In order to participate in a newsgroup you must have a newsreader on your PC. This software enables you to access newsgroups and read previously entered messages called articles. You can also add your own article called a posting. Numerous responses to one article is called a thread. The newsreader keeps track of what articles you have and have not read.

Most Web browsers today contain full-featured newsreader. If you are using Netscape Navigator (Netscape News) or Microsoft Internet Explorer (Microsoft Internet News), you are all set.

You must also specify a news server for your newsreader. A news server is a computer on the Internet that saves and stores newsgroup messages.

Check with your online service or Internet service provider (ISP) to determine your news server and instructions on how to set up your newsreader.