Technical Library

Internet Services

Usenet Support

Hierarchies

The broadest subject title for a news group. For example, the rec hierarchy describes the most general topic discussed in the recreational activities group.

News Group Listings

Since new news groups are constantly being formed, please access the ftp server for the latest listings:

ftp://ftp.psi.net/pub/usenet/newsgroups
List of news groups with brief description

ftp://ftp.psi.net/pub/usenet/active
List of active news groups

Major Usenet Hierarchies

• alt
  Topics of an alternative nature. Many topics in this hierarchy are often covered in one of the major eight listed below.
• comp
  Topics in computer science. Includes discussions of software, hardware, troubleshooting Q&A as well as source code, binaries and other topics of special interest.
• humanities
  Topics in the arts and humanities. Includes reviews and discussion of music and literature.
• misc
  Themes not easily classified under other headings.
• news
  Subject relating to Usenet and its administration.
• rec
  Groups dedicated to the discussion of arts, hobbies and games.
• sci
  Related to research in or the application of established sciences.
• soc
  Groups that feature topics that address social issues or just socializing.
• talk
  Forum for debate on various topics.