What is Usenet?
The Usenet is a network of machines that share articles with each other. The articles are similar to E-mail, except that these messages are PUBLIC. All users of Usenet can read and reply to them. This creates a discussion environment about a wide variety of topics. The Usenet, like the Internet, is not a single entity. Usenet sites include universities, businesses, home computers, and many, many others. Nobody has full regulation of the Usenet. There is no central authority over the Usenet.

What is FAQ?
FAQ is an acronym for Frequently Asked Questions. FAQs are compilations of information which are the result of certain questions constantly being asked in a newsgroup - hence the name FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions). Before asking a question in a newsgroup or mailing list, make sure that you have checked out the appropriate FAQs. Excellent lists of various FAQ's can be found at the following sites:

• Ohio State University
• Utrecht University
• Oxford University

Sometimes a FAQ or periodic posting is compiled as a result of extensive research on a specific subject. A convenient way to share the information with others is by posting a article. In this case, the article might not really be a FAQ - that is, it isn't necessarily based on frequently asked questions. However, the term FAQ is sometimes used as a catch all term for articles, periodic postings, compilations, etc.