Getting Started with Usenet - Revision history

Marco Moock: replaced screenshot to clarify the auth field

2025-04-30T20:45:01Z

replaced screenshot to clarify the auth field

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:45, 30 April 2025
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	# If Thunderbird doesn't already display the tab with your new account, then click on that tab near the title bar, or else click on the Mail icon in the Spaces Toolbar at the left edge of the window.		# If Thunderbird doesn't already display the tab with your new account, then click on that tab near the title bar, or else click on the Mail icon in the Spaces Toolbar at the left edge of the window.
	# Click on the hamburger button in the window title bar, then on '''Account Settings'''.		# Click on the hamburger button in the window title bar, then on '''Account Settings'''.
	# Locate your account in the left-hand pane and click on its '''Server Settings'''.<br> [[File:~~View_settings~~.png]]		# Locate your account in the left-hand pane and click on its '''Server Settings'''.<br> [[File:View_settings_2.png]]
	# Under '''Security Settings''', change '''Connection security''' to '''SSL/TLS'''.		# Under '''Security Settings''', change '''Connection security''' to '''SSL/TLS'''.
	# Under '''Server Settings''', check the '''Always request authentication when connecting to this server''' checkbox.		# Under '''Server Settings''', check the '''Always request authentication when connecting to this server''' checkbox.

Rayner Lucas: Update to reflect new version of sample .newsrc

2024-07-01T15:09:30Z

Update to reflect new version of sample .newsrc

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:09, 1 July 2024
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	# Browse through the list of newsgroups for other newsgroups that look appealing to you, or do some keyword searches in the '''Show items that contain''' field. Then subscribe to them by clicking on the respective checkboxes.		# Browse through the list of newsgroups for other newsgroups that look appealing to you, or do some keyword searches in the '''Show items that contain''' field. Then subscribe to them by clicking on the respective checkboxes.

	While there are thousands of newsgroups, it may be hard to find some that are currently active. Instead of subscribing using the trial-and-error process described above, you could instead import [https://www.big-8.org/w/images/3/3e/Sample-newsrc.txt a list of groups known to be active as of ~~August 2023~~]:		While there are thousands of newsgroups, it may be hard to find some that are currently active. Instead of subscribing using the trial-and-error process described above, you could instead import [https://www.big-8.org/w/images/3/3e/Sample-newsrc.txt a list of groups known to be active as of July 2024]:

	# Click on the hamburger button in the window title bar, then on '''Account Settings'''.		# Click on the hamburger button in the window title bar, then on '''Account Settings'''.

Tristan Miller: /* Task 5: Subscribe to some real newsgroups */

2023-08-25T17:14:51Z

Task 5: Subscribe to some real newsgroups

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:14, 25 August 2023
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	# Browse through the list of newsgroups for other newsgroups that look appealing to you, or do some keyword searches in the '''Show items that contain''' field. Then subscribe to them by clicking on the respective checkboxes.		# Browse through the list of newsgroups for other newsgroups that look appealing to you, or do some keyword searches in the '''Show items that contain''' field. Then subscribe to them by clicking on the respective checkboxes.

	While there are thousands of newsgroups, it may be hard to find some that are currently active. Instead of subscribing using the trial-and-error process described above, you could instead import [https://www.big-8.org/w/images/9/97/Sample-~~netrc~~.txt a list of groups known to be active as of August 2023]:		While there are thousands of newsgroups, it may be hard to find some that are currently active. Instead of subscribing using the trial-and-error process described above, you could instead import [https://www.big-8.org/w/images/3/3e/Sample-newsrc.txt a list of groups known to be active as of August 2023]:

	# Click on the hamburger button in the window title bar, then on '''Account Settings'''.		# Click on the hamburger button in the window title bar, then on '''Account Settings'''.
	# Locate your account in the left-hand pane and click on its '''Server Settings'''.<br> [[File:View_settings.png]]		# Locate your account in the left-hand pane and click on its '''Server Settings'''.<br> [[File:View_settings.png]]
	# Under '''Message Storage''', make a note of the filename listed under '''News.rc file''', or select and copy it to the clipboard.		# Under '''Message Storage''', make a note of the filename listed under '''News.rc file''', or select and copy it to the clipboard.
	# Using your web browser, download [https://www.big-8.org/w/images/9/97/Sample-~~netrc~~.txt the .~~netrc~~ file]. When prompted for the filename, navigate to or paste in the filename from the previous step. You will be prompted if you want to overwrite the existing file, so indicate your agreement.		# Using your web browser, download [https://www.big-8.org/w/images/3/3e/Sample-newsrc.txt the .newsrc file]. When prompted for the filename, navigate to or paste in the filename from the previous step. You will be prompted if you want to overwrite the existing file, so indicate your agreement.
	# Restart Thunderbird by closing it and relaunching it. The folder list will now show a list of active newsgroups.		# Restart Thunderbird by closing it and relaunching it. The folder list will now show a list of active newsgroups.

