INFO: A guide to the Windows newsgroups [FAQ]
Tom Haapanen
Archive-name: ms-windows/newsgrp.guide
Last-modified: 1997-01-20
This is a regularly scheduled weekly posting, which explains the purpose
of the usenet newsgroups for Microsoft Windows. Please follow these
guidelines when posting your articles, and make life easier for all of
us.
NOTE: Binary files (whether programs, bitmaps or others) are not to be
posted to any of the groups listed below, with the exception of
comp.binaries.ms-windows.
These are the current Windows newsgroups:
SETUP AND INSTALLATION -- WINDOWS 95 AND WINDOWS 3.x:
comp.os.ms-windows.setup.win3x
Questions and problems with setting up and configuring Windows 3.x
comp.os.ms-windows.setup.win95
Questions and problems with setting up and configuring Windows 95
GENERAL -- WINDOWS 95 AND WINDOWS 3.x:
comp.os.ms-windows.advocacy
Comparisons, discussion and arguments about Windows 3.x and
Windows 95 vs other operating systems.
comp.os.ms-windows.announce
MODERATED. Announcements and news about Windows applications,
drivers, events etc.
comp.os.ms-windows.pre-release
Discussion about unreleased and future versions of Windows
comp.os.ms-windows.video
Video display cards, drivers and monitors for use with Windows
comp.os.ms-windows.misc
All other Windows 3.x discussions not covered by other specific
newsgroups, but specifically not advocacy with other operating
systems.
comp.os.ms-windows.win95.misc
All other Windows 95 discussions (except advocacy with other
operating systems) not covered by other specific newsgroups.
comp.os.ms-windows.win95.moderated
MODERATED. Windows 95 discussions, with strict moderation
to prevent arguments, flames and other unacceptable content.
GENERAL -- WINDOWS NT-SPECIFIC:
comp.os.ms-windows.nt.admin.networking
Windows NT network administration and management
comp.os.ms-windows.nt.admin.misc
Windows NT administration issues, except networking or security
comp.os.ms-windows.nt.admin.security
Windows NT system and network security issues
comp.os.ms-windows.nt.advocacy
Comparisons and arguments about Windows NT vs other OSs
comp.os.ms-windows.nt.announce
MODERATED. Announcements and news about Windows NT applications,
drivers, events etc.
comp.os.ms-windows.nt.pre-release
Discussion about unreleased and future versions of Windows NT
comp.os.ms-windows.nt.setup.hardware
Setting up and configuring hardware for Windows NT
comp.os.ms-windows.nt.setup.misc
Setting up and configuring Windows NT, except hardware issues
comp.os.ms-windows.nt.misc
All other Windows NT-specific discussions except programming and
advocacy
APPLICATION SOFTWARE -- WINDOWS 3.x, 95 AND NT:
comp.os.ms-windows.apps.comm
Communications and fax applications
comp.os.ms-windows.apps.financial
Financial applications
comp.os.ms-windows.apps.utilities.win3x
Utilities, desktops and accessories for Windows 3.x
comp.os.ms-windows.apps.utilities.win95
Utilities, desktops and accessories for Windows 95
comp.os.ms-windows.apps.word-proc
Word processing and desktop publishing
comp.os.ms-windows.apps.misc
Miscellaneous Windows 3.x, 95 & NT applications
WINSOCK-BASED TCP/IP APPLICATION SOFTWARE -- WINDOWS 3.x, 95 AND NT:
comp.os.ms-windows.apps.winsock.mail
Winsock-based electronic mail applications and utilities
comp.os.ms-windows.apps.winsock.news
Winsock-based Usenet news readers and servers
comp.os.ms-windows.apps.winsock.misc
Winsock-based applications other than news and email
SOFTWARE -- WINDOWS NT-SPECIFIC:
comp.os.ms-windows.nt.software.backoffice
Microsoft BackOffice (SMS, SQL Server, Exchange, SNA Server,
Internet Information Server)
comp.os.ms-windows.nt.software.services
System services software for Windows NT, including daemons,
servers and background processes; not intended for general
desktop application discussions.
