| How to Access Alt.Support.Thyroid (last updated 2/11/01) | |
Developed by the members of Alt.support.thyroid
Alt.support.thyroid is a Usenet newsgroup (also called "discussion group" or sometimes "bulletin board"),which can be accessed via e-mail programs such as Outlook Express, Netscape, etc. and via news readers such as Free Agent. For instructions on subscribing to newsgroups, look up "Newsgroups" under "Help" in your e-mail reader program.
AOL
To subscribe via AOL: First, type "usenet" (without the quotes) up in the "Find" box and hit "Enter." Next, click the "Expert Add" button. Then, type "alt.support.thyroid" (without the quotes) in the "Internet Name:" text box and click the "Subscribe" button.
To read a.s.t. from AOL: type "usenet" in the "Find" box, click the "Read my newsgroups" button, click on "alt.support.thyroid" in the "My newsgroups" list, and then click the "List Unread" button.
To Post to Alt.support.thyroid
To start a new thread (discussion) once you're at the newsgroup, click on "New Post," "Post Message," or something similar, depending on the program you're using. Write a heading with words specific to your subject in the subject line, write the message in the body, and then click on "Send."
To respond to a post, double-click on the post subject line, or single-click on it and then choose "Reply Group" (from the top of the screen or the choices that appear when you right-click). It's preferable to include the points you're responding to in your post so that others will know what you're referring to, and to delete the non-relevant parts. When your post is finished, click on "Send."
Some newsreaders can't read posts in HTML; posting in plain text makes it possible for everyone to read posts.
Unix ASCII "Shell" Accounts (No Graphics)
For the old-fashioned ascii (non-graphics), unix "shell" accounts, which are still in use at many universities and often preferred by old "netters," access usenet/newsgroups by typing in a newsreader name at your prompt, such as tin (tin is a popular newsreader). Yank (y) all newsgroups, search (/) on the group name OR keyword, subscribe (s) to the group so it's visible each time you go into usenet/newsgroups. To respond publicly to a post, type f (followup). To email a poster privately, type r (reply). To post a new topic or thread, type w, and you'll be prompted to specify a thread title. If tin doesn't work, consult tech support at your internet service provider.
Where to Find More Information
About.com: Usenet
http://www.usenet.about.com/internet/usenet/
This site includes instructions on how to configure Free Agent, Outlook Express and Netscape Messenger for newsgroups.
Liszt's Usenet Newsgroups Directory
http://www.liszt.com/news/
Usenet Help
http://www.ibiblio.org/usenet-i/usenet-help.html
Simple Guide to News Servers / Net Mail Groups
http://members.tripod.com/~Kevin_Butler/newsgroups.html
Netiquette
http://users.lmi.net/ennui/usenet001.htm
