The groups have uses as diverse as the people who use them, and are providing people with supportive, non-judgemental places to "be themselves" -- sort of an electronic version of the support group.

The following is a guide to the most common ways to reach out and "touch" your cyberneighbors: newsgroups, chats, and message boards.

Newsgroups
A newsgroup is a bulletin-board-type service that you subscribe to. There are thousand to choose from. You view and respond to messages by using your newsreader program.

How do I join a newsgroup?
Using a program like Outlook Express, you set up a news account the same way you set up an email account, by entering information about your Internet Service Provider’s news (nntp) server. (Hint: Look in your Preferences or Account window). If you don’t have newsreader software, you can always download it free from a website like download.com.

How do I find a newsgroup?
When you set up your account you will download thousands of titles of newsgroups from your server. The names of newsgroups are a little cryptic, for example, rec.audio.pro does not stand for "recording audio professional," but "recreation audio production." Once you find one you like you then subscribe and receive all of the current messages for that group. The nice thing about newsgroups is that they contain "threads" -- histories of responses to the original message.

Chat
Usually, a chat is a (typed) conversation with a personality or expert on any subject, ranging from how to get pregnant to what it's like being famous.

How do I find a chat?
There are many sites that host chats. Two we found the easiest to use and view were chat.yahoo.com and Talkcity.com. Both have regularly updated chat calendars, for virtually any subject under the sun. Or you can visit your favorite website and see if they host chats.

What do I need to do to join a chat?
Most chats work with your Internet browser, and offer (free) software downloads if you need them. You'll need to create a chat ID -- your online 'name' -- which doesn't have to be your own name. You do not have to become a subscriber, and chats are free!

Tip: When in a Yahoo chat room (the place where a chat takes place), you can block out what others are saying by pressing the "ignore" button. This filters out the other chat comments (some of which can be kind of rude) so you can concentrate on the actual questions and answers that the subject is responding to. You can also submit questions, but due to time constraints or the sheer number of "chatters" at a particular event, not all questions can be answered. But if you miss the chat, transcripts are made available soon after the chat, and are often archived.

Message Boards
A message board is a place for others to post questions or comments. For instance, if you are interested in home improvement, you may go to a DIY site to post a question.

How do I find a message board?
Visit your favorite website and see if they have one available.

How do I post a question? Often sites require you to register before posting a question.

Tip: Read the other postings before generating your own, because your question may have already been answered. And re-read your message carefully before sending it to make sure it is clearly stated and that there are no glaring typos. Also, keep in mind that in type, CAPITAL LETTERS LOOK LIKE A SCREAM -- so be sparing.