Common Knowledge: Pittsburgh

Informational Newsletter
Volume 95, Number 6
/projects/ckp/newsletter/v95n6.html

Newsgroups

Newsgroups are a second form of two-way communication on the Internet. A newsgroup is most like a school bulletin board where messages are posted publicly in one location. Where mailing lists pile up your INBOX with copies of email messages, newsgroups require that you go to them to read the messages.

Here are the steps for going to the newsgroups CK:P provides.

[username@oberon] ~> type in [menu] and choose number #4 - Newsgroups.
[username@oberon] ~>) type in [tin].

Common Knowledge: Pittsburgh provides a newsfeed to over 3,000 newsgroups. However, we subscribe all new users to a small subset. The following information will help you navigate through the newsgroups. When you get to the newsgroups there are many commands available. Here are a few that will allow you to begin your research using newsgroups:

[y] yanks in ALL of the newsgroups
[/] searches for a particular newsgroup if you supply a keyword or name
[spacebar] moves down one page in the newsgroup list
[q] moves back one page, and also quits out of Newsgroups

When you want to read a message or visit a particular newsgroup, highlight the message and hit the return/enter key. All messages contain the address of the person who posted. You may reply in a private email message to the author using the [R] command. You may also reply publicly to the newsgroup using the [F] command.

Some Interesting (and fun) Newsgroups

k12.ed.math - discussion group for math educators

soc.culture.african-american - cultural issues

alt.architecture - buildings

rec.music.reggae - reggae music

alt.books.reviews - reviews of popular books

rec.sport.baseball - discussions on major league baseball

rec.crafts.textiles.quilting - quilters

rec.gardens - gardening tips

rec.outdoors.fishing - fishing tips

sci.chem - chemists from around the world

sci.environment - environmental awareness

soc.culture.irish - cultural issues

k12.chat.senior - senior high school teachers

alt.elvis.sighting - people who have seen Elvis recently

rec.arts.marching.band.high-school - high school marching bands

pps.school.liberty - Liberty E.S. discussion

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How do I post a message to a newsgroup?

Answer: When you are in newsgroups, type the letter [w]. This will put you into an editor. The first thing you do is type a subject/title line. Next, type your message. When done, hit [Control-x], the next prompt will ask you to save your posting, type [y] to save, hit return/enter. The last prompt will ask you to post it, type [p] to post. Next time you login your message will be posted in the newsgroup, and across the Internet.

MAC Slip Installation Workshop

We are offering a MAC Slip Installation workshop for anyone interested in installing Slip on his/her Apple Macintosh. The workshop is limited to 24 people. Registartion is a first call - first serve basis. Participants must have an Apple Macintosh LCII or higher with at least a 9600 baud modem. You must bring two (2) high density disks to exchange for the two containing the Slip program. Please call Kathy at 622-5930 to register.

What:	MACSlip Workshop
When:	November 16, 1995
Time:	4:00 - 6:00 P.M.
Where:	Woolslair, G-8

Obtaining Help

Common Knowledge: Pittsburgh maintains a number of email addresses that provide users with online help. If you have an account on the system and would like to obtain answers to common questions, send email to:

trouble@pps.pgh.pa.us (technical assistance)

resources@pps.pgh.pa.us (curricular assistance)

info@ckp.edu (information pertaining to Common Knowledge: Pittsburgh)

sliplube@pps.pgh.pa.us (setting up a slip account on a PC)

macslip@pps.pgh.pa.us (setting up a slip account on a MAC)

If you are a PPS employee and would like an Internet account, call us at 622-5930.