AOL ditches newsgroups
Lack of use
Posted in Financial News, 25th January 2005 14:20 GMT
Join our expert panel in discussing application security
AOL is pulling the plug on servers hosting newsgroups. AOL subscribers will no longer be able to access such groups directly but will have to go through Google.
Subscribers who try to access newsgroups receive the following error message from AOL: "From early 2005, AOL members will no longer be able to use the Newsgroup service through AOL. You will however be able to access Usenet newsgroups via Internet Explorer, or Google at http://groups.google.com/. For AOL alternatives, go to AOL Keyword: Community."
An AOL spokesman said the service is being withdrawn because so few people use it: "Google does a very good job of hosting newsgroups and the typical AOL user probably doesn't use newsgroups that often." ®
Related stories
'Horoscopes' is AOL's most searched word
AOL confirms 750 job cuts
AOL goes a bundle on consumer security


The future of SaaS and IT infrastructure management
Should your email live in the cloud: a comparative cost analysis
Hosted security IT manager's guide
Securing your Apache web server with a Thawte digital certificate

Win a Samsung C6625!
Is your cameraphone an oxymoron?
Windows 7, Bing and security: Mr Ballmer regrets
Sign up, sign up for The Register IT security newsletter