Technology has come a long way, especially toward the end of connecting the human race more closely. We rely on the ability to communicate with others and build relationships to have a decent quality of life, and technology is constantly evolving to meet this need.
One of the most significant innovations in human history was the Internet. Before its invention and widespread adoption, communication between people over vast distances required far more effort and time. Now, you can instantly connect with a person on the other side of the planet if you want to.
But there is another technology that predates even the Internet that accomplished similar goals. It is called Usenet. What is Usenet, and what makes it different from the Internet? Let’s break it down.
The Beginning of Usenet
Usenet is an abbreviation for user’s network. It was invented in 1979 by two students to foster communication between university students at UNC and Duke in North Carolina. The goal was to provide a platform for unregulated communication around specific subjects, specifically news within the two educational entities. Over time, it evolved to cover hundreds of thousands of various topics. Each discussion topic is referred to as a newsgroup.
It is also a platform where you can download “articles” on the subjects you are discussing. These articles are user-generated, and the vast network of servers that exists today makes for secure and fast downloading of these articles.
Usenet Vs the Internet in the Early Days
In the 1980s, the use of the Internet was very limited. There were many restrictions in place, to the point where only government entities took advantage of this tool for a long time. Meanwhile, Usenet was successfully hosting unregulated connections between people through its server network. It is easy to make the case that Usenet was the first true version of the Internet that we experience today.
What Does Usenet Look Like Today?
Although the Internet quickly became the dominant force in terms of global connection online, Usenet has carved out a relatively stable niche for its users and continues to thrive in 2023. There are currently hundreds of thousands of newsgroups in which users can discuss plenty of topics, from the latest computing innovations to the difference between defi and crypto to recreational activities. It is still a platform that fosters unregulated and unrestricted communication between users, making it the perfect place to dive deep into your favorite subjects and download articles from other users to learn more.
How Do You Gain Access to Usenet?
Unlike the Internet, you cannot access Usenet by simply connecting to Wi-Fi and looking it up on Google. There are a few more steps that need to be taken to access this restricted network of servers and newsgroups.
First, you will need to get plugged into one of the top Usenet providers. You can create an account on these platforms which will be the key to the door that leads to the user’s network. Often, these providers grant you an account when you pay a subscription fee or start a free trial.
Now that you have the key, you need to find the door. Before you can access the various newsgroups and discussions available on Usenet, you will have to download a “newsreader.” This is a program that can be given to you by some Usenet providers, which allows you to search for the various newsgroups and subjects within the network. Without it, you cannot find the discussions you are looking for.
With the key from an account with a Usenet provider and the door in the form of a downloaded newsreader program, you are ready to start discussing and learning about your favorite subjects, all from a very secure and unmediated platform.
Which is Better, the Internet or Usenet?
This question does not have a straight answer. For most purposes that you will hop online for, using the Internet makes the most sense. Usenet is a very niche platform that is only designed for people who want to discuss certain topics in-depth and download user-generated articles. It can be a great place to get educated about certain topics that the newsgroups cover. It is also a good place to talk about your passions with other people who have similar interests once you find the right newsgroup.
Each technology serves its purpose well, and although the scale of the Internet is far larger and broader, Usenet still has a significant function that its current users desire. Some of the most popular newsgroups on Usenet are about computing, cryptocurrency, societal issues, recreation, humanities, and science. With hundreds of thousands of others, most people are sure to find a newsgroup that they could get involved in.
