The news server specified by this document uses a stream connection (such as TCP) and SMTP-like commands and responses. It is designed to accept connections from hosts, and to provide a simple interface to the news database.
This server is only an interface between programs and the news databases. It does not perform any user interaction or presentation- level functions. These "user-friendly" functions are better left to the client programs, which have a better understanding of the environment in which they are operating.
When used via Internet TCP, the contact port assigned for this service is 119.