NetNews

Usenet is the set of people who exchange articles tagged with one or more universally recognised labels, called ``newsgroups''. The groups distributed worldwide are divided into a number of broad classifications such as: ``comp'', ``sci'', ``news'', ``soc'', ``talk'', ``rec'', ``misc'' and ``alt''. Each of these classifications is organised into groups and subgroups according to topic.

comp

Topics of interest to both computer professionals and hobbyists, including topics in computer science, software source, and information on hardware and software systems.

sci

Discussions marked by special and usually practical knowledge, relating to research in or application of the established sciences.

news

Groups concerned with the news network and software themselves.

soc

Groups primarily addressing social issues and socializing.

talk

Groups largely debate-orientated and tending to feature long discussions without resolution and without appreciable amounts of generally useful information

rec

Groups orientated towards hobbies and recreational activities.

misc

Groups addressing themes not easily classified under any of the other headings or which incorporate themes from multiple categories.

alt

Groups which are subject to less strict rules for creation of groups and content of articles.