Welcome to the World of BBSing!

• What is a BBS?
  - 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
• What software is needed to call BBSes?
  - 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".
• Where can I find a BBS in my area?
  - 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.
• Does it cost anything to call (or Telnet) to BBSes?
  - Nope not at all.  As long as the phone number for the BBS is local to you it will just be a normal phone call.  Some BBSes though offer "limited" access and if you want "unlimited" access they may require you to pay a small fee.  Also some BBS ask that you "donate" a few dollars to help cover the costs of running the system.  Usually they will offer you "more access" if you donate.
• I've heard that there are some BBSes on the Internet. How can I get on these?
  - 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.
• Are there any BBSes accessable via my web browser?
  - 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.

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