Tristan Miller: Subscribe to real newsgroups

2023-08-25T14:43:30Z

Subscribe to real newsgroups

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:43, 25 August 2023
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	# Fill in your userid and password for news.eternal-september.org and check the '''Use Password Manager to remember this password''' if you want. (If you are not using news.eternal-september.org, use the information from your Usenet provider.)		# Fill in your userid and password for news.eternal-september.org and check the '''Use Password Manager to remember this password''' if you want. (If you are not using news.eternal-september.org, use the information from your Usenet provider.)

	== Task 3: Subscribe to ~~your first newsgroups~~ ==		== Task 3: Subscribe to a test newsgroup ==

	# After following the steps above, you will be in a '''Subscribe''' window. In the '''Show items that contain''' input field, type <kbd>eternal</kbd>. The news server contains a few local newsgroups that are not accessible to other providers. These all begin with “eternal-september.”.		# After following the steps above, you will be in a '''Subscribe''' window. In the '''Show items that contain''' input field, type <kbd>eternal</kbd>. The news server contains a few local newsgroups that are not accessible to other providers. These all begin with “eternal-september.”.
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	# Write a simple subject and message body.		# Write a simple subject and message body.
	# In the toolbar, click on '''Send'''.<br>[[File:New_message.png\|new message]]		# In the toolbar, click on '''Send'''.<br>[[File:New_message.png\|new message]]
	# Wait a few seconds, and then click on the Get Messages icon (next to the '''New Message''' button) in the folder pane header. Your article should now appear in the message list.		# Wait a few seconds, and then click on the Get Messages icon (next to the '''New Message''' button) in the folder pane header. Your article should now appear in the message list. Go ahead and read it!

			== Task 5: Subscribe to some real newsgroups ==

			# Right-click (or on a Mac, click and hold) on your account name, then click on '''Subscribe…'''.
			# Browse through the list of newsgroups for other newsgroups that look appealing to you, or do some keyword searches in the '''Show items that contain''' field. Then subscribe to them by clicking on the respective checkboxes.

			While there are thousands of newsgroups, it may be hard to find some that are currently active. Instead of subscribing using the trial-and-error process described above, you could instead import [https://www.big-8.org/w/images/9/97/Sample-netrc.txt a list of groups known to be active as of August 2023]:

			# Click on the hamburger button in the window title bar, then on '''Account Settings'''.
			# Locate your account in the left-hand pane and click on its '''Server Settings'''.<br> [[File:View_settings.png]]
			# Under '''Message Storage''', make a note of the filename listed under '''News.rc file''', or select and copy it to the clipboard.
			# Using your web browser, download [https://www.big-8.org/w/images/9/97/Sample-netrc.txt the .netrc file]. When prompted for the filename, navigate to or paste in the filename from the previous step. You will be prompted if you want to overwrite the existing file, so indicate your agreement.
			# Restart Thunderbird by closing it and relaunching it. The folder list will now show a list of active newsgroups.

	== Summary ==		== Summary ==

Tristan Miller: fix formatting

2023-08-25T14:24:28Z

fix formatting

Tristan Miller: /* Summary */

2023-08-25T14:23:54Z

Summary

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:23, 25 August 2023
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	= Summary =		= Summary =

	In this tutorial, you have signed up for your first Usenet account, set up Thunderbird for Usenet, read a few ~~article~~, ~~and~~ posted a test article. You now have all of the tools to be dangerous.		In this tutorial, you have signed up for your first Usenet account, set up Thunderbird for Usenet, read a few articles in a test newsgroup, posted a test article, and subscribed to some real newsgroups. You now have all of the tools to be dangerous.

