oh internet

A precursor to forums and imageboards

Summary

Before the World Wide Web, before the Internet as we know it, before Windows, there were BBSes. The BBS, or Bulletin Board System, is software running on what would now be termed a server (often just a computer in the SysOp's home), allowing users to connect via dial-up (and later on with Telnet) and post messages for other users, send email within the system, or play text-based games.

As BBSes offered only text, their interfaces defaulted to using ASCII characters to convey messages

Origins

The first BBS was designed by Ward Christensen during a blizzard. They originally focused on computers, software, and amateur radio, as their users were all into computers, software, and amateur radio. As the concept grew more popular, boards dedicated to other subjects appeared until the web came into its own.

Current status

A few BBSes still exist, mostly to provide end-users with a sort of retro internet experience. The advent of the World Wide Web has made them obsolete.

Videos

Related Pages

Before the Internet

IRC

TOTSE

Usenet

External Links

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