BBS Scene

Overview

Before the World Wide Web, there were BBSes—Bulletin Board Systems. Dial a phone number with your modem, and you connected to another computer. Download software, post messages, play door games, chat with the sysop. BBSes created online communities and distributed the software that fueled the home computer revolution.

Fast facts

First BBS: CBBS (1978).
Technology: Dial-up modem.
Peak: Late 1980s to mid-1990s.
Decline: Internet access growth.

How it worked

Step	Process
1	Configure terminal software
2	Dial BBS phone number
3	Modem handshake
4	Login to system
5	Navigate menus
6	Download, post, play
7	Log off (free phone line)

Common features

Feature	Function
File areas	Download software
Message boards	Discussion forums
Email	User-to-user messages
Door games	Online games
Chat	Real-time with sysop

BBS software

Software	Platform
CBBS	CP/M (original)
TBBS	PC
Wildcat!	PC
PCBoard	PC
WWIV	PC
C*Base	C64

File distribution

BBSes spread:

Public domain software
Shareware
Demos and intros
Cracked games
Utilities

The sysop

System operator role:

Ran the hardware
Paid phone lines
Maintained system
Enforced rules
Community leader

Door games

Multiplayer BBS games:

Game	Type
TradeWars	Space trading
Legend of the Red Dragon	Fantasy RPG
Barren Realms Elite	Strategy
Usurper	RPG

FidoNet

BBS networking:

Feature	Benefit
Message echoes	Cross-BBS discussions
Netmail	BBS-to-BBS email
File distribution	Automated sharing

Scene connection

BBSes served:

Demoscene coordination
Warez distribution
Group communication
Release announcements

Regional communities

Factor	Impact
Phone costs	Local BBSes preferred
Area codes	Regional communities
Long distance	Expensive, rare

Decline

Factor	Timeline
Internet access	1995+
Web emergence	Mid-1990s
ISP growth	Late 1990s
BBS closure	Mass shutdown

Legacy

BBSes established:

Online community models
File sharing culture
Forum discussion format
Moderation practices

Pre-internet communities