Do you remember BBS? If you're a fan of retrocomputing, you've probably heard of Bulletin Board Systems (BBS). Before the spread of the internet, these digital networks allowed users to communicate, exchange files, and even play online games.
At Varese Retrocomputing 2024, Michel Mammoliti of ESoCoP carried out a practical demonstration, showing original hardware and simulating a connection to a BBS just as it was done in the 80s and 90s. A fascinating journey into the past of digital communication.
What is a Bulletin Board System?
Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) were servers accessible via modem and telephone line. Users, with a computer and communication software, could leave messages, download files, participate in thematic forums and play text games. Each BBS was an independent system, often run by private individuals or small communities.
Unlike the modern web, BBSs were not interconnected with each other: each user had to manually connect to a specific Bulletin Board System by dialing a phone number. In addition, the limited speed of modems at the time made browsing and downloading files much slower than by current standards.
Hardware and software: what did it take to access a BBS?
During the demonstration, Michel Mammoliti explained in detail the hardware and software used to connect to a BBS in the 80s and 90s.
On the user side, called the client, a computer, terminal software was needed to communicate with the BBS, an analog modem and a telephone line. The analog modems of the time operated at very low speeds compared to today's: in the early 80s there was talk of 1200-2400 baud, while in the 90s it reached 56K baud.
On the server side, i.e. the machine that hosted the BBS, a computer with specific management software, such as Maximus, one or more modems and as many analogue telephone lines was needed to allow simultaneous access to several users.
How did the connection take place?
The user typed the BBS phone number into the client software, then the modem initiated the call by establishing a connection with the remote server. After the classic handshaking sound, the computer showed the text menu of the Bulletin Board System, from which it was possible to navigate through the various services available. Michel showed this sequence live, using an original modem to simulate a call to a BBS.
What could be done in a BBS?
Once connected, users had access to several features. You could read and write messages on discussion boards divided by topics, similar to today's forums. It was possible to send private messages to other users through an internal mail system, a precursor to email.
The BBSs also offered download sections, where you could find software, utilities, and games. In many cases, pirated copies of commercial programs were distributed. Some integrated multiplayer text games, which allowed users to challenge or collaborate in text-based virtual worlds.
Why did BBS disappear?
With the spread of the Internet and the World Wide Web, after the mid-90s, BBSs have progressively lost their central role in digital communication. Direct connection to a single Bulletin Board System has been replaced by access to Internet providers, while communication has shifted to websites, emails, and online forums.
However, there are still some BBSs active today, accessible via the Internet or direct connection via dial-up modem, which keep the spirit of the first online communities alive.
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