Not knowing the term "World Wide Web" (WWW) is probably an exception by now. But not everyone is familiar with the fact that there is another worldwide network that was created long before the WWW. We are talking about Usenet, which is the abbreviation for "Unix User Network".
In fact, Usenet represents one of the oldest parts of the Internet. It was developed in 1979 by Jim Ellis and Tom Truscott at Duke University in the USA. Communication is very different from the WWW: it is divided into individual newsgroups, which can be thought of as bulletin boards on individual topics. Usenet - What is it exactly? Is the Usenet legal? We would like to answer these questions here.
How does the Usenet work and what are newsgroups?
The Usenet is a decentralized network that is accessible worldwide. While the WWW is a system of electronic 
hypertext documents linked together by hyperlinks, Usenet was invented for the distribution of binary files and text messages.
When messages are sent to another user, they are first routed through three servers until they are finally available to the public. A message is therefore not usually answered immediately - unlike in a chat, for example.
The Usenet uses its own architecture: it consists of so-called newsgroups in which users can read and share contributions. But what exactly is a newsgroup?
Newsgroups in the Usenet can be compared to threads in a forum. They are either text- or file-oriented. If they are file-oriented, they are called binaries. Basically, anyone can participate in newsgroups, i.e. anyone can follow the corresponding topics or news. A newsreader is required for this, which enables the reading and writing of news.
Experience with Usenet: How is it used?
The question "What is Usenet?" has now been addressed, but to what extent is Usenet worthwhile? First of all, it is a way to get in touch with people you don't know and to exchange ideas with them about various topics. Due to the large number of newsgroups, this is also possible if the topic is very specific.
Experience with the Usenet can be gathered and shared in topic-specific newsgroups. The Usenet therefore also serves to disseminate knowledge. Numerous users with specific expertise stay in the newsgroups.
By contacting them, you can access this knowledge. Furthermore, the Usenet is used for the distribution of files in binary groups. A file can be a specific article, but also a video, an eBook or any other type of file.
You can find more information on this topic here: which type of electronic community is usenet?