The ability to search for and retrieve information from archived posts to the Linux-related (Usenet) newsgroups represents a powerful means of troubleshooting in Linux.
Search engines permit one to search the archives by stipulating the forum, keywords, authors, dates, language and combinations thereof. Because the number of Linux-related newsgroups is large, the likelihood of finding useful information is high.
The main web site that currently provides access to Usenet archives using a search engine is http://groups.google.com. The most effective way to do a search is to use its Advanced Groups Search page.
I would like to relate a brief anecdote to demonstrate the efficacy of this approach. The first time I attempted to build a kernel, I was presented with this error message when I invoked a "make" command:
make[1]: as86: Command not foundmake[1]: *** [bootsect.o] Error 127make[1]: Leaving directory `/usr/src/linux/arch/i386/boot'make: *** [zImage]Error 2
I had no idea what as86 was, but I entered it as the keyword in the Subject field of the Advanced Groups Search page at groups.google.com, and was presented with a large number of posts from folks who had encountered the same problem. Respondents had provided the reason and solution: I did not have an assembler/linker necessary to create machine code, and the bin86 package provided it. I downloaded and installed a RPM package of the latter and was on my way. This entire process took about 10 minutes!
FAQs
Usenet Historical Collection : Free : Free Download, Borrow and Streaming : Internet Archive.
How to search old Usenet? ›
The main web site that currently provides access to Usenet archives using a search engine is http://groups.google.com. The most effective way to do a search is to use its Advanced Groups Search page.
Do usenet groups still exist? ›
While there are still some active text newsgroups on Usenet, the system is now primarily used to share large files between users, and the underlying technology of Usenet remains unchanged.
Can you still download from newsgroups? ›
To access Usenet and download files from newsgroups, you will need two distinct pieces of technology: a Usenet newsgroup reader and a Usenet access provider. A Usenet newsgroup reader is a software application that you'll use to find and search newsgroups, locate the content you want, and download files.
Does Usenet keep logs? ›
But Usenet logs your IP address every time you get an . NZB file or download a binary file, limiting your privacy. One of the best ways to avoid that is using a VPN. It will enhance your security even further, ensure a safe connection, and hide your real IP address.
Is Usenet part of the dark web? ›
Usenet is not a part of the dark web. Usenet was created in part to share information, not hide it. If you need any further assistance, please contact our 24/7 Customer Success Team, who would be glad to assist. Was this article helpful?
How do I access Usenet newsgroups? ›
To access the Newsgroups, you will need specialized software which is known as Newsreader. In this Newsreader, you will enter the details provided by your Usenet service provider which will configure the Newsreader. Most of the Usenet providers offer the complete guides on how to configure your newsreader and use it.
How do I search Usenet for free? ›
Binsearch is a completely free Usenet search engine that allows you to search 1100 of binary Usenet data. There is no registration required when using Binsearch and users get instant access to all pages of the site as well as the files they have.
When did Google buy Usenet? ›
Google Groups became operational in February 2001, following Google's acquisition of Deja's Usenet archive. Deja News had been operational since March 1995. Google Groups allows any user to freely conduct and access threaded discussions, via either a web interface or e-mail.
Is Usenet illegal? ›
Using Usenet is completely legal.
USENET, or NetNews, is a text-only social discussions forum, or rather a set of a great many forums, called "newsgroups," carried by multiple servers around the world. Although the original developers closed down their instance in 2010, that was just one server out of hundreds, and many are still running just fine.
What is the Great Renaming Usenet? ›
The Great Renaming was a restructuring of Usenet newsgroups that took place in 1987. B News maintainer and UUNET founder Rick Adams is generally considered to be the initiator of the Renaming.
Is there a free Usenet provider? ›
Pure Usenet offers one of the best free Usenet options available:7 days of free Usenet with unlimited data allowance, unlimited speeds and free SSL encrypted connections. Pure Usenet has an impressive retention period of 4,100+ days in all newsgroups, ensuring access to a complete Usenet archive going back many years.
Can you download from Usenet for free? ›
All Usenet providers, apart from Google Groups, do charge for access. But, some of them do offer free trials, so you can at least try them out for free to see if they're worth subscribing to.
How safe is Usenet? ›
Is Usenet secure? Of course, Usenet access is secure as long as you use a Usenet client/newsreader and a Usenet provider that supports SSL encryption to protect the connection between your computer and the Usenet servers you're connecting to.
Is there an archive of everything on the Internet? ›
The Internet Archive allows the public to upload and download digital material to its data cluster, but the bulk of its data is collected automatically by its web crawlers, which work to preserve as much of the public web as possible. Its web archive, the Wayback Machine, contains hundreds of billions of web captures.
Is Internet Archive a real thing? ›
Yes. The Internet Archive Open Library is a collection of legally obtained print books that have been digitized.
Where are Usenet files stored? ›
Text and binary files are stored on servers usually called spools. Usenet users connect to front end servers, which then communicate with the storage spools to send the information to the user.
Is there an archive of the Internet? ›
The Wayback Machine (web.archive.org) is a digital archive of the World Wide Web. Since its launch in 2001, over 452 billion pages have been added to the archive. Users can enter a URL to view and interact with past versions of any website contained in the Archive, even if the site no longer exists on the "live" web.