SOFTWARE -- COMPATIBILITY ISSUES:
comp.os.ms-windows.apps.compatibility.win95
Compatibility issues with Win16 and MS-DOS applications on Win95.
comp.os.ms-windows.nt.software.compatibility
Compatibility issues with Win16 and MS-DOS applications on NT.
NETWORKING -- WINDOWS 3.x, 95 AND NT:
comp.os.ms-windows.networking.ras
Use of Remote Access Services (RAS) dial-up networking
comp.os.ms-windows.networking.tcp-ip
TCP/IP-based networking for Windows, includign NFS and apps
comp.os.ms-windows.networking.windows
Windows' native networking: WFWG, NT, NTAS and LAN Manager
comp.os.ms-windows.networking.win95
Windows 95-specific networking issues
comp.os.ms-windows.networking.misc
All other networks, such as Netware, Banyan Vines and LANtastic
PROGRAMMING AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT -- TECHNIQUES:
comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.controls
Using controls, custom controls, VBXs, OCXs and dialogs
comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.graphics
Graphics and GDI programming in Windows
comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.memory
Memory and process management, threads and IPC in Windows
comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.multimedia
Development of multimedia and video applications
comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.networks
Network-specific application development for Windows
comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.ole
Creating OLE, COM and DDE-based applications
comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.win32
Developing for the Win32 API (including NT and Win32s)
comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.winhelp
Developing WinHelp and Multimedia Viewer files and applications
comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.misc
All other Windows programming and development discussions
PROGRAMMING AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT -- DEVELOPMENT TOOLS:
comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.tools.mfc
Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC) class library-specific discussion
comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.tools.owl
ObjectWindows Library (OWL) class library-specific discussion
comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.tools.winsock
Developing Winsock-based TCP/IP applications
comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.tools.misc
Windows development tools, class libraries and compilers
except for OWL and MFC
PROGRAMMING AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT -- DEVICE DRIVERS:
comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.nt.kernel-mode
Development of Windows NT kernel-mode drivers
comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.vxd
Development of VxDs and Windows 3.x and 95 device drivers
VISUAL BASIC AND DELPHI GROUPS:
comp.lang.basic.visual.database
Database access and development
comp.lang.basic.visual.3rdparty
Third-party tools
comp.lang.basic.visual.announce
MODERATED. Announcements only
comp.lang.basic.visual.misc
Other Visual Basic discussions
comp.lang.pascal.delphi.controls
Using controls in Delphi
comp.lang.pascal.delphi.database
Delphi database development
comp.lang.pascal.delphi.misc
Other Delphi discussions
WINDOWS ARCHIVES (FTP AND WEB SITES):
comp.archives.ms-windows.announce
MODERATED. Announcements for new and/or updated Windows ftp/web
sites, uploads to sites and other information.
comp.archives.ms-windows.discuss
Discussions about Windows ftp/web sites.
OTHER RELATED GROUPS:
comp.apps.spreadsheets
Spreadsheets and related applications, including Excel, Quattro
and 1-2-3.
comp.databases.ms-access
Using and programming Microsoft's Access database package
comp.databases.ms-sqlserver
Using and programming Microsoft SQL Server
comp.os.msdos.mail-news
Administering mail and news software on Windows and MS-DOS.
comp.binaries.ms-windows
MODERATED. Shareware, freeware, drivers and other binary files.
comp.protocols.tcp-ip.ibmpc
Discussions about the use of TCP/IP on PC systems
bit.listserv.win3-l
This newsgroup is a copy of the BITNET WIN3-L mailing list for
all Windows discussions
alt.comp.shareware
Discussions about shareware, concentrating on Windows applications.
alt.comp.shareware.programmer
Discussions about development of shareware applications,
concentrating on Windows programming.
GENERAL -- REGIONAL GROUPS:
uk.comp.os.win95
Any and all Windows 95 related issues, including, and not limited
to, hardware and software selection, setup, Internet access and
hardware compatibility. Intended principally for UK based users.
es.comp.os.ms-windows
Any and all Windows related issues, including, and not limited
to, hardware and software selection, setup, Internet access and
hardware compatibility. Intended principally for Spanish-speaking
users.
