What Is Usenet & How Does It Work?

Contrary to popular belief, the World Wide Web was not the first communication network online.  Usenet, a network system, was established years before the web's inception. This old network system is still kept under the radar by the dedicated computer enthusiasts who use it. In this article, find out what Usenet is, how it works, and why a Usenet search is relevant even today.

What is Usenet?

Usenet is a global, distributed network system where users can exchange news across a vast array of categories called newsgroups. From politics and computers to science, the network organizes billions of messages into millions of conversations sorted into thousands of newsgroups.

People share messages within these newsgroups by conversing with others who share their interests. Usenet newsgroups are managed hierarchically by subject, like the domain name system (DNS).

Usenet is similar to an online bulletin board. It’s thought to be a precursor to modern Internet forums and social media. Usenet newsgroups function similarly to Reddit, Dropbox, or Google Drive. Just as you scroll through various subreddits today, users search Usenet to find different newsgroups.

The primary purpose of the system is to provide a network where users can post and read information freely. As a result, discussion threads are collectively constructed through the individual creation of messages in reply to one another.

The network does not rely on a central server. Instead, it operates through a network of interconnected servers called ‘news servers’ to send and forward messages to each other. Users utilize this platform to save files, called binaries, on these servers for other members to download.

This structure allows the network system to be resilient to censorship and outages and allows many users to participate in discussions across countless topics.

For Usenet in a browser, discussions are organized into threads. The intention is to make it easy for users to follow specific topics and responses. Behind the scenes, Usenet works using a particular set of rules and protocols. It uses the NNTP protocol to exchange files between computers.

Despite being overshadowed by contemporary social media platforms and web forums, Usenet remains a significant part of Internet history. It continues to thrive as a fast, reliable, and secure platform.

What are newsgroups?

Usenet organizes its content into what are called newsgroups. A newsgroup is simply an online discussion forum within the Usenet system. Most newsgroups focus on a specific topic, but their posts may be moderated or unmoderated.

These newsgroups are divided into two main types: text and binary. Text newsgroups are designed solely for textual communication, similar to large online forums. They don’t permit the posting of binary files such as images because these groups are strictly for text-based discussions.

Another critical feature of newsgroups is their moderation status. Some newsgroups are moderated, meaning one or more individuals oversee the content. Moderators remove spam messages and off-topic posts to ensure the discussions remain relevant.

Non-moderated newsgroups are the opposite. These have led to controversy because they lack oversight and allow for a broader range of posts, including spammy posts.

There are thousands of newsgroups. The network categorizes groups into hierarchies, each representing a different subject matter. With around 200,000 such groups, there's much discussion to dive into.

Examples of newsgroups

The following are all examples of Usenet newsgroups:

• alt.: Known for its wide range of alternative topics, this unmoderated group covers virtually anything.
• comp.: Focused on computers, including hardware, software, and computing theories.
• humanities.: Centers on discussions related to culture, arts, and other humanities-related topics.
• misc.: Covers a wide array of miscellaneous topics that don't fit into other categories.
• news.: Dedicated to discussions about Usenet itself, its features, and related topics.
• rec.arts.: Part of the Big 8 hierarchy, with subgroups like rec.arts.anime.misc for anime fans and rec.autos.sport.f1 for Formula 1 enthusiasts.
• sci.: For science and technology enthusiasts, with deep discussions on scientific theories and discoveries.
• soc.: A platform for social topics and debates, including current events and societal issues.
•  talk.: General chat on various topics, including religion and politics.
• alt.bitcoins.: Aimed at Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, offering insights and discussions on the latest in the crypto world.

Users can find newsgroups by searching for topics of interest or browsing through the hierarchies. Whether you’re into art, technology, or engineering, there's a newsgroup for you.

History of Usenet

Usenet has a rich history. Tom Truscott and Jim Ellis, graduates of Duke University, created it in 1979. The idea was to create a way to share messages and files between systems using the Unix-to-Unix Copy Program (UUCP). In its early years, Usenet quickly expanded from its initial connection between Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

By the mid-1980s, the Great Renaming reorganized newsgroups into a more hierarchical structure, creating categories such as "comp" for computers, "sci" for science, "rec" for recreation, and "talk" for discussions.

The 1990s saw significant popularity for Usenet. The introduction of the "net.news" software facilitated the inclusion of more users. The creation of new newsgroups without traditional approval carried on, hence vast expansion of topics.

In 1994, the launch of Deja News, a web-based Usenet archive, made it easier to access newsgroup content online.

However, the World Wide Web brought a surge of new users. The WWW project aimed to allow links to be made to any information anywhere. Usenet's popularity declined due to issues with illegal content.

Later, Google acquired Deja News and integrated it into Google Groups. On top of that, it preserved a significant portion of Usenet's history.

