Hi! Alexander,   
      
   On 29 Apr 14 07:31, you wrote to All:   
      
    ak> Just for the sake of interest. I found out that I know little about   
    ak> the NNTP network.   
      
   We are still learning too, Alexander.   
      
    ak> For instance, I use Paul's NNTP server and send my message. A man who   
    ak> uses Tommi' NNTP server can read my message very soon. How is it   
    ak> working? Is there a special worldwide server which coordinates all the   
    ak> NTTP servers? So, if this worldwide server is down we'll have all NNTP   
    ak> network down, too?   
      
   The backbone to the system rides on a world-wide network called Fidonet.   
   (Check the Wikipedia for more information.)  There are many other   
   Fidonet-style networks, formed for specific purposes.   
      
   Each system in Fidonet is (usually) an amateur operator's own PC, providing a   
   public service (usually) for free.  Each system requires what is called a   
   'mailer', which exchanges mail and files distributed over several & many   
   pathways.  The mail and files are transferred through what are called   
   'echoes', which is another word for 'topics' or 'interest groups'.   
      
   Fidonet started out by drawing together various independant system operators   
   whose PC configurations served callers to their systems in the days of   
   analogue modems, by running Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) software.  The   
   systems were incorporated into Fidonet, by loose association.  That is, there   
   is no club nor are there any association fees or charges.   
      
   Today, some Fidonet systems run other software besides (or instead of) BBS   
   programs.  One of those programs just happens to be NNTP-style software.    
   There are a few other types of mail-exchange software.   
      
   Here we are now, 'talking' over a network that started off using telephone   
   technology in the early 1980s that now uses "the internet" for its transport   
   and access methodology.  Neat, wouldn't you say?   
      
   BTW, there are many NNTP-capable systems.  I am aware of four others, only   
   because they use the same NNTP software that my system does.  This software is   
   (for the most part) compliant with both internet & Fidonet standards.   
      
   Cheers,   
   Paul.   
      
   ... "Bummer" said Pooh when Tigger dropped the joint in the honey jar.   
   --- Paul's Win98SE VirtualBox   
    * Origin: Quinn's Post - Maryborough, Queensland, OZ (3:640/384)