Week 1 - Task 1b

Usenet

This is a global distributed internet discussion system where users can read and post public messages to each other in many categories called 'Newsgroups'. It does resemble Bulletin Boards and is the initial idea used in many web forums today. The discussions are threaded and users are able to view multiple Newsgroups in a 'web community' space.

One difference between Usenet and Bulletin Boards is that Usenet does not have a central server or a central system owner. It is distributed among a large, constantly changing mixture of servers which store and forward messages to one another. There are issues of privacy as every users posts can be seen by everyone else and are therefore open for discussion within the group.

Bulletin Boards

This is a computer system running software that performs functions such as downloading data, reading news, and sending messages to other users. It was a social phenomenon at the time of its introduction as never before had people been able to meet people and have discussion on message boards. Users also use it for publishing articles, downloading software, and playing games making it a very popular internet facility. The different networks within Bulletin Boards also allows regional and international communication to occur in a fast and easy way. It hasn't got the privacy of emails, but it is good for group discussions happening in different locations.

I personally have never used Usenet or Bulletin Boards before i came to University. It has just never interested me as a good method of communication, and the fact other users can view all of your posts has detered me in using it. However, since coming to Uni i have found it a useful way of communicating with other students and people off my course as it is good in sharing information on work, etc.

How does anyone else feel on using these as a way of communicating? Has anyone else felt put off by its lack of privacy too?