Over the years, there have been a lot of improvements. New developments in technology have occurred; because of this, the network platform is today built on a more efficient network news transfer protocol (NNTP).

How does Usenet work?

Usenet is one of the oldest computer network communication systems that is still in use today. It uses NNTP to facilitate message distribution, retrieval, and posting.

NNTP operates over TCP/IP to allow efficient communication between servers and clients. The protocol establishes a connection between a client and a server.

The client sends commands to the server to retrieve or post messages, and the server then responds with the requested information. NNTP allows for the efficient transfer of large volumes of data, making it well-suited for distributing text and binary files.

Users need a Usenet client, commonly known as a newsreader, to access Usenet. Popular clients include Thunderbird, Pan, and Newsbin Pro. These clients offer various features, such as message threading, filtering, and search capabilities.

NNTP clients are also designed to make navigating and participating in discussions easy for users. They feature user-friendly interface for posting messages, as well as tools for managing subscriptions to different newsgroups.

Some clients offer advanced features, such as support for binary file downloads. The diversity of content on Usenet is one of its key strengths. Users can find discussions on virtually any topic they wish for.

Features of Usenet

Usenet predates the modern Internet. Its typical features include the following:

• Discussion forums (newsgroups) organized by topic. The network hosts a vast array of newsgroups catering to virtually every interest, from technology and science to hobbies, news, and even niche topics.
• File sharing and downloading capabilities. The distributed network lets you share binary files like images, videos, and software alongside text-based messages. In addition, Usenet is more reliable for downloading large files efficiently across multiple servers than peer-to-peer or torrent networks.
• Anonymity and privacy features. It offers a level of anonymity not found in many contemporary forums and social media platforms, which often require real-name registration. Secure Usenet providers use SSL to secure traffic.
• Decentralization. Usenet's decentralized nature means no single entity controls the entire network. Therefore, the newsgroups are perfect for those who prefer open environments.

Benefits of using Usenet

Usenet still offers unique benefits that continue to attract a niche audience. Here are the key reasons for a dedicated user base:

• Fast file transfer speeds. Usenet servers contribute to high download speeds. This particularly appeals to users who need to download large files like videos, software, or datasets.
• Extensive retention times. Many Usenet providers offer long retention times, meaning people can access posts years after uploading them. Therefore, you get the content that may no longer be available elsewhere.
• Access to a vast repository of knowledge and resources. Long-standing newsgroups have developed into niche communities with high levels of expertise. For those with specific hobbies, technologies, or interests, Usenet can provide in-depth information that is hard to find on more mainstream platforms.
• No advertising. Usenet is generally free from the ads common on other platforms. It gives a more straightforward user experience.
• Historical interest. For some, using Usenet is a way to experience a piece of Internet history and see the evolution of online communities.

Common uses

Usenet is a versatile platform with diverse applications. This bulletin board system originally functioned for academia, primarily serving university students, and it continues to serve as an active platform in research institutions. The network's specialized newsgroups provide valuable knowledge on diverse topics for researchers.

It also thrives as a hub for social interaction and community building. Newsgroups foster vibrant individuals to engage in meaningful discussions. The sense of community is amplified by their decentralized nature, which encourages participation from diverse backgrounds.

Beyond that, file sharing and collaboration are also significant aspects of Usenet. Users exchange software, media, and other content, facilitating creative endeavors.

Usenet is home to many references for web culture. Most online terms, like 'URL,' were first popularized in Usenet newsgroups.

How do I access Usenet?

Most of us have switched to new platforms to perform the same tasks Usenet does, but a community of fans still hasn’t taken it down and uses it actively.

If you want to set up and use Usenet, then follow these steps:

1. Choose a provider. Select a provider that fits your needs like Newshosting or Giganews.
2. Sign up for an account. Register and choose a subscription plan.
3. Download a newsreader. Install a newsreader software application like Newsbin.
4. Configure your newsreader. Enter your account details and server information.
5. Search for and subscribe to newsgroups. After configuring your newsreader, use it or Usenet search engines to find and subscribe to newsgroups.
6. Post messages and download files. Participate in discussions and then download files using a Usenet downloader.

Frequently asked questions

Is Usenet legal?

Yes, Usenet is a legal platform for exchanging information, but its anonymity often leads to illegal sharing of copyrighted content.

Should I use a VPN with Usenet?

Yes, a VPN enhances privacy by encrypting traffic and thus hiding the user’s IP address from prying eyes.

Is Usenet safe?

It can be safe if you take precautions. Choose a reputable provider with SSL encryption, scan downloaded files for viruses, and then avoid downloading from unknown sources.

What are NZB files?

NZB (Newzbin) files are like indexes for Usenet downloads. They contain information about where specific files are located on different servers, making it easier to download them.