The following is copied from http://www.thedirectory.org which is a great page devoted to BBSes in the Internet and such. All of the links goto something on that page.

Since the beginnings of The BBS Corner, I've been asked a lot of questions - many of which are common and are often repeated (over and over and over and over...)

Here's a list of commonly (or "frequently") asked questions and their answers. This should help many of you out especially if you're a beginner in the BBS world - either on a BBS sysop level or on a BBS user level.

Note: This is not a replacement for the Official BBS FAQ by Claire Walters. This is to compliment it - not replace it.

BBS Sysop FAQ

• Q: I noticed you have a very large BBS list. I want to have my BBS listed (or to have the current listing changed)
  
  
• A: The BBS Corner is a seperate operation from its host site of thedirectory of BBSes, ISPs and Web Presence.
  If you want to have your BBS listed, or changed on thedirectory - follow these steps:
  
  • 
    
  • Send an E-mail to question@thedirectory.org (Leave subject and body of E-mail blank)
    
    
  • An auto-responder will send you an E-mail with a questionnare to fill out. Fill out the questionnare and send it back to the E-mail address listed at the BOTTOM of the questionnare (infosubmit@aol.com).
    Send it back as a regular E-mail - do NOT send it as a file attachment!
    
    
  • Your FREE listing will be added/updated on the next update.
    Updates to the BBS listings are bi-monthly, so it may be a while before you see your listing.
    

  
  
  

• Q: I want to start my own BBS. What do I have to do? Is it expensive?
  
  
• A: Starting a simple BBS can be done very easily and with very little money.
  For more details, check out the page on How to Start Your Own BBS.
  Basically, what you'll need is a computer, a modem, a dedicated phone line, and some BBS Software.
  The rest is up to you.
  
  
• Q: How can I put my BBS on the Internet?
  
  
• A: This is explained in detail on the following pages:
  
  
  • The Internet Connection - Getting the Internet connection
    
    
  • Basic Internet Features - Virtual modems, Telnet, and UUCP
    
    
  • Advanced Internet Features - BBSes that are also ISPs
    

  
  

• Q: Can I run a BBS on the web?
  
  
• A: The general answer to this question is no. Most Internet accessable BBSes are done via Telnet.
  There are some HTML based BBS systems that are now appearing. These are still in the beginning stages and are not yet as good as a standard BBS system.
  Another alternative is the Wildcat Win Server by Mustang Software. This can be both a standard BBS and a HTML based BBS all in one system. This is a professional system and carries with it a professional price tag.
  This is not recommended for beginning sysops.
  
  

BBS User FAQ

• Q: What is a BBS?
  
  
• A: BBS is an abbreviation for Bulletin Board System. A BBS is a self-contained On-Line system that is accessable by direct-dial via your modem. You do NOT access the Internet to call most of these BBS systems
  
  
• Q: What software is needed to call BBSes?
  
  
• A: You will need modem communications software to call BBSes. Most BBSes use a video standard called ANSI emulation. Some use a special kind of software to take advantage of graphical features in Windows. This software is either free or is "Shareware".
  There is a list of modem software on the BBS Users Software Page
  
  
  
• Q: Where can I find a BBS in my area?
  
  
• A: There are many BBSes in all areas of the world. And with that are many BBS directories. The largest compilation of BBS directories is thedirectory of BBSes, ISPs and Web Presence.
  Go to thedirectory, look up your area code and find BBSes in your area.
  
  
• Q: Does it cost anything to call (or Telnet) to BBSes?
  
  
• A: The common rule is that most BBSes are free. However, there are about 25% of BBSes who do charge users to access their services.
  Those who do charge will allow you to access the system for free for a "grace period" of a few days, hours, or "points" of usage. Then you can make payments - via a check, credit card, or cash (or whatever they want to use) to the sysop of the BBS. You will not be charged just by calling these systems (unless its a long distance phone call or your phone company charges for local calls). The only way the BBSes "charge" you is if you send in a payment as described above.
  
  
• Q: I've heard that there are some BBSes on the Internet. How can I get on these?
  
  
• A: There are an increasing number of BBSes that are now on the Internet. The total number of BBSes on the Internet is rather small, however.
  To access most BBSes on the Internet, you will need to have "Telnet" software. Telnet is a process of accessing another computer and using that computer via the Internet. Telnet software is available on the BBS Users Software Page
  A list of Telnettable BBSes can be found at Richard Mark's Select BBSes on the Internet
  
  
• Q: Are there any BBSes accessable via my web browser?
  
  
• A: Very few. Most require the use of "Telnet" (see above). However, you can program your web browser to start your Telnet software (NetTerm, for example) if you click on a telnet link from a web page.
  Your browser software's help files should explain how to do this.