'Safe' to read newsgroups?

I have just changed my ISP today and they provide a news server which needs to be configured via Outlook Express.

I could not connect to see what type of news groups I could subscribe to as my router firewall blocked me at the setting I keep it at. I lowered it to the setting which allows me to get my BOClean update and OE downloaded the various groups (no messages)

I have never used Newsgroups before and wonder how safe they are as in Antivirus protecion - will my AV scan the downloaded messages if I subscribe (the only one I see so far is the 24hr help desk!)

As this is a new to me service I would be grateful for any advice. I am not too sure if I would be happy with lowering the firewall although I have my software one in place but is there a safe way to read and post to newsgroups as I certainly do not want a virus

 

Thanks ronjor - I somehow think I would be too worried about what may be there (I certainly would not be going to any links) but even though I have my security high I still think I would really worry especially as I have just noted you have to give an e-mail addy - OK I would not use my real one but having looked at the various things plus the firewall situation I may just leave the newsgroup as if it was never there in the first place.
I thought perhaps it was my ISP news about things but it certainly seems to be a lot of things I would not be interested in at all.

Thanks for the advice on the readers - will look for them but 'think' newsgroups are 'not' me.

 

Ok thanks for the e-mail advice on this one as I would not even want spam to an account I only have for the 'just in case'

I will certainly try to learn more about newsgroups before I dismiss them totally. Still very unsure but something for me to investigate. Off to look at the list you have posted - thanks.