Newsgroups and IRC

Newsgroups
A browser can also be used to connect to other Internet services, for example Newsgroups, also known as Usenet (short for User Network). These are sites which contain specific information on a vast variety of topics. You can subscribe to the newsgroup or groups you are interested in, and you can become involved in what is effectively an electronic discussion. Some newsgroups are 'moderated' ie. their content is checked for quality, whilst some give 'in the raw' information.

To access Newsgroups via your browser, click on the Mail icon on the Toolbar and select Read News from the drop-down menu.

Alternatively, you can access Newsgroups with your browser by visiting:

www.deja.com/usenet

Items can be uploaded to Newsgroups if you wish to add details to the items on offer. It is also worthwhile reading the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) file, which will provide you with information about the newsgroup, its ethos and technical information.

Each Newsgroup has a different title such as soc.culture or rec.aviation. Below is an explanation of the Newsgroup types:

alt. Alternative
biz. Business orientated
comp. Computer related
rec. Recreational
soc. Social issues
sci. Science orientated
talk. Discussion areas
misc. Anything else

There are also specialised Newsgroups on countries, politics and issues, both national and local. Local groups usually have a more specific content. Some Newsgroups need installation of specialised software to run - please check with your system administrator.

Caution! Many Newsgroups cover some questionable subject matter and don't pull their punches. If you are easily offended, be aware of this fact.

Internet Relay Chat (IRC)
This is a real time talk system, whereby everything you type in appears - as you type it - on the screen of everyone else on the same channel as you - like CB Radio, with a longer range. Two major IRC Networks exist, EFNET and the Undernet, the former being the larger.

The Global Communications Certificate requires you to provide evidence of using many of the features illustrated so far. As a result, please ensure that you save any examples of web surfing and any e-mails that you have produced or replied to. These will need to be attached to the assignment once completed.

Contents: World Wide Web

Skill Check: World Wide Web