Before posting a question, read section 2.6 (How should I make a posting to a newsgroup?) and don't forget to check this FAQ in case the question is answered here. If you want to practise posting a news article, use demon.test and not demon.ip.support.newuser.

It is a busy newsgroup, which can detract from its purpose of helping newusers. Please help avoid cluttering it up with posts which are not on topic, or which are of a personal nature. Newsusers can expect to post there in the knowledge that, should they make any mistakes, they can expect polite and helpful advice.

As in all newsgroups, people occasionally post articles which are deliberately off-topic or outrageous, merely to solicit responses (this is known as trolling). Replying to such articles in any way not only gives the poster the pleasure of seeing you rise to the bait, but can also cause such an increase in traffic to the newsgroup that those with genuine problems may find it difficult to be heard. Exercising restraint by ignoring or killing such articles (and any adverts or other off-topic material) is generally the best policy.

Questions of a particularly technical nature are often better directed to a more specialised newsgroup, although if you are not sure which one to use somebody in d.i.s.n. can probably advise.

Discussion about the relative merits of ISPs or telephone companies is inappropriate for d.i.s.n. These questions are frequently debated in uk.net and uk.telecom respectively, so remember to read those groups thoroughly before raising such matters there. Authoritative information about telephone charges should be sought directly from your telephone company (or its website) and not from newsgroups.