Theme 5- Computers
Newsgroup positives and negatives
In many ways, newsgroups represent the best and worst of the Internet. It is easy to be put off by the abbreviations and jargon, but there is a lot of useful information out there.
On the negative side you will find 'spammers'- people who send messages to hundreds of groups, usually of the get-rich-quick-type. There are 'flame wars'-where usually two or more people launch increasingly vituperative attacks on each other in a way that no-one would do in real life without some sort of bodyguard. There is some truly awful spelling and grammar.
On the positive side, people spend an enormous amount of unpaid time answering questions. There is often lively and informed discussion and there is the satisfaction that someone else does care about a particular esoteric subject. The amount of ASCII art (pictures created from text characters) and witty signature files shows just how much time people have on their hands.
To get to know a group, read it without posting for a while (lurk) and see what happens.
Generally, the Sci.* and comp.* groups are well behaved. Most of the problems lie in the alt.* groups.
Some health related groups include:
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Internet Services- continued  |