Not every user is comfortable trying out a new form of technology. Though Usenet is far from new, for some users it is a novel experience that will have to be learned. Most people are familiar with using the web for research and collaboration. What they do not realize, however, is that Usenet is just as easy to use and requires limited technical knowledge. Users need only a basic understanding of the system.
Usenet is Not the World Wide Web
Many people tend to think of Usenet and the Web as synonymous. Usenet, however, is an entirely different system. It has been around longer than the World Wide Web—in fact, it was started in the early 80’s. Usenet works by transmitting information from dedicated newsgroup servers across the Internet. These newsgroups are classified hierarchically by subject. Articles or messages are posted to these newsgroups by Usenet subscribers. Unlike the Web, Usenet is highly organized and categorized. Most users find that it provides more reliable information than can be found on the Web.
Usenet is primarily Text-Based
When people visit a website, they are most often presented with stylized text and layouts. These can sometimes be distracting, especially when some digital media files are advertisements. Usenet articles and posts are generally text-based. Users are not bombarded with distractions.
Usenet is Different
A lot of users are caught off-guard by how the overall atmosphere on a Usenet group feels. Usenet operates somewhat like a web forum. The difference is that the individuals and posts tend to be more mature, concise and valuable to the readers. Usenet might seem like a system where the user requires sophisticated technical knowledge. In reality, most users with limited computer experience can operate easily on Usenet.
Help is Available
We have been around for more than twenty years. Within that timeframe, Usenet groups have created pages for FAQs and assistance for first-time users. New Usenet subscribers can find most answers to their questions and concerns on these pages. This can be especially helpful when they are trying to post or answer a post for the first time. In addition to the Usenet FAQs pages, there are hundreds of articles and how-to tutorials on the Internet. Through these, users can learn about Usenet posting and etiquette. They can also discover which Usenet newsgroups to refer to when looking for specific information. These resources can help a first-time user navigate through Us with ease.
Usenet is still one of the most popular methods of research used by academics and professionals. Through it, they can often find answers to their most pressing questions. Usenet does require a little practice to obtain a successful experience. Most Usenet users agree, however, that it is often more rewarding than conducting research on the web.
Bio
Russell Petersons starts to use Usenet Newsgroups since he was in college. Usenet is a powerful tool for many academics and professional. You can find more information about Newsgroups at www.supernews.com
This article has some great information about how far the internet has come in the past decade. We are used to all the fancy grafics and fonts that enhance our internet experiance . Think about it in the 80’s the internet was used for basically data input and management as well as reserch now a days everyone has awebsite and even the youngest of children know how to get on the computer and look their favorite games or characters up.