	A word about Usenet Netiquette:		A word about Usenet Netiquette:

	Before there were Codes of Conduct, there was Netiquette. Netiquette is a set of common sense rules for behaving online. Most are common sense: don’t be a jerk to people, don’t troll, don’t feed the trolls, and don’t spam~~. Others are specific to Newsgroups such as don’t top post~~. You can read about this in a little more detail ~~below~~. Nobody wants to join a new community and be ~~<span class="emphasis">~~''that newbie''~~</span>~~. It’s always best to read first, reply later.		Before there were Codes of Conduct, there was Netiquette. Netiquette is a set of common sense rules for behaving online. Most are common sense: don’t be a jerk to people, don’t troll, don’t feed the trolls, and don’t spam. You can read about this in a little more detail at [http://linux.sgms-centre.com/misc/netiquette.php USENET and Mailing List posting netiquette].. Nobody wants to join a new community and be ''that newbie''. It’s always best to read first, reply later.

	~~http://linux.sgms-centre.com/misc/netiquette.php~~

Tristan Miller: /* Task 4: Post your first newsgroup article */

2023-08-25T14:21:31Z

Task 4: Post your first newsgroup article

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:21, 25 August 2023
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	= Task 4: Post your first newsgroup article =		= Task 4: Post your first newsgroup article =

	# On the ~~menu bar~~, click on '''~~Write~~'''.		# In the folder pane header, click on '''New Message'''.
	# Write a simple ~~title~~ and message.		# Write a simple subject and message body.
	# On the ~~menu~~, click '''Send'''.<br>[[File:New_message.png\|new message]]		# In the toolbar, click on '''Send'''.<br>[[File:New_message.png\|new message]]
			# Wait a few seconds, and then click on the Get Messages icon (next to the '''New Message''' button) in the folder pane header. Your article should now appear in the message list.

	= Summary =		= Summary =

Tristan Miller: /* Task 3: Subscribe to your first newsgroups */

2023-08-25T13:30:41Z

Task 3: Subscribe to your first newsgroups

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:30, 25 August 2023
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	= Task 3: Subscribe to your first newsgroups =		= Task 3: Subscribe to your first newsgroups =

	# In the ~~search window~~, ~~search for~~ eternal~~-september~~. The news server contains a few newsgroups that are not accessible to other providers. These all begin with “eternal-september.*”.		# After following the steps above, you will be in a '''Subscribe''' window. In the '''Show items that contain''' input field, type <kbd>eternal</kbd>. The news server contains a few local newsgroups that are not accessible to other providers. These all begin with “eternal-september.”.
	# Click on the ~~box~~ next to '''eternal-september.test''' or click ~~'''Subscribe''' then~~ '''OK'''.<br>[[File:Subscribe.png\|subscribe]]		# Click on the checkbox next to '''eternal-september.test''' and then click on '''OK'''.<br>[[File:Subscribe.png\|subscribe]]
	# Click on the ~~Arrow next to~~ '''~~news.eternal~~-~~september~~.~~org~~''' ~~on the left~~.~~<br>~~Thunderbird always ~~minimizes~~ the ~~names~~ of ~~newsgroups to save space.~~		# Click on the first newsgroup listed for your account, which is '''e-s.test'''. (Thunderbird always abbreviates the first parts of the newsgroup name.)<br>You will be prompted for how many headers to download. If you have a very slow connection, you can just download a few. Click on '''Download'''.<br>You should now see a lot of nonsense articles. These are articles from people who are doing exactly what you are doing. They are testing out their newsreaders to make sure that they can post to Usenet.
	~~# Click on~~ the ~~first~~ newsgroup ~~which is '''eternal-september.test'''~~.<br>You will be prompted for how many headers to download. If you have a very slow connection, you can just download a few. ~~That’s not a restriction that many people still have~~.<br>You should now see a lot of nonsense articles. These are articles from people who are doing exactly what you are doing. They are testing out their newsreaders to make sure that they can post to Usenet.
	# Click on a few articles from other people and read them. Don’t expect them to make any sense since this is a test newsgroup. It’s good to understand what a newsgroup article looks like like.		# Click on a few articles from other people and read them. Don’t expect them to make any sense since this is a test newsgroup. It’s good to understand what a newsgroup article looks like like.

