What Was a Bulletin Board System?

A bulletin board system (BBS) is a computer-based service that users connect to, traditionally through dial-up modems over telephone lines. Early BBSs grew from a desire to exchange messages between computer enthusiasts.

Callers typically navigated text menus to read message conferences, download software, upload files, chat, and play games. Boards varied widely: some specialized in hardware, others in shareware, art, local communities or hobbies.

The SysOp maintained the server, managed the files and accounts, and often personally welcomed new users. In the 1990s, networks such as FidoNet allowed many independent boards to exchange echomail across distances. Today, some systems remain accessible through Telnet or SSH.