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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