Tristan Miller: /* Task 2: Set up Thunderbird */

2023-08-25T13:21:51Z

Task 2: Set up Thunderbird

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:21, 25 August 2023
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	# Install [https://www.thunderbird.net/ Thunderbird] if you haven’t already. If you are using Windows or Mac, you can install it from the following URL, if you are using Linux, you can install it with your distribution’s package manager: https://www.thunderbird.net/		# Install [https://www.thunderbird.net/ Thunderbird] if you haven’t already. If you are using Windows or Mac, you can install it from the following URL, if you are using Linux, you can install it with your distribution’s package manager: https://www.thunderbird.net/
	# The first time that you run Thunderbird, you will be prompted with a screen that says, “Set Up an Existing Email ~~Account”~~. Click the '''Cancel''' button to continue. You can use Thunderbird for email also if you want, but we will focus on Usenet.		# The first time that you run Thunderbird, you will be prompted with a screen that says, “Set Up Your Existing Email Address”. Click the '''Cancel''' button and then '''Exit Setup''' to continue. You can use Thunderbird for email also if you want, but we will focus on Usenet.
	# Click on '''~~Newsgroups~~'''.		# Click on the hamburger button (the triple bar) in the window title bar, then on '''New Account''' and then on '''Newsgroup'''.
	# Fill in Your Name and Email Address, then click '''Next'''.<br> [[File:Account_wizard.png]]<br> These do '''not''' have to be real~~. You can make as many profiles as~~ you ~~want. Each profile is called~~ a ~~Nym~~ in ~~Usenet terminology~~. ~~If you want people~~ to ~~be able to communicate with you outside~~ of ~~Usenet~~, ~~then it may be~~ good ~~to invest the time to create a spare email account~~.		# Fill in Your Name and Email Address, then click '''Next'''.<br> [[File:Account_wizard.png]]<br> These do '''not''' have to be real, though if you enter a fictitious email address, make sure it does not correspond to one that might already be in use by someone else. (Using the reserved domain name "example.com", or adding ".invalid" to the end of the domain name, are good ideas.)
	# Fill in your Newsgroup Server.		# Fill in your Newsgroup Server (<kbd>news.eternal-september.org</kbd>) and click on '''Next'''.
	# ~~Choose~~ an Account Name or leave it as the default.		# Fill in an Account Name of your choice, or leave it as the default. Then click on '''Next'''.
	# ~~Click~~ '''~~Finish~~'''.		# Review your settings, and then click '''Next''' to finish the account setup.
	# Click on '''~~View~~ Settings ~~for this account~~'''.		# If Thunderbird doesn't already display the tab with your new account, then click on that tab near the title bar, or else click on the Mail icon in the Spaces Toolbar at the left edge of the window.
	# ~~Click~~ on '''Server Settings'''.<br> [[File:View_settings.png]]		# Click on the hamburger button in the window title bar, then on '''Account Settings'''.
	# ~~Change~~ Security Settings to '''SSL/TLS'''.		# Locate your account in the left-hand pane and click on its '''Server Settings'''.<br> [[File:View_settings.png]]
	# ~~Click on~~ '''Always request authentication when connecting to this server'''.		# Under '''Security Settings''', change '''Connection security''' to '''SSL/TLS'''.
	# ~~Click~~ '''OK''' ~~at the bottom of the window~~.~~<br> [[File:Server-settings.png\|server settings]]~~		# Under '''Server Settings''', check the '''Always request authentication when connecting to this server''' checkbox.
	# ~~Click~~ '''~~Manage newsgroup subscriptions~~'''.		# Close the '''Account Settings''' tab.
	# Fill in your userid and password for eternal-september and ~~click save~~ password if you want. If you are not using eternal-september, use the information from your Usenet provider.		# Right-click (or on a Mac, click and hold) on your account name, then click on '''Subscribe…'''
			# Fill in your userid and password for news.eternal-september.org and check the '''Use Password Manager to remember this password''' if you want. (If you are not using news.eternal-september.org, use the information from your Usenet provider.)

