These are like online bulletin boards where you write or reply to a message, then "post" it to the group for others to read.

It’s like sending an email, except your message will be read by everyone else who visits the newsgroup.

There are newsgroups on practically any subject you can to think of (and some you won’t have thought of).

You can join an existing discussion within a newsgroup (called "threads"), start your own one, or simply read what everyone else has to say.

Like email, newsgroups use additional software. This software – called a newsreader - is included with your browser, but it needs to be set up with some details from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) before you can use it. These should be provided with your connection pack.

Once the newsreader is set up you will first have to download the full list of newsgroups your ISP has access to (a once-only task which may take a few minutes) then you can just click on whatever group takes your fancy.

You "subscribe" to the ones you want to visit again – but there’s no cost involved!

Here's a guided tour on how to set up newsgroups using Outlook Express, the news/email software provided with Microsoft Internet Explorer. This tour uses the Flash plug-in and will open up in a new browser window.

Individual newsgroups can also be accessed directly through your browser: just type in "news:nameofgroup" in your address bar or click on the "Go" button then select "News" (Explorer)…click on "Communicator" then select "Newsgroups" (Netscape).

A great way to find out what goes on in the world of newsgroups is to check out www.deja.com. This is a web site where you can search for topics which have been discussed on newsgroups, then read all the messages which have been posted on that topic, without leaving your browser. You can even post to newsgroups from deja.com.

Tips:

• Some people express stronger feelings on newsgroups than they would face to face. Be prepared for some interesting responses to your postings and don’t take anything too personally.
• Read the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) file on the Newsgroup first to learn more about the group.
• Read any rules relating to the Newsgroup before you join in
• Read all the comments that have already been posted on a discussion topic before you make your own.
• Avoid using sexist or racist references and offensive language and insults.

A chat session is just like talking to someone on the phone except you type into your keyboard rather than talk into a handset...but unlike a telephone conversation other people can watch your conversation and join in!

The most common form of chat is called IRC (Internet Relay Chat). To use IRC you will need additional software, like mIRC or PIRCHwhich can be downloaded and used for a small fee.

Once you have logged onto the Internet in the usual way, just open the Chat program and you will be asked to choose a chat "server" to connect to. As soon as you are logged onto the server, you will get a list of chat rooms to choose from.

To start with, see if there’s a chat room set aside for new users…or you can always set up your own room, and invite someone you know to log in for a real-time online conversation!

Here's a guided tour on how to set up chat using PIRCH, one of the most popular chat programs. This tour uses the Flash plug-in and will open up in a new browser window.

Some web sites also have chat rooms that run within your browser, so you don’t need to use any additional software. All you will need to do is register – fill in a user name and password - then away you go!

You can try both kinds of chat, and find out more on the Xtra site.