Here is a quick list of the purpose of each major classification of newsgroup names.
| Newsgroups Prefixes Defined | |
| Prefix | Purpose |
| comp | Computer related groups |
| news | Relating to the newsgroups themselves |
| rec | Recreational newsgroups |
| soc | Social newsgroups |
| sci | Science newsgroups |
| talk | Discussion/current affairs |
| hum | Humanities |
| misc | A catch all hierarchy |
| alt | Alternative newsgroups. Tend to be very unrestricted. |
Unless otherwise noted, all photos and text is Copyright © Richard G Lowe, Jr.