	= Task 3: Subscribe to your first newsgroups =		= Task 3: Subscribe to your first newsgroups =

Tristan Miller: remove HTML cruft

2023-08-18T13:40:35Z

remove HTML cruft

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:40, 18 August 2023
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	= Task 1: Get a Usenet Account =		= Task 1: Get a Usenet Account =

	~~<ol style="list-style-type: decimal;">~~		# Open your browser and go to the [http://www.eternal-september.org/RegisterNewsAccount.php Eternal September account registration page]: http://www.eternal-september.org/RegisterNewsAccount.php
	~~<li><p>~~Open your browser and go to the ~~following website~~:</p>		# Before you continue, make sure to take a look at the [http://www.eternal-september.org/index.php?showpage=terms Terms of Use]: http://www.eternal-september.org/index.php?showpage=terms This isn’t a bunch of legalese, but they are guidelines on what is permitted. It’s OK if you don’t understand everything but most people will get the gist of what’s being said.
	~~<p>~~http://www.eternal-september.org/RegisterNewsAccount.php~~</p>~~		# Fill out the information in the form. The server will send a new email in '''plain text'''. No, this is not ideal, but you can always come back and change the password later. Always use a new password when signing up to a new website so it can’t be used elsewhere if it is found.
	~~<p>~~Before you continue, make sure to take a look at the Terms of ~~use~~. This isn’t a bunch of ~~legaleze~~, but they are guidelines on what is permitted. It’s OK if you don’t understand everything but most people will get the gist of what’s being said.~~</p>~~		# Put your userid and password someplace safe. You will also need to know that the server address that you will be using: <kbd>news.eternal-september.org</kbd>
	~~<p>http://www.eternal-september.org/index.php?showpage=terms</p></li>~~
	~~<li><p>~~Fill out the information in the form. The server will send a new email in ~~<span class="strong">~~'''plain text'''~~</span>~~. No, this is not ideal, but you can always come back and change the password later. Always use a new password when signing up to a new website so it can’t be used elsewhere if it is found.~~</p></li>~~
	~~<li><p>~~Put your userid and password someplace safe. You will also need to know that the server address that you will be using is:<~~/p></li></ol>~~

	~~<pre class="screen"~~>news.eternal-september.org</~~pre~~>

	= Task 2: Set up Thunderbird =		= Task 2: Set up Thunderbird =

	~~<ol style="list-style-type~~: ~~decimal;">~~		# Install [https://www.thunderbird.net/ Thunderbird] if you haven’t already. If you are using Windows or Mac, you can install it from the following URL, if you are using Linux, you can install it with your distribution’s package manager: https://www.thunderbird.net/
	~~<li><p>Install~~ Thunderbird if you haven’t already. If you are using Windows or Mac, you can install it from the following URL, if you are using Linux, you can install it with your distribution’s package manager:~~</p>~~		# The first time that you run Thunderbird, you will be prompted with a screen that says, “Set Up an Existing Email Account”. Click the '''Cancel''' button to continue. You can use Thunderbird for email also if you want, but we will focus on Usenet.
	~~<p>~~https://www.thunderbird.net/~~en-US/thunderbird/all/</p></li>~~		# Click on '''Newsgroups'''.
	~~<li><p>~~The first time that you run Thunderbird, you will be prompted with a screen that says, “Set Up an Existing Email Account”. Click the ~~<span class="strong">~~'''Cancel'''~~</span>~~ button to continue. You can use Thunderbird for email also if you want, but we will focus on Usenet~~:</p></li>~~		# Fill in Your Name and Email Address, then click '''Next'''.<br> [[File:Account_wizard.png]]<br> These do '''not''' have to be real. You can make as many profiles as you want. Each profile is called a Nym in Usenet terminology. If you want people to be able to communicate with you outside of Usenet, then it may be good to invest the time to create a spare email account.
	~~<li><p>~~Click on ~~<span class="strong">~~'''Newsgroups'''~~</span>:</p></li>~~		# Fill in your Newsgroup Server.
	~~<li><p>~~Fill in Your Name and Email Address, then click ~~<span class="strong">~~'''Next'''<~~/span~~>~~:</p>~~		# Choose an Account Name or leave it as the default.
			# Click '''Finish'''.
	[[File:Account_wizard.png]]		# Click on '''View Settings for this account'''.
			# Click on '''Server Settings'''.<br> [[File:View_settings.png]]
	<p>These do ~~<span class="strong">~~'''not'''~~</span>~~ have to be real. You can make as many profiles as you want. Each profile is called a Nym in Usenet terminology. If you want people to be able to communicate with you outside of Usenet, then it may be good to invest the time to create a spare email account.~~</p></li>~~		# Change Security Settings to '''SSL/TLS'''.
	~~<li><p>~~Fill in your Newsgroup Server~~:</p></li>~~		# Click on '''Always request authentication when connecting to this server'''.
	~~<li><p>~~Choose an Account Name or leave it as the default~~</p></li>~~		# Click '''OK''' at the bottom of the window.<br> [[File:Server-settings.png\|server settings]]
	~~<li><p>~~Click ~~<span class="strong">~~'''Finish'''~~</span>:</p></li>~~		# Click '''Manage newsgroup subscriptions'''.
	~~<li><p>~~Click on ~~<span class="strong">~~'''View Settings for this account'''~~</span>:</p></li>~~		# Fill in your userid and password for eternal-september and click save password if you want. If you are not using eternal-september, use the information from your Usenet provider.
	~~<li><p>~~Click on ~~<span class="strong">~~'''Server Settings'''<~~/span~~>~~</p>~~