OBSOLETE GROUPS: (Superseded by other newsgroups)
comp.os.ms-windows.setup
Windows 3.x setup and installation
comp.os.ms-windows.win95.setup
Windows 95 setup and installation
alt.winsock
Winsock applications and stacks (TCP/IP)
alt.winsock.programmer
Winsock application development (TCP/IP)
NON-WINDOWS NEWSGROUPS: (Do not use for Windows-specific topics!)
comp.lang.visual
Visual programming languages, *not* Visual Basic or Visual C++
comp.lang.pascal.*
The Pascal language itself; not appropriate for Windows topics
comp.lang.c
The C language itself; not appropriate for Windows topics
comp.lang.c++
The C++ language itself; not appropriate for Windows topics
comp.windows.news
For the NeWS windowing system, not Microsoft Windows
comp.windows.x
Discussions about the X Window System, not Microsoft Windows
comp.windows.misc
For other windowing systems, not Microsoft Windows
MAILING LISTS:
MFC-L mailing list
The mfc-l mailing list is a moderated mailing list intended for
intermediate and advanced MFC programmers. People may subscribe
to this list by sending a note to list...@netcom.com with the line
subscribe mfc-l
in the body.
OWL-LIST mailing list
The owl-list mailing list is a moderated mailing list intended for
intermediate and advanced OWL programmers. People may subscribe
to this list by sending a note to majo...@netlab.cs.rpi.edu with
the line
subscribe owl-list
in the body.
PDX-Win95 mailing list
The PDX Windows 95 mailing list is a moderated mailing list
intended for all Windows 95 discussions. People may subscribe
to this list by sending a note to majo...@majordomo.pobox.com
with the line
subscribe pdx-win95
in the body.
MICROSOFT SUPPORT NEWSGROUPS (available at msnews.microsoft.com):
Microsoft Access
microsoft.public.access
microsoft.public.access.3rdpartyusergroups
microsoft.public.access.chat
microsoft.public.access.conversion
microsoft.public.access.customcontrols
microsoft.public.access.developerstoolkit
microsoft.public.access.forms
microsoft.public.access.formsprogramming
microsoft.public.access.gettingstarted
microsoft.public.access.importexportlink
microsoft.public.access.interopoledde
microsoft.public.access.macros
microsoft.public.access.modulesdaovba
microsoft.public.access.multiusernetworks
microsoft.public.access.odbcclientserver
microsoft.public.access.queries
microsoft.public.access.replication
microsoft.public.access.reportsprinting
microsoft.public.access.security
microsoft.public.access.setupconfiguration
microsoft.public.access.tablesdbdesign
microsoft.public.access.toolbarsuserinterface
microsoft.public.accessibility.axa
microsoft.public.accessibility.developer
microsoft.public.accessibility.ieaccess
microsoft.public.accessibility.issues
microsoft.public.activex.controlpad_html_layout_control
Microsoft Excel
microsoft.public.excel.123quattro
microsoft.public.excel.charting
microsoft.public.excel.crashesgpfs
microsoft.public.excel.datamap
microsoft.public.excel.interopoledde
microsoft.public.excel.links
microsoft.public.excel.macintosh
microsoft.public.excel.misc
microsoft.public.excel.printing
microsoft.public.excel.programming
microsoft.public.excel.querydao
microsoft.public.excel.sdk
microsoft.public.excel.setup
microsoft.public.excel.templates
microsoft.public.excel.worksheetfunctions
Microsoft Exchange
microsoft.public.exchange.admin
microsoft.public.exchange.applications
microsoft.public.exchange.clients
microsoft.public.exchange.connectivity
microsoft.public.exchange.misc
microsoft.public.exchange.setup
Microsoft FrontPage
microsoft.public.frontpage.client
microsoft.public.frontpage.extensions.unix
microsoft.public.frontpage.extensions.windowsnt
