          ****** Quad-Tech Systems Guide to the Internet *****
                    BBS use for Usenet Newsgroups
                     Release 1.0 June 25, 1993
                     Authored by Richard Dennis

    
    Introduction .

    PCB-UUCP and the use of PageSat's Satelite Netnews allows
    users to access the world of the Internet ( Usenet Newsgroups)
    via the BBS world using PCBOARD version 15.0 as a window gateway.
    PCB-UUCP acts as a gateway to Pagesat Satelite. Netnews is echoed
    24 hours a day via an elaborate setup data stream connection.
    Note: Netnews, Newsgroups, Usenet are one in the same. For the
    purposes of this guide will refer to the aboove as " Usenet ".
    Usenet uses the Internet to transport its traffic.

    What is Usenet ?

    Usenet represents thousnads of computing machines from all over
    the world communicating in a common format in order to promote
    a system of free-flowing information exchange. Usenet members
    may range in size from large timesharing services/machines ( VMS
    UNIX ) to a small single-user machine. Unlike other services such
    as GENIE or Prodigy, Usenet is non-commercial in nature and has no
    central management.

    Access Usnet for the first time.

    Unlike the timesharing systems ( VMS, UNIX ), Quad-Tech Systems 
    allows users to access the Usenet in a very simple manner.
    (This may vary from BBS to BBS). Once you've logged into the
    system the only command you need to know and remember is  "J"
    ( without the quotes ). It is also necessary to enter a number 
    after you've located the newgroup. Using this command will allow you
    to review the full compliment of networks on Quad-Tech Systems.
    The Usenet newsgroups are easily identifiable. We use several
    methods. For example,  ALT.BBS  IT  or  ALT.SYSOP  or COMP.WAFFLE.
    The " IT " tells the users that this newsgroup is an Internet
    newsgroup. The " alt.sysop " is separated by a period, this
    method is used to help current users of the Internet recognize
    their favorite newsgroup.

    Usenet's Organization.

    Each Usenet newsgroup has a unigue name that gives some indication
    of the kind of discussions held in the group. Newsgroup's names are
    a series of abbreviations, separated by periods and moving left to
    right from general to specific.
    A few more exmaples:

              alt.useage.english
              comp.protocols.tcp-ip
              misc.books.techical
              rec.arts.theatre
              sci.engr.civil

    Groups distributed worldwide are divided into seven broad
    categories:

    Comp    Groups that discuss various computer related topics.
    Sci     Groups that discuss scientific topics.
    Misc    Groups that do not fit easily into any other group.
    Soc     Groups that discuss social issues.
    News    Groups devoted to news about USENET.
    Talk    Groups for freeform discussions, often focusing on
            controversial topics.
    Rec     Groups that discuss recreational pursuits, such as music.
    Bio     Groups that discuss biology-related topics.
    Pitt    Groups based at the University of Pittsburgh.
    Pgh     Groups based in Pittsburgh that discuss issues related
            to the city.
    Pa      Groups based in the state of Pennsylvania that discuss
            issues related to the state.
    Alt     Groups that discuss tentative or controversial issues.
    Biz     Business/Corporate oriented discussions.
    Bit     Groups devoted to Mailing Lists provided via the Usenet
            Gateway.

    Interacting with Usenet.

    One of the most important benefits of the Usenet concept is that
    readers of an article usually have the opportunity to respond to
    what they read, either directly to the author via Email, or openly
    by posting a response of their own for all readers to see. This
    drives the discussions that are currently active on Usenet.
    Responding to an article is entirely voluntary; no one is obligated
    to respond to a posted Usenet article.

    Using E-mail to Send a Response.

    On Quad-Tech Systems, at the main menu prompt type, " J 361 "
    ( without the quotes ). This is the only place you can send an
    Email response ( You can send a response in the newsgroups but
    it must be addressed to ALL. For a private response, please use
    conference 361 Email ). The addressing scheme is the hardest
    thing to master. In a nutshell:

                     Join the conference ( you can either type "re"
                     for reply and "e" for a new message )
                     In the To Field : please put the entire email
                     address ie: rdennis@quadtech.com or info@channel1.com
                     or whatever the addressing scheme the user has left
                     you.
                     In the From Field : you don't need to add anything,
                     thge software I use will put in the outgoing email
                     address for you.
                     Enter the body of the message and save .. that's it.
    Very short simple and easy.

    Posting an article to Usenet.

    Posting your own article is very similar to entering a message in the
    Email conference. The basic difference is YOU MUST ALWAYS POST AN
    USENET MESSAGE TO ALL ( this is used in the TO: field ).. Also
    make sure that you understand the subject of discussion in the group
    where you want to post. Making a simple posting mistake may generate a
    flurry of nasty responses from a small number of Usenet veterans who
    are indignantly intolerant of novice users. These messages, called
    " flames " can be avoided if you take the time to read a newsgroup
    and are careful to post your articles correctly.

    There you have it, the Usenet has grown from a few thousand users to
    millions and millions of users. The access you have is tremedous and
    quite staggering. You literally have the ears and eyes of very powerful
    and influencial people, for example, IBM will post and new changes to
    its product line and/or software on the Internet first, thus giving the
    users first hand news before it hit the streets. Microsoft and many
    other major software developers utilize this practice. There is a world-
    wide job newsgroups, a world-wide apartment guide. If you enjoy sports
    you'll find the latest and up to date odds and injury reports before
    they are reported, a very valuable tool if you wager on College and
    Professional Sports.

    Final Word.

    The Internet will, before long , become the most widely used network in
    the world. It will replace the current networks and will become as
    commom-place as telephones. The Federal Gov't has passed a law that
    will make the Internet more accessible to users. You the users, currently
    can enjoy the Internet. Join Quad_tech Systems and support the BBS concept.


  
