Quality of
the information you receive. Given the anonymity of
cyberspace, you don't know if the response you get is from a quack,
someone with the same knowledge of the program as you, an expert, or
even someone employed by the program developer. But, as long
as you exercise your judgment, you will easily separate the wheat
from the chaff. And, often, you will find that when someone
posts a poor or a bad response, others will post corrections!
Posting guidelines.
Just as any public space you visit has a set of written and
unwritten behavioral guidelines, so does the cyber bulletin room.
In fact, each section and each board (newsgroup, in the language of
the Internet), has its own guidelines. It is worthwhile
picking up on those rules. But, don't be intimidated by your
lack of knowledge. The first time you post, identify yourself
as a first-time poster. Ask to be directed to the correct
newsgroup if your question is not appropriate for the one you chose.
And, ignore the bozos who post a rude response.
Are you restricted to
questions about computers? Not in
the least. Remember how the
second part of the introduction described a large room sectioned
into sets of bulletin boards, each dealing with a particular subject
category? You might want to go beyond computer issues and
explore your culinary interests, or exchange opinions on politics.
As you learn more, you will discover sections with boards for
frivolous posts, technical posts, posts on movies, TV shows,
entertainers, medical and health issues, lifestyle discussions,
support groups, and the list goes on and on.
A word of caution.
Do keep in mind that the cyber-world is enormous and there are
newsgroups not only for issues that you consider proper, but for
just about everything. You will find newsgroups on all sorts
of 'adult' issues as well as political, social, cultural, and
lifestyle subjects that you might disagree with or find disturbing.
Just as living in any thriving society, you should exercise your
judgment as to what areas of the virtual room are appropriate for
you -- and your family.
Next, on to the technical part
of how to connect to a news server (or the
virtual bulletin board room)