Microsoft FoxPro
microsoft.public.fox.3rdparty
microsoft.public.fox.books
microsoft.public.fox.chatter
microsoft.public.fox.events
microsoft.public.fox.fox2x.browse
microsoft.public.fox.fox2x.language-menus
microsoft.public.fox.fox2x.lck-api
microsoft.public.fox.fox2x.mac-specific
microsoft.public.fox.fox2x.queries-sql
microsoft.public.fox.fox2x.reports-printing
microsoft.public.fox.fox2x.screens
microsoft.public.fox.fox2x.setup-environment
microsoft.public.fox.fox2x.xplat
microsoft.public.fox.helpwanted
microsoft.public.fox.internet
microsoft.public.fox.programmer.exchange
microsoft.public.fox.vfp.dbc
microsoft.public.fox.vfp.forms
microsoft.public.fox.vfp.grids
microsoft.public.fox.vfp.language-menus
microsoft.public.fox.vfp.lck-api
microsoft.public.fox.vfp.mac-specific
microsoft.public.fox.vfp.oop
microsoft.public.fox.vfp.queries-sql
microsoft.public.fox.vfp.reports-printing
microsoft.public.fox.vfp.setup-environment
microsoft.public.fox.vfp.web
microsoft.public.fox.vfp.xplat
Microsoft Internet Information Server
microsoft.public.inetserver.dbweb
microsoft.public.inetserver.iis
microsoft.public.inetserver.iis.activexserver
microsoft.public.inetserver.iis.tripoli
microsoft.public.inetserver.misc
microsoft.public.internet.activexconferencing.sdk
microsoft.public.internet.mail
Microsoft Internet Explorer
microsoft.public.internetexplorer.beta.mac
microsoft.public.internetexplorer.beta.nt
microsoft.public.internetexplorer.beta.win3.1x
microsoft.public.internetexplorer.beta.win95
microsoft.public.internetexplorer.ieak
microsoft.public.internetexplorer.java
microsoft.public.internetexplorer.java.cabdevkit
microsoft.public.internetexplorer.mac
microsoft.public.internetexplorer.nt
microsoft.public.internetexplorer.scripting
microsoft.public.internetexplorer.win3.1x
microsoft.public.internetexplorer.win95
Microsoft Internet Explorer (international versions)
microsoft.public.br.ie30
microsoft.public.cs.ie30
microsoft.public.de.ie30
microsoft.public.el.ie30
microsoft.public.es.ie30
microsoft.public.fr.ie30
microsoft.public.hu.ie30
microsoft.public.it.ie30
microsoft.public.jp.ie30
microsoft.public.ko.ie30
microsoft.public.nl.ie30
microsoft.public.nordic.ie30
microsoft.public.pl.ie30
microsoft.public.ru.ie30
microsoft.public.sl.ie30
microsoft.public.pt.ie30
microsoft.public.tr.ie30
microsoft.public.tw.ie30
Microsoft Office
microsoft.public.office.binders
microsoft.public.office.misc
microsoft.public.office.officeresourcekit
microsoft.public.office.setup
microsoft.public.office.shortcutbar
Microsoft PowerPoint
microsoft.public.powerpoint
microsoft.public.powerpoint.mac
Microsoft SMS
microsoft.public.sms.admin
microsoft.public.sms.inventory
microsoft.public.sms.misc
microsoft.public.sms.netmon
microsoft.public.sms.rcdiags
microsoft.public.sms.setup
microsoft.public.sms.sharedapps
microsoft.public.sms.sitecomm
microsoft.public.sms.swdist
microsoft.public.sms.tools
Microsoft SNA Server
microsoft.public.snaserver.administration
microsoft.public.snaserver.aftp
microsoft.public.snaserver.applets
microsoft.public.snaserver.misc
microsoft.public.snaserver.odbcdrda
microsoft.public.snaserver.programming.lu62
microsoft.public.snaserver.programming.lua
microsoft.public.snaserver.programming.other
microsoft.public.snaserver.setup.as400
microsoft.public.snaserver.setup.client
microsoft.public.snaserver.setup.host
microsoft.public.snaserver.setup.other
microsoft.public.snaserver.snaras
microsoft.public.snaserver.thirdparty
microsoft.public.snaserver.tn3270
Microsoft SQL Server
microsoft.public.sqlserver.connect
microsoft.public.sqlserver.misc
microsoft.public.sqlserver.odbc
