The operation is performed as follows: - Run the program.
- Click "New NNTP" on the server list panel.
- Specify NNTP server settings. You can learn them from your ISP or from the administrator or the NNTP server to which you wish to connect.
- Click "Get List". Wait while the program is downloading the discussion groups list. When downloaded, the list is saved by the program, so you do not need to download it again. Please note that the groups download command may vary from server to server. Therefore please select the proper command for the current server in the program settings.
- Save the settings.
- Select the newly added server.
- Choose a topic and click the "Check News" button. Wait while Newsgroup Commander Pro is downloading the articles list and then starts downloading articles.
- Wait while the program is connecting to the server and the "Stop All" button lights up. If the "Stop All" button does not light up, check the NNTP server settings and your computer settings. It is possible that you have a firewall installed on your computer to protect from viruses or unauthorized network connections. Configure your firewall so that Newsgroup Commander Pro has privileges when working through the corresponding port. Usually it is port 119.
- You can stop the process using the "Stop All" button and proceed with viewing articles offline
What are NNTP and Usenet?
NNTP, or Network News Transfer Protocol, is a protocol used for reading and posting articles (commonly referred to as news) to Usenet, a global, distributed discussion system. Usenet is a unique platform separate from email and other forms of online communication; it serves as a worldwide network where people can engage in public discussions on a wide range of topics. While NNTP acts as the underlying technology facilitating the distribution of news across servers, Usenet provides the forum where these discussions take place. Together, they offer a robust and dynamic system for multi-participant conversations, allowing people from different parts of the world to connect, share, and learn from each other.
The architecture of Usenet employs the NNTP (Network News Transfer Protocol) to disseminate news across specialized "news servers." The setup comprises two main elements: the NNTP server, which oversees discussion groups and circulates messages to other systems, and the newsgroup client, responsible for reading and posting news as well as handling subscriptions.
A renowned newsgroup client in this sphere is Newsgroup Commander Pro, which offers a robust yet user-friendly means for users to browse, reply to, and initiate new discussions via an intuitive interface.
One of Usenet's standout features is its rapid performance. After downloading all relevant news, users can access the content offline, bypassing the need for a continuous internet connection. This contrasts with online forums where the manual opening of each topic to see new posts can be cumbersome.
The platform employs a hierarchical organization for content, facilitating a more streamlined presentation and categorization of articles. Each news server features a broad range of topics, from lighter subjects like humor and fashion to more specialized themes such as job opportunities, sports, technology, and hobbies. Some topics are even localized geographically, allowing for targeted posts like local car sales advertisements.
In summary, Usenet offers a unique, fast, and organized way to engage in global discussions and share information, making it a dynamically versatile communication platform.