Summary

This document is meant to be a very brief overview of how to configure a newsreader so that you will be able to read and post messages on the class newsgroup. There are many possible ways to access the newsgroup. I will post some links and information below. The key pieces of information you need are:

  1. The address of the news server: news.cs.utexas.edu.
  2. Your UTCS UNIX account login name and password
  3. The name of the newsgroup: utexas.class.cs105.python

Setting up newsgroup access can be difficult. Try one or more of the options below. If you're still having problems, read the CS FAQ on newsgroups, e-mail me, or come see me.

Newsgroups on Windows XP, or with Opera or Thunderbird

Here is good information on how to set up newsgroup access for many platforms, including Internet Explorer and Outlook on Windows XP, and for the Opera and Thunderbird browsers. Just remember to use the server, login, and newsgroup name mentioned on this page.

Newsgroups on Windows Vista, using Windows Mail

  1. Open Windows Mail.
  2. From the menu, select Tools -> Accounts.
  3. Click the "Add..." button.
  4. Select "Newsgroup Account". Click "Next".
  5. Enter information as prompted. When you enter the newsgroup server information, be sure to check the box that says "My news server requires me to log on." When it asks for your "Email user name", enter you UTCS login name (e.g., ben).
  6. After you create the news account, close the "Accounts" window. Mail should ask if you want to see a list of newsgroups. Click "Yes".
  7. Select the utexas.class.cs105.python newsgroup. Click the "Subscribe" button.
  8. Click the "OK" button. You should now see the newsgroup in a list. Double-click the newsgroup to see the postings.

Newsgroups on Mac

I've been using Xnntp. It's a beta-application right now, but it's worked for me so far. Enter the account information in the Preferences, under Server.