What is Usenet primarily used for?

Usenet is primarily used for exchanging information using the Network News Transfer Protocol (NNTP). Originally developed as a system for discussing topics across a decentralized network, Usenet allows users to post and respond to messages in discussion groups known as newsgroups. NNTP facilitates the distribution and retrieval of these messages, making it a fundamental part of Usenet's functionality.

The use of NNTP enables users to access a vast array of discussions across various topics, with each newsgroup serving as a forum for different interests. This protocol helps manage the flow of messages, ensuring that users can easily share and retrieve information as well as interact with other participants in countless discussions.

While file transfers and other functionalities may occur on Usenet, they are not its primary purpose. Video streaming also falls outside its core function, as Usenet serves more as a platform for discussions rather than for live content delivery. Connecting to the Internet is a prerequisite but not specific to Usenet itself; it is a broader requirement for accessing online resources. Thus, the emphasis on NNTP as the primary means of exchanging information highlights the essence of Usenet's design and utility.