Internet Services Internet Services Discussion Groups The Internet

Internet Services

Internet Services: Discussion Groups The Internet is not just the world wide web, it also includes: n discussion groups: newsgroups, bulletin boards and mailing lists n Archie n Gopher n Telnet n file transfer protocol (ftp)

Bulletin boards services (BBS) n similar to computerised notice boards for public and private messages to be left, e. g. n n special interest groups computer companies providing technical support professional associations to promote discussion between members Some ISPs offers access to bulletin board services as part of their package to members. e. g. n Compu. Serve

Newsgroups n n n Electronic discussion groups available via the Internet. Many ISPs provide access to a selection of newsgroups. Usually a list of newsgroup titles are made available n the content of the newsgroup is only downloaded on request of the user.

Use. Net n Newsgroups are provided by a service called Use. Net (users network n n Use. Net groups Use. Net hosts over 30, 000 groups. n n ISPs can choose the newsgroups it offers by or subscribe to the groups with Use. Net. As a member of the ISP you can automatically be a member of any newsgroup that your ISP offers.

n n Use. Net is an independent network of networks, and is older than the world wide web. Newsgroups have their own hierarchical naming system: n top-level group name. mainsub-group n n n alt biz misc

Moderated Newsgroups n Someone is “in charge” of the group, i. e. n n n they read incoming messages, decide which ones to post, keep the discussion focused on the topic of the newsgroups.

Threads n Messages are often displayed in a series of threads. n n Each thread will start with a message on a new topic. Any message posted as a reply will be kept with the original message to form a new thread. A single forum or conference typically contains many threads covering different subjects. You can start a new thread by posting a message that is not a reply to an earlier message.

Mailing Lists n n Similar to discussion groups. Difference is that instead of checking into to Use. Net to read any new messages, the message come to you direct via your e-mail account.

Discussion groups n n n can be used for niche markets by business and companies to specialist interest groups or fan clubs. Easy way for a company to make contact with potential customers. Can be used by a company or business to build up a company profile or name by providing advice or answering questions.

Discussion groups Are ideal to enable: n exchange of ideas between employees n customers and potential to discuss issues related to your products n companies to become a resource through their contributions n companies to do market research by following issues and interests discussed in the groups

Starting a discussion group: n n n Before setting up their own discussion group, a company must decide if the group is to be: Read-only, i. e. just messages or postings by the company Discussion group – group members and company can post messages

Discussion groups Can be: n Local i. e. only hosted on one server n Global – hosted on all news servers, a time consuming process n Global – hosted on. alt or. biz servers, a quicker approach but subject of the discussion group should not overlap with any of the 7 main subject areas (e. g. . sci, . news) n Moderated – staff time involoved