Usenet is a system for electronically distributing messages or ``articles'' simultaneously to many sites and in many ``news groups'' or specific discussions. These articles are written by people around the world who choose to communicate with each other through Usenet. All articles posted to Usenet are publicly readable at sites around the world.
To use Usenet, whether you are on an RCS (Rensselaer Computing System) workstation, dialing-in remotely, or using a PC, you must use a ``newsreader" which allows you to read the articles that are posted in Usenet. This memo will describe some of the background behind Usenet and then discuss the various newsreaders that are available. It also gives instructions on how to start your own newsgroup.