[Ham-Computers] Looking for a Usenet Server

[Jim Hill]

Hi:
Cox no longer provides a news server, so I can't access the usenet or 
newsgroups, such as rec.radio.amateur and 
rec.antiques.radio+amateur.  I've checked the Internet, pay versions 
are expensive, typically $10-$30/month.

Regard free servers:
Thunderbird has a server and newsreader, and I have been able to use 
it for Mozilla and Netscape forums.  I couldn't get it to work for 
others.  I get to the screen where I assume it is downloading a list 
of all newsgroups.  It does something for a while and then times 
out.  I queried Mozillazine, but have not received an answer.

I've heard that Outlook Express has a newsreader and can access a 
Microsoft news server.  I use Eudora for email, and have not used 
Outlook Express.  Before coming up to speed on a new-to-me product, I 
would like to get some comments.

Any suggestions - or help with Thunderbird?  I'm interested in 
forums, not binaries (used for music, movies, games, etc.).  I'm 
using Win XP  I want to avoid Linux.  I have a computer set up for 
Linux, and only use it for accessing financial data for security 
reasons.  I'm not very Linux-savvy, either.  Whenever I get beyond 
basic operations I hit my head against a brick wall and need to seek help.

Jim