Usenet is a compilation of newsgroup-organized internet conversations. People have the option of starting new posts within current subjects or starting new ones themselves. While some boards are intended mainly for file exchange, others offer places for queries and responses.

Usenet was created in 1980 as a forum for online discussion of various subjects, much like a bulletin board system (BBS). However, Usenet sections were distributed among hundreds of computers worldwide as opposed to being housed on a single server. Usenet expanded with the success of the Internet, bringing online talks to nations all over the world.

Usenet was created for text-based conversations, but as it developed, it also supported file exchange. Currently, files—or "binaries" since they can hold any kind of binary data—are frequently distributed via Usenet. Samples include movies, music, images, and applications. NZB files, which are XML files that specify one or more places from which the real file may be obtained, are frequently attached to Usenet downloads.

The Network News Transmission Protocol is used to send usenet info. Many various Usenet service companies offer access to Usenet, usually for around $10 USD per month. Internet Storm, Newshosting, and Astraweb are just a few examples. You can browse and participate in forums using web-based tools provided by some sites, but you can also use an aggregator like Newsbin, Agent, or Pan.