What is Usenet? Easily explained
Many have read about Usenet before, but most have no idea what exactly is behind this network. We'll explain exactly what Usenet is.
Usenet: Network for discussions and file sharing
Usenet is an independent network that exists alongside the WWW. Usenet has existed much longer than the World Wide Web and can best be compared to a huge forum.
- Within Usenet you will find talks on various topics, just as you know it from the CHIP forum. These discussions take place in "Newsgroups".
- Usenet is a popular place for discussion because of the large number of participants. Everyone can leave a message on Usenet. Other users can then reply to these messages. Due to the decentralized distribution to many news servers worldwide, Usenet is also insensitive to server intrusions and censorship.
- Files are also exchanged within Usenet. The file exchange takes place in separate areas, the so-called binary groups.
- Since illegal files are often exchanged within the newsgroups, you now have a very bad reputation.
- In order to be able to access the Usenet, you need news reader programs. The free GrabIt program is recommended for beginners. To make it easier for you to manage, you can refer to our instructions for GrabIT.
Many users hesitate because of the exchange of illegal files on Usenet. We clarify whether the Usenet providers such as UseNeXT are legal.