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Internet Services. Internet Services: Discussion Groups. The Internet is not just the world wide web, it also includes: discussion groups: newsgroups, bulletin boards and mailing lists Archie Gopher Telnet file transfer protocol (ftp). Bulletin boards services (BBS).
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Internet Services: Discussion Groups The Internet is not just the world wide web, it also includes: • discussion groups: newsgroups, bulletin boards and mailing lists • Archie • Gopher • Telnet • file transfer protocol (ftp)
Bulletin boards services (BBS) • similar to computerised notice boards for public and private messages to be left, e.g. • special interest groups • computer companies providing technical support • professional associations to promote discussion between members • Some ISPs offers access to bulletin board services as part of their package to members. e.g. • CompuServe
Newsgroups • Electronic discussion groups available via the Internet. • Many ISPs provide access to a selection of newsgroups. • Usually a list of newsgroup titles are made available • the content of the newsgroup is only downloaded on request of the user.
UseNet • Newsgroups are provided by a service called UseNet (users network • UseNet groups • UseNet hosts over 30,000 groups. • ISPs can choose the newsgroups it offers by or subscribe to the groups with UseNet. • As a member of the ISP you can automatically be a member of any newsgroup that your ISP offers.
UseNet is an independent network of networks, and is older than the world wide web. • Newsgroups have their own hierarchical naming system: • top-level group name.mainsub-group.sub-group • alt • biz • misc
Moderated Newsgroups • Someone is “in charge” of the group, i.e. • they read incoming messages, • decide which ones to post, • keep the discussion focused on the topic of the newsgroups.
Threads • Messages are often displayed in a series of threads. • Each thread will start with a message on a new topic. • Any message posted as a reply will be kept with the original message to form a new thread. • A single forum or conference typically contains many threads covering different subjects. • You can start a new thread by posting a message that is not a reply to an earlier message.
Mailing Lists • Similar to discussion groups. • Difference is that instead of checking into to UseNet to read any new messages, the message come to you direct via your e-mail account.
Discussion groups • can be used for niche markets by business and companies to specialist interest groups or fan clubs. • Easy way for a company to make contact with potential customers. • Can be used by a company or business to build up a company profile or name by providing advice or answering questions.
Discussion groups Are ideal to enable: • exchange of ideas between employees • customers and potential to discuss issues related to your products • companies to become a resource through their contributions • companies to do market research by following issues and interests discussed in the groups
Starting a discussion group: • Before setting up their own discussion group, a company must decide if the group is to be: • Read-only, i.e. just messages or postings by the company • Discussion group – group members and company can post messages
Discussion groups Can be: • Local i.e. only hosted on one server • Global – hosted on all news servers, a time consuming process • Global – hosted on .alt or .biz servers, a quicker approach but subject of the discussion group should not overlap with any of the 7 main subject areas (e.g. .sci, .news) • Moderated – staff time involoved