collect your news regularly.  Unlike e-mail, you don't have a personal "mail box"; you download from a central pool.  If the article has expired, you're too late.

What are binary groups?

Binary groups are groups that carry articles with attachments, such as pictures, sounds or software. Most of these groups are totally innocuous.  Others carry pornography or pirated software and music. The bandwidth (size) of a binary article is typically many hundreds of times larger than that of a mainstream text article.  This means that many servers limit the number of binary groups they carry, and give them short expiry times. If you wish to subscribe to binary groups, be aware of the implications.  Firstly, downloads will take a considerable time with a normal analogue modem. Secondly, it's very easy to post a virus carrying executable attachment to a binary article, so take the strongest anti-virus measures at your disposal. Finally, make sure your server carries the group you want (Wanadoo seems to carry everything!).

Posting to Newsgroups.

OK, so you've been reading a group for a couple of weeks, and think you have the "feel" of it.  Somebody has made a post and you find you just must reply. You will be fine if you keep to these rules, which I have put in what I think is order of importance.

• Post using plain text
• Don't post upside-down.  Replies go AFTER the text they're referring to
• Don't over or under quote.  Quote just enough to make your context clear
• Try to stay on topic (some groups are stricter on this than others)
• Remember that your post becomes public property.  You have no control over who reads it or replies.
• For this reason, if something starts to become private between individuals, take it to e-mail.

Most newsgroups have at least one self-appointed guardian who will be happy to pounce if the newcomer steps out of line. Ignore them!  You will find everybody else does.  However, if you are unfortunate to suffer howls of rage (flames) from many subscribers, then try to find out what you are doing wrong.

And, finally, ENJOY!!

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