Newsgroups are a way to exchange messages on specific topics. They are also called news, discussion groups, groups, or "newsgroups," which is the USENET name for them.Your browser will have an option called something like "Go to Newgroups" or "Netscape News."
When viewing a newsgroup for the first time, "netiquette" recommends that you first read a file called FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions). These files were created to answer the most often asked questions in order to reduce the number of times those same basic questions appear in a newsgroup.
The same caution about posting to mailing lists applies to posting to newsgroups or sending e-mail or writing anything anywhere online. Be mindful about what you write. Newsgroups have world-wide distribution, which means that literally millions of people have access to them. Your words will circle the globe many times and come back to haunt you if you are not attentive to what you say.
And please DON'T WRITE IN CAPS ANYWHERE ONLINE. It is considered shouting and very impolite. :-) Here are the some of the best-known alternative newsgroups. Some are moderated by a real human and some are not.
If you have never done this before and feel a little intimidated about sending your message around the world, there is a place to practice while you learn. People online are very compassionate and willing to help if you ask.
The following test groups exist just to practice posting to newsgroups:
gnu.gnusenet.test misc.test
If you are interested in learning more about the culture of people in other countries, visit the Social Culture Newsgroups. Most start with soc.culture.(countryname) as in "soc.culture.african" for discussions about Africa & all things African. Try using one of the Search Engines. Enjoy!