Difference between revisions of "Rec.games.pinball Access Methods"
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I would like to move the news reader debate from preference/opinion to a fact-based comparison. If this develops into a useful comparison I suggest we post it into a PinWiki article. I've started a comparison list. Please feel free to correct and expand my list, but try to keep it fact-based. | I would like to move the news reader debate from preference/opinion to a fact-based comparison. If this develops into a useful comparison I suggest we post it into a PinWiki article. I've started a comparison list. Please feel free to correct and expand my list, but try to keep it fact-based. | ||
| − | Background: I use(d) mainly Google Groups for access. My ISP-provided NNTP server is only available from their network (and I have concerns that it will be removed). I recently signed up for the free text-only [http://eternal-september.org http://eternal-september.org] server. I have only accessed the newsgroup directly via Outlook Express and Thunderbird. I also signed up for [http://www.rgparchive.com] so I could understand it better. | + | Background: I use(d) mainly Google Groups for access. My ISP-provided NNTP server is only available from their network (and I have concerns that it will be removed). I recently signed up for the free text-only [http://eternal-september.org http://eternal-september.org] server. I have only accessed the newsgroup directly via Outlook Express and Thunderbird. I also signed up for [http://www.rgparchive.com http://www.rgparchive.com] so I could understand it better. |
Newsgroups: rec.games.pinball is a Usenet newsgroup. History of the group can be found in the FAQ at [http://www.mrpinball.com http://www.mrpinball.com]. See wikipedia for information on Usenet and NNTP servers. Newsgroups predate modern web browsers. If I recall correctly, the dejanews web site that provided newsgroup access was purchased by Google. Other web options have evolved, but it should be understood that they only provide a portal to post and view the newsgroup posts, a shadow copy if you will. The NNTP server system itself is highly redundant and very robust, as is the core of the internet. | Newsgroups: rec.games.pinball is a Usenet newsgroup. History of the group can be found in the FAQ at [http://www.mrpinball.com http://www.mrpinball.com]. See wikipedia for information on Usenet and NNTP servers. Newsgroups predate modern web browsers. If I recall correctly, the dejanews web site that provided newsgroup access was purchased by Google. Other web options have evolved, but it should be understood that they only provide a portal to post and view the newsgroup posts, a shadow copy if you will. The NNTP server system itself is highly redundant and very robust, as is the core of the internet. | ||
Revision as of 11:26, 3 July 2011
Originally posted on RGP by Kerry Imming (this article modified slightly from the original post)...
I would like to move the news reader debate from preference/opinion to a fact-based comparison. If this develops into a useful comparison I suggest we post it into a PinWiki article. I've started a comparison list. Please feel free to correct and expand my list, but try to keep it fact-based.
Background: I use(d) mainly Google Groups for access. My ISP-provided NNTP server is only available from their network (and I have concerns that it will be removed). I recently signed up for the free text-only http://eternal-september.org server. I have only accessed the newsgroup directly via Outlook Express and Thunderbird. I also signed up for http://www.rgparchive.com so I could understand it better.
Newsgroups: rec.games.pinball is a Usenet newsgroup. History of the group can be found in the FAQ at http://www.mrpinball.com. See wikipedia for information on Usenet and NNTP servers. Newsgroups predate modern web browsers. If I recall correctly, the dejanews web site that provided newsgroup access was purchased by Google. Other web options have evolved, but it should be understood that they only provide a portal to post and view the newsgroup posts, a shadow copy if you will. The NNTP server system itself is highly redundant and very robust, as is the core of the internet.
Access Options:
1. News server and client news reader - This is the traditional way to access newsgroups.
- Advantages:
- Reliable - you can subscribe to multiple NNTP servers
- Free servers (http://www.eternal-september.org) and client software available
- Paid (i.e. supported) servers are available
- Disadvantages:
- Need client software (e.g. Thunderbird or SeaMonkey)
- Sorting of unread threads is not as convenient as Google Groups
- Flagging interesting threads is limited
2. Google Groups - News posts are ported into the Google Group interface structure
- Advantages:
- Web based, can be accessed from any computer
- Read/Unread status is maintained on the server, so current from wherever you access
- "Favorites" flagging allows easy tracking of threads you're interested in
- SPAM and Troll posts are flagged by community and hidden
- Search capability within group
- Adding "in rec.games.pinball" to a standard Google search will take you directly to the thread
- Disadvantages:
- Google outages with their Usenet feed (a fairly regular occurrence)
- More lag before posts show up than with #1
3. http://www.rgparchive.com - A privately maintained portal courtesy of RGP contributor "Nacman"
- Advantages:
- Web based, can be accessed from any computer
- Topics can be subscribed to
- Search capability within group
- Disadvantages:
- Single server
- Taken offline during thunderstorms at server site
- Forum-based, display of threads is not as convenient as #1 and #2
4. Others?