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Software Vault: The Gold Collection
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Software Vault - The Gold Collection (American Databankers) (1993).ISO
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usenet1.zip
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USENET3
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1993-06-26
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****** Quad-Tech Systems Guide to the Internet *****
BBS use for Usenet Newsgroups
Release 1.0 June 25, 1993
Authored by Richard Dennis
Introduction .
PCB-UUCP and the use of PageSat's Satelite Netnews allows
users to access the world of the Internet ( Usenet Newsgroups)
via the BBS world using PCBOARD version 15.0 as a window gateway.
PCB-UUCP acts as a gateway to Pagesat Satelite. Netnews is echoed
24 hours a day via an elaborate setup data stream connection.
Note: Netnews, Newsgroups, Usenet are one in the same. For the
purposes of this guide will refer to the aboove as " Usenet ".
Usenet uses the Internet to transport its traffic.
What is Usenet ?
Usenet represents thousnads of computing machines from all over
the world communicating in a common format in order to promote
a system of free-flowing information exchange. Usenet members
may range in size from large timesharing services/machines ( VMS
UNIX ) to a small single-user machine. Unlike other services such
as GENIE or Prodigy, Usenet is non-commercial in nature and has no
central management.
Access Usnet for the first time.
Unlike the timesharing systems ( VMS, UNIX ), Quad-Tech Systems
allows users to access the Usenet in a very simple manner.
(This may vary from BBS to BBS). Once you've logged into the
system the only command you need to know and remember is "J"
( without the quotes ). It is also necessary to enter a number
after you've located the newgroup. Using this command will allow you
to review the full compliment of networks on Quad-Tech Systems.
The Usenet newsgroups are easily identifiable. We use several
methods. For example, ALT.BBS IT or ALT.SYSOP or COMP.WAFFLE.
The " IT " tells the users that this newsgroup is an Internet
newsgroup. The " alt.sysop " is separated by a period, this
method is used to help current users of the Internet recognize
their favorite newsgroup.
Usenet's Organization.
Each Usenet newsgroup has a unigue name that gives some indication
of the kind of discussions held in the group. Newsgroup's names are
a series of abbreviations, separated by periods and moving left to
right from general to specific.
A few more exmaples:
alt.useage.english
comp.protocols.tcp-ip
misc.books.techical
rec.arts.theatre
sci.engr.civil
Groups distributed worldwide are divided into seven broad
categories:
Comp Groups that discuss various computer related topics.
Sci Groups that discuss scientific topics.
Misc Groups that do not fit easily into any other group.
Soc Groups that discuss social issues.
News Groups devoted to news about USENET.
Talk Groups for freeform discussions, often focusing on
controversial topics.
Rec Groups that discuss recreational pursuits, such as music.
Bio Groups that discuss biology-related topics.
Pitt Groups based at the University of Pittsburgh.
Pgh Groups based in Pittsburgh that discuss issues related
to the city.
Pa Groups based in the state of Pennsylvania that discuss
issues related to the state.
Alt Groups that discuss tentative or controversial issues.
Biz Business/Corporate oriented discussions.
Bit Groups devoted to Mailing Lists provided via the Usenet
Gateway.
Interacting with Usenet.
One of the most important benefits of the Usenet concept is that
readers of an article usually have the opportunity to respond to
what they read, either directly to the author via Email, or openly
by posting a response of their own for all readers to see. This
drives the discussions that are currently active on Usenet.
Responding to an article is entirely voluntary; no one is obligated
to respond to a posted Usenet article.
Using E-mail to Send a Response.
On Quad-Tech Systems, at the main menu prompt type, " J 361 "
( without the quotes ). This is the only place you can send an
Email response ( You can send a response in the newsgroups but
it must be addressed to ALL. For a private response, please use
conference 361 Email ). The addressing scheme is the hardest
thing to master. In a nutshell:
Join the conference ( you can either type "re"
for reply and "e" for a new message )
In the To Field : please put the entire email
address ie: rdennis@quadtech.com or info@channel1.com
or whatever the addressing scheme the user has left
you.
In the From Field : you don't need to add anything,
thge software I use will put in the outgoing email
address for you.
Enter the body of the message and save .. that's it.
Very short simple and easy.
Posting an article to Usenet.
Posting your own article is very similar to entering a message in the
Email conference. The basic difference is YOU MUST ALWAYS POST AN
USENET MESSAGE TO ALL ( this is used in the TO: field ).. Also
make sure that you understand the subject of discussion in the group
where you want to post. Making a simple posting mistake may generate a
flurry of nasty responses from a small number of Usenet veterans who
are indignantly intolerant of novice users. These messages, called
" flames " can be avoided if you take the time to read a newsgroup
and are careful to post your articles correctly.
There you have it, the Usenet has grown from a few thousand users to
millions and millions of users. The access you have is tremedous and
quite staggering. You literally have the ears and eyes of very powerful
and influencial people, for example, IBM will post and new changes to
its product line and/or software on the Internet first, thus giving the
users first hand news before it hit the streets. Microsoft and many
other major software developers utilize this practice. There is a world-
wide job newsgroups, a world-wide apartment guide. If you enjoy sports
you'll find the latest and up to date odds and injury reports before
they are reported, a very valuable tool if you wager on College and
Professional Sports.
Final Word.
The Internet will, before long , become the most widely used network in
the world. It will replace the current networks and will become as
commom-place as telephones. The Federal Gov't has passed a law that
will make the Internet more accessible to users. You the users, currently
can enjoy the Internet. Join Quad_tech Systems and support the BBS concept.