microsoft.public.sqlserver.programming
microsoft.public.sqlserver.replication
microsoft.public.sqlserver.server
Microsoft Visual Basic
microsoft.public.vb.3rdparty
microsoft.public.vb.addins
microsoft.public.vb.bugs
microsoft.public.vb.controls
microsoft.public.vb.controls.databound
microsoft.public.vb.controls.internet
microsoft.public.vb.crystal
microsoft.public.vb.database
microsoft.public.vb.database.dao
microsoft.public.vb.database.odbc
microsoft.public.vb.database.rdo
microsoft.public.vb.dos
microsoft.public.vb.enterprise
microsoft.public.vb.installation
microsoft.public.vb.ole
microsoft.public.vb.ole.automation
microsoft.public.vb.ole.cdk
microsoft.public.vb.ole.servers
microsoft.public.vb.setupwiz
microsoft.public.vb.syntax
microsoft.public.vb.winapi
microsoft.public.vb.winapi.graphics
microsoft.public.vb.winapi.networks
Microsoft Visual C++
microsoft.public.vc.activextemplatelib
microsoft.public.vc.database
microsoft.public.vc.debugger
microsoft.public.vc.events
microsoft.public.vc.language
microsoft.public.vc.language.macintosh
microsoft.public.vc.mfc
microsoft.public.vc.mfc.docview
microsoft.public.vc.mfc.macintosh
microsoft.public.vc.mfcole
microsoft.public.vc.utilities
Microsoft Visual J++
microsoft.public.visualj.compiler
microsoft.public.visualj.com-support
microsoft.public.visualj.debugger
microsoft.public.visualj.dev-environment
microsoft.public.visualj.discussion
microsoft.public.visualj.installation
microsoft.public.visualj.misc-tools
Microsoft Win16 API
microsoft.public.win16.programmer.gdi
microsoft.public.win16.programmer.kernel
microsoft.public.win16.programmer.networks
microsoft.public.win16.programmer.pen
microsoft.public.win16.programmer.tools
microsoft.public.win16.programmer.ui
Microsoft Win32 API
microsoft.public.win32.programmer.gdi
microsoft.public.win32.programmer.international
microsoft.public.win32.programmer.kernel
microsoft.public.win32.programmer.mapi
microsoft.public.win32.programmer.mmedia
microsoft.public.win32.programmer.networks
microsoft.public.win32.programmer.ole
microsoft.public.win32.programmer.pen
microsoft.public.win32.programmer.tapi
microsoft.public.win32.programmer.tools
microsoft.public.win32.programmer.ui
Microsoft Windows 3.x and Windows for Workgroups
microsoft.public.win3x_wfw_dos
Microsoft Windows 95
microsoft.public.win95.anniversary
microsoft.public.win95.commtelephony
microsoft.public.win95.dialupnetworking
microsoft.public.win95.exchangefax
microsoft.public.win95.filediskmanagement
microsoft.public.win95.msdosapps
microsoft.public.win95.multimedia
microsoft.public.win95.networking
microsoft.public.win95.printingfontsvideo
microsoft.public.win95.setup
microsoft.public.win95.shellui
microsoft.public.win95.win95applets
Microsoft Windows NT
microsoft.public.windowsnt.40beta
microsoft.public.windowsnt.apps
microsoft.public.windowsnt.dfs
microsoft.public.windowsnt.domain
microsoft.public.windowsnt.dsmnfpnw
microsoft.public.windowsnt.fsft
microsoft.public.windowsnt.mac
microsoft.public.windowsnt.mail
microsoft.public.windowsnt.misc
microsoft.public.windowsnt.print
microsoft.public.windowsnt.protocol.ipx
microsoft.public.windowsnt.protocol.misc
microsoft.public.windowsnt.protocol.ras
microsoft.public.windowsnt.protocol.tcpip
microsoft.public.windowsnt.setup
Microsoft Word
microsoft.public.word.applicationerrors
microsoft.public.word.conversions
microsoft.public.word.dos
microsoft.public.word.formattinglongdocs
microsoft.public.word.general
microsoft.public.word.internetassistant
microsoft.public.word.mac
microsoft.public.word.mailmergefields
microsoft.public.word.nonwindows
microsoft.public.word.oleinterop
microsoft.public.word.printingfonts
