Use a newsreader like OE. However if you're in the workplace and behind a
firewall, you may be able to receive the newsgroups via mail but you may not
be able to send.
Also, if you're not using IE you may not be able to view or use the
Technical Communites very well. Since you're using IE, you may want to check
your settings.
I use the interface at work using IE6 and at home using IE8 beta, and find
that there are the odd instances where I can't see the body of the post.
Usually the poster has entered a subject only, in which case I can't respond,
and occasionally it's just blank and I cannot see any content to the post. A
newsreader is ideal but it's only worthwhile if you can actually respond.