Usenet News Server Name Change

The CNS Open Systems Group has upgraded the campus open-access Usenet News server and changed its name. Effective immediately, the new server name is usenet.ufl.edu. The old name for this service (news.ufl.edu) is now owned by another campus unit.

You will need to make several changes in order to use the news service effectively. First, you will need to change your news reader client to point to the new usenet.ufl.edu address. Second, since article numbers are maintained on a per-server basis, you will want to use the "catch-up" feature of your client software after configuring for the new server.

Finally, you will need to turn on GatorLink authentication in your email client. While you can still read news messages without GatorLink authentication, it is now required to post news messages. And, our Open Systems Group staff recommend that you use SSL (Secure Sockets Layer protocol) when you use GatorLink authentication. This creates a secure connection between your client and the server.

If you need assistance in reconfiguring your email program to use the new Usenet server, please contact the UF Computing Help Desk at 352/392-4357 or by email at helpdesk@ufl.edu. Their consultants will be happy to help you.

We welcome your comments and suggestions on this and all CNS documentation. Please send your comments to: