Usenet News enables communication on a wide range of topics that are
relevant to both specific academic programs and the general intellectual
life of the University.

CCS currently carries 12,507 newsgroups. Of these, 443 (3% of the total) are
in the alt.binaries hierarchy. However, the alt.binaries groups make up 60 -
70% of the total 3.5 to 4 GB of data downloaded daily. Current resources
allow us to retain the alt.binaries groups for only 2 hours. Usenet News is
no longer the appropriate distribution mechanism for non-text files;
especially  given limited resources and the enormous increase of information
available on the Web in the past couple of years.

As of 30 November 1998, CCS plans to cease importing any newsgroup hierarchy
which deals primarily in non-text content. This includes image files, sound
files and executable software. The new policy will apply first to the
alt.binaries hierarchy.

Please direct all relevant questions and concerns to CCS Help Services at
[log in to unmask]
--
Marshal Linfoot                            Phone: (416) 736-5257 x22691
Manager, UNIX Technical Support            FAX:   (416) 736-5701
York University, CCS                       E-mail: [log in to unmask]