JPG Files
Explained in Plain English

JPG (JPEG) files contain pictures. JPEG is by far the most common format used for pictures posted to newsgroups. You may see files with a ".jpg" or ".jpeg" extension. There is no differnce. You can view JPG's simply by dragging them onto your web browser. You can also just double-click them since most computers come with software that will automatically open them up.

If you like to collect large numbers of pictures, the best way to do so is to use an automatic downloading program like NewzScape. Or if you are a newbie, JpegJet. Both programs will run through an entire newsgroup and download every picture there. The newsgroups you want will begin with "alt.binaries.pictures" - "binaries" just means files.

If you download a lot of pictures or have a lot to organize, a program like WatchFast is ideal. This program will also play your files in a slide show.

JPG files cannot contain viruses, so there is no harm in downloading them, or opening them if somebody emails you one.