On Tue, 29 Apr 2003 23:25:39 +0100, "Anthony"
wrote:

"VivienB" wrote in message
.. .

He's using Outlook Express, not a proper newsreader - perhaps it isn't
possible to filter out what he doesn't want?

Regards, VivienB

Why is Outlook Express not a proper newsreader?
Is there something wrong with it?
Will it affect my computer?
I'd like to know because thats what I'm using!
Hope you can answer my questions, (I know this is not the proper place to
ask)
or direct me to a place where I can find out.
TIA
Anthony

Specialised newsreading software allows you to handle the data you get
very easily. For example, with 'Agent' I can selectively stop
particular authors or posts with particular words in the subject line
appearing at all, or mark them read, or even 'ignore thread'
altogether. This allows me to cut out those posts/threads that I know
for sure are not of interest to me (or raise the blood pressure too
much!). I also don't have to download the whole post unless I choose
to, important on a slow dial-up. There are a number of other clever
bits and pieces too. Agent can be obtained from www.forteinc.com - you
can get a 'lite' version called Free Agent which does not have all the
bells and whistles, free of charge. NB I don't work for them, or any
other company making money from sales of software!

Historically, software (not only Microsoft's!) such as Outlook Express
that claims to do a number of different things, do some of them better
than others, and newsreading was one of the things I understand it has
not previously done so well. Since there is minimal revenue raising
possibility in usenet for software companies, it tends to be a low
priority for them.

So, I should have said 'not a -specialised- newsreader' (or something
of the kind). It is unlikely to adversely affect your computer, but
you might find software specifically designed for the job makes using
usenet more of a pleasure.

Regards, VivienB