Note: When you are done with this module, simply close this window to return to the module.
Purpose
Newsgroups provide a forum for discussions. Because of their ability to place related ideas under specific topics, they provide a different function than listservs or email. These related ideas or topics, called threads, can be established ahead of time by the course instructor. Students then place (or link) their comments directly to specific threads.
Overview
The information placed here is based on using Netscape News. If
you are using a different Internet Browser, the procedures will be
different (but the concepts will be similar). It often takes a few
tries to access the server the first time, but once you establish
access from your machine, it will be easier to access in the
future.
Access the "News" Preferences
Step 1: Access the Option menu from your menubar in Netscape
Step 2: Open Mail and News Preferences.
Select the "Server" Preferences
Step 1: Click the Server selection after your selections show up.
Set up Netscape to access newsgroups
Step 1: Enter "news" is entered in the "News (NNTP) Server:" window.
Select Netscape News
Step 1: Access the Window menu from the menubar
Step 2: Open Netscape News.
Show all available newsgroups
Step 1: Select the icon of the computer (probably labeled news [default news host]) in the left side frame.
Step 2: Select "Show all Newsgroup" from the Options menu
Align your page
Step 1: On the right-side frame, place your cursor on the bar to the left of the word "Subject". Your curser should become a cross shape.
Step 2: Click and drag the divider bar to the left or right.
Step 3: Use this procedure to move any of the fields or windows to more easily read the page.***************[Need picture of this step]***********************
Chose newsgroup
Step 1: Scroll down the list of news groups until you find one that looks applicable to your interests.
Read message
Step 1: Click on a newsgroup (left frame) to access the
messages
Step 2: Click on a message (right frame) to read the message
Step 3: Click Re: News to respond to the group (or Re: Mail to
respond to the sender)
Step 4: Enter a subject name, descriptive text, and send the notice
Notes
- The button "To: News" will start a new thread, and soon the top level of the group will become cluttered, making it hard to find specific messages. If you have an idea for a new thread, please request the addition with the instructor.
- Select "Show All Messages" from the Options menu if you would like to see both those you have read and have yet to read.
- Your messages can be reorganized numerically or alphabetically by clicking on the word Subject, Sender, or Date.
- Before you can see the message you send, the Newsgroup will need to be refreshed. Simply close by clicking on the triangle to the thread, then reopen the thread.
- The red flag can be used for you to highlight important messages.
- The green dot lets you know if the message has been read.
Note: When you are done with this module, simply close this window to return to the module.
URL: edwebiii.sdsu.edu/t3/module4/newsgroup/newsgroup.htm
Last updated: 5/20/97