The Word Wide Web gets most of the attention on the Internet but don�t ignore the wealth of information available on the Usenet newsgroups. The newsgroups are discussion groups where you can read, reply or post your own messages on a wide variety of subjects.
To access the newsgroups, you can use specific Newsgroup Reader software which you can download on the Internet at sites such as Shareware.com (www.shareware.com) or Download.com (www.download.com) or use the Usenet capabilities of your browser. Both Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer work well. After configuring the software with the location on your news server, (usually news.xxxxx.com), display all newsgroups available and after they are downloaded - this may take a while - go through the list and subscribe to the newsgroups you are interested in. Each Internet provider carries a different selection of newsgroups and the messages stay posted on your provider�s server from between one week and three weeks. If you become aware of a discussion group that you wish to participate in and it is not available, send a request to your system administrator to add the group.
Most of the music-related newsgroups start with rec or alt. The rec groups are harder to establish and as a result are a little more focussed and have higher traffic. The alt groups are much looser and carried by fewer news servers.
When you find groups that you are interested in, read some of the messages to get a feel for the content before you start posting questions, comments or replies. You will notice that many discussions carry on for days or weeks in threads which you can follow and contribute to. If you ask questions in the more serious or technical groups you will receive answers in the group or by e-mail within a few days.
To find newsgroups of interest, visit the Liszt of Newsgroups at http://www.liszt.com/news/. You can search for newsgroups by keyword and by clicking on one of the resulting groups, the Newsgroup reader portion of your browser will be activated and it will download that group. Note that this will only be successful if your provider carries that particular group. The Liszt also carries help on using usenet groups as well. For a list of many music of the usenet groups visit http://www.music.vt.edu/resources/usenetmusic.html . For a list of alt.music usenet groups as well as how to start your own newsgroup, visit http://www.cs.ubc.ca/spider/edmonds/music/alt-music.html.
When you're searching for groups of interest also try other keywords such as guitar, audio, multimedia, artist etc.
With a little bit of patience, you will find musicians and songwriters from around the world with like interests and a constant source for answering your musical and technical questions.

• Weiss signal processors� new web site features product information, news, comments from customers, profiles of system owners and worldwide representatives. Visit at http://www.weiss.ch.
• If your band has a web site, you can register it for free at The North American Band Name Registry at http://www.bandname.com.
• Getzen brass instruments has introduced their web site at http://www.getzen.com. Included are information on their products and accessories, FAQs, a Getzen history and information on Getzen artists.
• Music Books Plus has changed its web address to http://musicbooksplus.com. Here you will find over 2,000 music and audio books, videos and CD-ROMs and a free electronic newsletter is available as well.
• DSP.FX by Power Technology is profiled at http://www.dspfx.com. The site includes product information, free demo downloads, press releases and a list of dealers, distributors and reps.
• Norris-Whitney Communications is offering updates to its major sites through The Pointcast Network. The viewer software is free for download. Visit Canadian Musician (http://canadianmusician.com), Professional Sound (http://nor.com/ps), Music Books Plus (http://musicbooksplus.com) and The Music & Audio Connection (http://www.musicandaudio.com) for details.
• Studio Morin Heights has introduced their web site at http://studiomorinheights.com. Included are sections on each of their studios, their accommodations, catering, in-house rentals, a client list, staff profiles, and links to other music and audio sites.
• Norris-Whitney Communications operates The Music & Audio Connection, the international on-line resource for music enthusiasts, musicians, music and audio professionals. Included are classified ads, products for sale, company showcases, discussion forums, associations, music education, music & audio resources, career information and file libraries. Updates to the site are available by e-mail or on The Pointcast Network Visit at http://www.musicandaudio.com. For more information, e-mail to [email protected], FAX (905) 641-1648 or call (905) 641-3471.

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