	[[File:View_settings.png]]

	~~</li>~~
	~~<li><p>~~Change Security Settings to ~~<span class="strong">~~'''SSL/TLS'''~~</span>:</p></li>~~
	~~<li><p>~~Click on ~~<span class="strong">~~'''Always request authentication when connecting to this server'''~~</span></p></li>~~
	~~<li><p>~~Click ~~<span class="strong">~~'''OK'''~~</span>~~ at the bottom of the window:</p>

	[[File:Server-settings.png\|server settings]]

	~~</li>~~
	~~<li><p>Click~~ Click ~~<span class="strong">~~'''Manage newsgroup subscriptions'''~~</span>:</p></li>~~
	~~<li><p>~~Fill in your userid and password for eternal-september and click save password if you want~~:</p>~~
	~~<p>~~If you are not using eternal-september, use the information from your Usenet provider.~~</p></li></ol>~~

	= Task 3: Subscribe to your first newsgroups =		= Task 3: Subscribe to your first newsgroups =

	~~<ol style="list-style-type: decimal;">~~		# In the search window, search for eternal-september. The news server contains a few newsgroups that are not accessible to other providers. These all begin with “eternal-september.*”.
	~~<li><p>~~In the search window, search for eternal-september. The news server contains a few newsgroups that are not accessible to other providers. These all begin with “eternal-september.*”~~:</p></li>~~		# Click on the box next to '''eternal-september.test''' or click '''Subscribe''' then '''OK'''.<br>[[File:Subscribe.png\|subscribe]]
	~~<li><p>~~Click on the box next to ~~<span class="strong">~~'''eternal-september.test'''~~</span>~~ or click ~~<span class="strong">~~'''Subscribe'''~~</span>~~ then ~~<span class="strong">~~'''OK'''~~</span>~~.</p>		# Click on the Arrow next to '''news.eternal-september.org''' on the left.<br>Thunderbird always minimizes the names of newsgroups to save space.
			# Click on the first newsgroup which is '''eternal-september.test'''.<br>You will be prompted for how many headers to download. If you have a very slow connection, you can just download a few. That’s not a restriction that many people still have.<br>You should now see a lot of nonsense articles. These are articles from people who are doing exactly what you are doing. They are testing out their newsreaders to make sure that they can post to Usenet.
	[[File:Subscribe.png\|subscribe]]		# Click on a few articles from other people and read them. Don’t expect them to make any sense since this is a test newsgroup. It’s good to understand what a newsgroup article looks like like.

	~~</li>~~
	~~<li><p>~~Click on the Arrow next to ~~<span class="strong">~~'''news.eternal-september.org'''~~</span>~~ on the left:<~~/p>~~
	<p>Thunderbird always minimizes the names of newsgroups to save space.~~</p></li>~~
	~~<li><p>~~Click on the first newsgroup which is ~~<span class="strong">~~'''eternal-september.test'''<~~/span>:</p>~~
	<p>You will be prompted for how many headers to download. If you have a very slow connection, you can just download a few. That’s not a restriction that many people still have.<~~/p>~~
	<p>You should now see a lot of nonsense articles. These are articles from people who are doing exactly what you are doing. They are testing out their newsreaders to make sure that they can post to Usenet.~~</p></li>~~
	~~<li><p>~~Click on a few articles from other people and read them. Don’t expect them to make any sense since this is a test newsgroup. It’s good to understand what a newsgroup article looks like like.~~</p></li></ol>~~

