Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) are early forms of online community platforms used for sharing messages, files, and other types of content within localized or niche communities. BBS operated over telephone lines and allowed users to connect via modems to access the system.
History and Origin
Bulletin Board Systems emerged in the late 1970s and gained prominence in the 1980s and early 1990s before the widespread adoption of the Internet. The first BBS, “CBBS” (Computerized Bulletin Board System), was created in 1978 by Ward Christensen and Randy Suess in Chicago.
Functionality
Connecting to a BBS
Users would connect to a BBS using dial-up modems and terminal software. The BBS provided various services such as:
- Message Boards: Similar to modern forums where users could post text messages and replies.
- File Sharing: Users could upload and download files, including software, documents, and media.
- Online Games: BBS often hosted text-based and early graphical multiplayer games.
- Email: Some BBS offered email services where users could send messages to each other within the system.
Types of BBS
Public BBS
Public BBS are open to anyone with the necessary hardware and software to connect. These boards often serve general interests and cater to a wide audience.
Private BBS
Private BBS require users to obtain permission from the system operator to access. These boards might focus on specific topics or community groups.
Corporate BBS
Corporations sometimes operate internal BBS for employee communication, file sharing, and bulletin posting.
Technical Considerations
Software
BBS software varied but popular examples included:
- WWIV: A popular BBS software written by Wayne Bell.
- FidoNet: A network of BBS nodes that allowed users to exchange messages over long distances.
Hardware
Running a BBS required a computer, a modem, and phone lines. Early adopters often used personal computers like the Apple II, Commodore 64, or IBM PC.
Network Protocols
BBS typically utilized standard modem protocols like V.22bis and V.32 for data transfer at speeds ranging from 1200 to 9600 bits per second.
Examples and Case Studies
The Well
The Whole Earth ‘Lectronic Link (The WELL) is one of the oldest and most influential BBS, known for its vibrant community of intellectuals, tech enthusiasts, and academics.
FidoNet
FidoNet is a global BBS network that began in 1984, allowing interconnected BBS systems to exchange email and text messages.
Applicability and Influence
Precursor to Modern Platforms
BBS can be seen as direct predecessors to modern internet forums, social media platforms, and other online community tools.
Localized and Niche Activities
BBS fostered localized and niche communities, some of which evolved into broader internet communities as technology advanced.
Related Terms
- Modem: A device that modulates and demodulates analog signals for digital data transmission.
- ANSI Art: Graphical art used in BBS, created using the ANSI terminal standard.
- Door Games: Text-based games accessible through BBS.
- Sysop: System operator responsible for maintaining and managing a BBS.
FAQs
How did users connect to a BBS?
What replaced BBS?
Are BBS still in operation?
References
- “BBS: The Documentary” by Jason Scott
- “The WELL: A Story of Invention and Shadow” by Katie Hafner
Summary
Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) were pioneering platforms for online community interaction, sharing, and collaboration. They laid the groundwork for many of the digital communication tools we use today, creating localized and niche communities that persist in various forms in the modern digital landscape.
