Bulletin Board Systems (BBSs) were computer servers running software that allowed users to connect to them using a terminal program over a telephone line and modem. Popular from the late 1970s through the mid-1990s, before the widespread adoption of the internet, BBSs served as early online communities. Users could download files, upload content, read news, play online games, and exchange messages with other users. Each BBS was typically run by a single sysop (system operator) from their home or office, offering a unique set of services and a distinct community feel.
Connecting to a BBS was often a local affair. You’d dial a specific phone number, and if the line wasn’t busy, your modem would connect to the BBS computer. Since most BBSs only had one or a few phone lines, users often had to wait for an available slot, leading to a vibrant culture of “sysop calls” and scheduled online time. These systems provided a crucial social and informational hub for early computer enthusiasts, long before social media or large online forums existed, fostering niche communities around shared interests.
While the internet largely superseded them, Bulletin Board Systems laid much of the groundwork for modern online interactions. They introduced concepts like forums, file sharing, and online chat to a generation of users, shaping expectations for digital communities. For many, a BBS was their first foray into the interconnected digital world, providing a glimpse into the future of online communication and contributing to the World-Wide Q&A spirit of shared knowledge and information exchange.