	= Task 4: Post your first newsgroup article =		= Task 4: Post your first newsgroup article =

	~~<ol style="list-style-type: decimal;">~~		# On the menu bar, click on '''Write'''.
	~~<li><p>~~On the menu bar, click on ~~<span class="strong">~~'''Write'''~~</span>:</p></li>~~		# Write a simple title and message.
	~~<li><p>~~Write a simple title and message.~~</p></li>~~		# On the menu, click '''Send'''.<br>[[File:New_message.png\|new message]]
	~~<li><p>~~On the menu, click ~~<span class="strong">~~'''Send'''<~~/span>:</p~~>

	[[File:New_message.png\|new message]]

	~~</li></ol>~~

	= Summary =		= Summary =

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:24, 25 August 2023
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	= Introduction =		== Introduction ==


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	Usenet is simple. It is plain text.		Usenet is simple. It is plain text.

	= Task 1: Get a Usenet Account =		== Task 1: Get a Usenet Account ==

	# Open your browser and go to the [http://www.eternal-september.org/RegisterNewsAccount.php Eternal September account registration page]: http://www.eternal-september.org/RegisterNewsAccount.php		# Open your browser and go to the [http://www.eternal-september.org/RegisterNewsAccount.php Eternal September account registration page]: http://www.eternal-september.org/RegisterNewsAccount.php
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	# Put your userid and password someplace safe. You will also need to know that the server address that you will be using: <kbd>news.eternal-september.org</kbd>		# Put your userid and password someplace safe. You will also need to know that the server address that you will be using: <kbd>news.eternal-september.org</kbd>

	= Task 2: Set up Thunderbird =		== Task 2: Set up Thunderbird ==

	# Install [https://www.thunderbird.net/ Thunderbird] if you haven’t already. If you are using Windows or Mac, you can install it from the following URL, if you are using Linux, you can install it with your distribution’s package manager: https://www.thunderbird.net/		# Install [https://www.thunderbird.net/ Thunderbird] if you haven’t already. If you are using Windows or Mac, you can install it from the following URL, if you are using Linux, you can install it with your distribution’s package manager: https://www.thunderbird.net/
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	# Fill in your userid and password for news.eternal-september.org and check the '''Use Password Manager to remember this password''' if you want. (If you are not using news.eternal-september.org, use the information from your Usenet provider.)		# Fill in your userid and password for news.eternal-september.org and check the '''Use Password Manager to remember this password''' if you want. (If you are not using news.eternal-september.org, use the information from your Usenet provider.)

	= Task 3: Subscribe to your first newsgroups =		== Task 3: Subscribe to your first newsgroups ==

	# After following the steps above, you will be in a '''Subscribe''' window. In the '''Show items that contain''' input field, type <kbd>eternal</kbd>. The news server contains a few local newsgroups that are not accessible to other providers. These all begin with “eternal-september.”.		# After following the steps above, you will be in a '''Subscribe''' window. In the '''Show items that contain''' input field, type <kbd>eternal</kbd>. The news server contains a few local newsgroups that are not accessible to other providers. These all begin with “eternal-september.”.
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	# Click on a few articles from other people and read them. Don’t expect them to make any sense since this is a test newsgroup. It’s good to understand what a newsgroup article looks like like.		# Click on a few articles from other people and read them. Don’t expect them to make any sense since this is a test newsgroup. It’s good to understand what a newsgroup article looks like like.

	= Task 4: Post your first newsgroup article =		== Task 4: Post your first newsgroup article ==

	# In the folder pane header, click on '''New Message'''.		# In the folder pane header, click on '''New Message'''.
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	# Wait a few seconds, and then click on the Get Messages icon (next to the '''New Message''' button) in the folder pane header. Your article should now appear in the message list.		# Wait a few seconds, and then click on the Get Messages icon (next to the '''New Message''' button) in the folder pane header. Your article should now appear in the message list.

	= Summary =		== Summary ==

	In this tutorial, you have signed up for your first Usenet account, set up Thunderbird for Usenet, read a few articles in a test newsgroup, posted a test article, and subscribed to some real newsgroups. You now have all of the tools to be dangerous.		In this tutorial, you have signed up for your first Usenet account, set up Thunderbird for Usenet, read a few articles in a test newsgroup, posted a test article, and subscribed to some real newsgroups. You now have all of the tools to be dangerous.