Re: OT--And now for a stupid question about newsgroup servers...
- From: Bob <bob@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: 29 Dec 2005 11:56:24 -0800
On 28 Dec 2005 17:32:47 -0800, marie said...
>
>I figured I'd try Datamas, since it is completely free and I'm broke
>due to Christmas and twins--go figure.
>
>As I was registering, using their wizard, I got to the screen that asks
>me for "...the name of the Internet news (NNTP) server your ISP has
>given you." Huh?
>
>I tried typing Outlook Express, cause that's traditionally the software
>I've used to read RPDB, but it said it didn't recognize this: so I'm
>thinking that isn't what it's asking.
>
>Far as I know, the only thing my ISP has given me as far as newsgroups
>are concerned is a humungous headache by cancelling their support.
>
>Help?!?!?
>
>Marie
Usenet newsgroups can be confusing for anyone, so there's no such thing as a
stupid question :)
Historically, newsgroups are usually viewed with a software program called a
NNTP newsreader. Outlook Express includes a newsreader, and there are a variety
of alternatives that you'll see people using within the newsgroups (Agent,
Xnews, NewsWatchers, etc.)... it's really no different than the different types
of software programs that people use to access their email on the Internet.
If you have a NNTP newsreader, you'll need to connect that newsreader to a news
server on the Internet in order to read and post newsgroup messages.
To do that your newsreader needs to reference a news server's address, which is
what Outlook Express is requesting during the setup wizard. Our members for
example connect to our news servers by referencing the following address in
their newsreader...
news.newsguy.com
....and other news servers will use a similar address format, replacing our
domain name (newsguy.com) with their domain name (somesite.com).
Most ISPs will operate a news server, and will include newsgroup access within
the cost of their accounts. Not sure who your ISP is, but you may want to start
by checking with their customer/technical support people to see if they provide
free access to the newsgroups. If they do, they should be able to tell you the
specific settings to place within Outlook Express (usually news server address,
username and password).
There are also a handful of free news servers operating on the Internet, and
most of those sites will offer a FAQ page that will reference their news server
address along with any other settings that you have to account for within
Outlook Express.
If none of the above works out for you, there are several commercial newsgroup
services that will typically offer a variety of affordable account options. Our
service for example has accounts that start around $3/month... along with a free
2-day trial option... and one of the benefits of a paid service is that you'll
typically have access to customer support whenever you need it.
Best of luck with your search, and if you have questions about any of the above,
feel free to drop me an email (bob@xxxxxxxxxxx).
Best regards,
Bob@xxxxxxxxxxx
NewsGuy.Com
.
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