BBS

BBS stands for Bulletin Board System, the precursor to online forums. These were typically old computers that you would call into with a modem and you’d get a terminal prompt to interact with.

Many BBSs still exist today, mostly as Telnet or SSH servers, but some do still exist as phone BBSs.

Interesting reading material about running a BBS:

• My secret life as an 11-year-old BBS sysop (HN)
  • The idea of running an online community has always appealed to me, as has the cypherpunk movement and old school hacking. I was a bit too young to get into BBSs, but this still scratches my nostalgia itch.
  • This article refers to The Cave BBS, which is still available via Telnet today.