Can someone explain to me how newsgroups work in simple terms

Question

Someone told me newsgroups are the best way to download software / films i want to know how they work.

Do you have to download a program?

Answer 1

newsgroups are a different "branch" of the internet and basically the still the "wild west" of the 'net.  Meaning, pretty much anything goes on newsgroups as there really isn't any way simple for it to be regulated (or at least nobody pays any attention to it since most users don't have a clue about newsgroups).  To access newsgroups you'll need software to do it and an ISP that provides access (many don't).  Outlook Express does have the ability to access newsgroups.  You can also google "newsgroup software" and find tons of free software for it too.  You'll have to find out from your ISP what their newsgroup server name (and username & password) is.  

keep in mind that newsgroups are pretty much unregulated and it's just a list of thousands and thousands of "topics" that people post messages, files, etc. to.  There are no "pretty" pages to view (it's like a message board type forum).  Also when you download something there's no guarantee of what you're really getting.  You could get a legit file, you could get something illegal.  It's the wild wild west.