Because of the heavy storage requirements, most ISPs don't offer Usenet access. However Google, as well as other specialty services, do offer access to current and archived Usenet message traffic. A variety of specialty software packages, called newsgroup newsreaders, are available to browse and download newsgroup content.

Background     Perl Newsgroups

Browsing Searches

Newsreaders     Newsgroup Services

The value of Usenet discussion groups cannot be overstated! I use them all the time to research technical problems I'm having, plus I answer questions in the newsgroups to give back as much as I take!

Usenet Readers
In addition to using Google for searching the Usenet, users may also browse the available newsgroups and the messages they contain. Many, but not all, ISPs provide access to the Usenet Newsgroups, usually at a small monthly fee.

Although browsers can be used to view the Usenet, special software called newsreaders (short for Usenet Newsgroups Readers) are more commonly used. There are hundreds of readers available, both freeware and commercial.

My personal recommendations for readers are

• Free Agent - freeware
• Agent - commercial

I've used both for years and have been very happy with their capabilities.

Other Readers
If the two recommendations above don't meet your needs, here are some other, popular newsreaders.

Freeware
• XNews
• Gravity

Commercial
• Agent
• Binary Boy $25
• Express NewsPictures $35
• News File Grabber $20
• News Rover $30
• NNTP for Outlook $24