Usenet, short for "Unix User Network," is a system that predates the World Wide Web and operates as a global discussion platform. Here's a basic explanation of how it works:

1. Newsgroups: Usenet is organized into thousands of newsgroups, each addressing specific topics. Think of these as forums where people can post messages and share files.
2. News Servers: These servers store and distribute messages across the Usenet network. They are interconnected and pass messages between each other.
3. Newsreader: To access Usenet, you need a newsreader program. This software allows you to browse newsgroups, read posts, and download files.
NNTP: Usenet uses the Network News Transfer Protocol (NNTP) to transfer messages and files across servers and to users.
Binary Files: Although originally used for text discussions, Usenet also supports binary files, which can be anything from images to software.
Providers: Unlike the internet, Usenet requires a separate provider to access its services, which often includes subscription fees.