Setup Whatever newsreader you decide to use, you must then configure that newsreader by entering in the ISP's news server. Internet Explorer 5 users must click on Tools, Read Mail and News which will open Outlook Express. Then click on Tools, Internet Accounts, select News and Add. The essential entry is the Server name that must be news.melbpc.org.au. Finally you must do a once off download of all the groups and this can take a few minutes.
Most users subscribe to a few newsgroups.
Subscription is free and, once you locate the newsgroup you want, it usually involves one mouse click. Subscribing means that new message headings in that group are automatically downloaded when you start the newsreader. The messages in the newsgroups that start with melbpc are only visible to users who are using Melb PC as their ISP and cannot be read by users connected to other ISPs. You can read all messages and have the option of replying to an individual or to the group. Some groups are very active and contain many hundreds or even thousands of messages.