NEWSGROUP READERS

To access Usenet Newsgroups you need two things:

First - The name of your ISP's (Internet Service Provider) newsgroups server, your username and password for your account. You will need this information to setup your newsgroup reader. The newsgroup server name usually looks something like: news.myisp.com.

Once you install and configure your newsreader software and start it for the first time, it will connect to your ISP's news server to compile a list of all the newsgroups they subscribe to. From this list you can select the newsgroups you want to access. If your ISP does not subscribe to a particular newsgroup, you can usually send their support an email requesting that they subscribe to it.
Note - Not all Internet Service Providers have access to the Usenet. If yours doesn't, you can subscribe to a commercial news-server such as Super News, for a small monthly fee.

Second - You will need Newsgroup reading software. Newsgroup readers, as they are commonly called, are programs that allow you to access, read and post messages and binary files to Usenet newsgroups. Once you get the hang of using them they are quite easy. There are many different newsreaders available. Some are freeware and cost nothing, others are shareware and allow a trial use before you have to buy them. Two of the most popular are listed below.

XNEWS - NEWSGROUP READER

"XNews" is a free newsgroup reader that has the all the features most people will need. We like it for its simplicity and ease of navigation. For more information or to download a free copy, visit the Agent website at http://xnews.newsguy.com.

AGENT - NEWSGROUP READER

"Agent" is a commercial newsgroup reader that has lots and lots of features. While it is very robust in its features, it can be difficult to master, particularly for those new to using the Usenet. You can download a trial version and try it out before buying it. For more information visit the Agent website at http://www.forteinc.com.