microsoft.public.word.programming
microsoft.public.word.setupnetworking
microsoft.public.works.dos
microsoft.public.works.mac
microsoft.public.works.win
Other Microsoft development products
microsoft.public.basic.dos
microsoft.public.basic.other
microsoft.public.cryptoapi
microsoft.public.masm
microsoft.public.msdn.general
microsoft.public.odbc.sdk
microsoft.public.oledb
microsoft.public.oledb.sdk
microsoft.public.oledb.specification
Other Microsoft Internet products
microsoft.public.internet.netmeeting
microsoft.public.internet.news
Other Microsoft server products
microsoft.public.catapult.beta
microsoft.public.mail.admin
microsoft.public.mail.connectivity
microsoft.public.mail.misc
microsoft.public.messaging.misc
microsoft.public.oleds.beta
Other Microsoft consumer products
microsoft.public.automap
microsoft.public.bookshelf
microsoft.public.carpoint
microsoft.public.cinemania
microsoft.public.consumer.products
microsoft.public.encarta
microsoft.public.fortran
microsoft.public.games
microsoft.public.games.discussion
microsoft.public.kids
microsoft.public.microsofthardware.products
microsoft.public.money
microsoft.public.music.products
microsoft.public.plus
microsoft.public.project
microsoft.public.publisher
microsoft.public.schedule+
microsoft.public.simulators
microsoft.public.technet
microsoft.public.visualtest
Industry-specific newsgroups
microsoft.public.industry.accounting
microsoft.public.industry.banking.wosa-xfs
microsoft.public.industry.health
microsoft.public.industry.insurance
microsoft.public.industry.manufacturing
microsoft.public.industry.retailpos
GENERAL GUIDELINES:
Please try to post to the appropriate newsgroup, and try to avoid
crossposting whenever possible. This makes it easier for everyone
to find the information they are looking for without wading through
irrelevant articles.
Second, please do not get involved in arguments about Windows vs.
OS/2 vs. Macintosh vs. NeXTSTEP *except* in the .advocacy groups.
Don't post any comparison or argument, and if someone else posts one
-- don't post a followup! Ignore this flamebait, and help increase
the signal-to-noise ratio of the newsgroups.
SUBSCRIBING AND UNSUBSCRIBING:
To subscribe to a Usenet newsgroup, you can use the "gnewsgroupname"
command at the newsgroup level in rn, trn and strn. To unsubscribe,
hit "u" while in that newsgroup, if you are using rn, trn or strn.
If you're using a Windows-based newsreader, please consult the
documentation for instructions on subscribing and unsubscribing.
To subscribe to a LISTSERV mailing list, send a mail message to the
LISTSERV at the mailing list address (ie LIST...@uicvm.bitnet for the
WINH...@uicvm.bitnet list) containing just the text "SUBSCRIBE listname"
in the body. To unsubscribe, send mail to that same LISTSERV with the
body "UNSUBSCRIBE listname" or "SIGNOFF listname".
WINDOWS FAQS:
The Windows FAQs are available by anonymous ftp from ftp.metrics.com and
other sites; see the companion posting "How to get ..." posted simulta-
neously with this one for further details.
MICROSOFT FTP SITE:
Microsoft also maintains an ftp site (ftp.microsoft.com) with drivers,
patches and utilities on it for all of Microsoft's operating systems,
including Windows, Windows for Workgroups and Windows NT.
MORE INFORMATION:
If you have questions about these guidelines, you can email to Tom
Haapanen (maintainer of the FAQ, to...@metrics.com) or Sean Graham
(moderator of the .announce groups, sgr...@shiloh.nimh.nih.gov).
--
[ /tom haapanen -- to...@metrics.com -- software metrics inc -- waterloo, ont ]
[ "salus populi suprema est lex" -- marcus tullius cicero ]