At the root of a computer bulletin board system (BBS) is the software that powers it.
Since 1978, when the first BBS came online in Chicago, there have been several kinds of BBS software. Only a few of these have been multi-platform, the vast majority of them created for a specific operating system, and some of those that produced versions for more than one OS did not actively develop each simultaneously.
Before I put my BBS (Newberry BBS) online in 1984, I installed a few free or shareware BBS software programs, trying to determine which to choose.
I chose WWIV, which was developed by Wayne Bell in 1984, and still under active development. Developed for the DOS platform, I ran my WWIV-based BBS under Quarterdeck's DESQview multitasking shell. As I remember, I had a shaky beginning, but the software had just been developed and I was a new Sysop. One of the most popular BBS software programs, WWIV was actively supported, not only by the author but by thousands of programmers who developed modifications, door games, and other features.
When Microsoft Windows came out, I tried running the BBS in Windows and that was a disaster. Rather than reverting to WWIV in DOS/DESQview, I decided to switch to PCBoard, which I also ran in a DOS/DESQview environment. I found PCBoard to be more intuitive than WWIV and it ran smoothly but, as proprietary software, PCBoard lacked the active user community that I had enjoyed with WWIV.
I tried Virtual Bulletin Board System (VBBS), shortly after it was released in the 1990s. Created by Roland De Graaf, who was legally blind, I found VBBS to very easy to set up, and my callers enjoyed VirtualNET, the VBBS message network. However, in 1994, the author switched from shareware to a commercial model and did not honor prior registrations, so I started looking around again.
By then, PCBoard had come up with an OS/2 version. I installed PCBoard on two new computers and purchased a license for the OS/2 version of PCBoard, setting it up while Newberry BBS continued running under VBBS. Once I got it working, I made the switch and couldn't have been happier. My BBS was up for years without a single crash. Although PCBoard had run well under DOS, it was remarkably smoother under OS/2.
These are the BBS software programs that I was familiar with as a Sysop, but they were far from all that was available. Other popular BBS software packages include BBBS, Citadel, Mystic, PowerBBS, Renegade, Spitfire, Synchronet, TBBS, Wildcat, Worldgroup, and several others, including packages created for operating systems such as the Altos 68000, Amiga, Apple II, Apple Macintosh, Atari 8-bit, Atari 16-bit, Commodore 64, CP/M, Microsoft Windows, MS-DOS, OS/2, Tandy TRS-80, and various Unix and Linux distributions.
BBS Software that is still available or actively developed today includes BBBS, Citadel, CNet 64 BBS, EleBBS, Enigma 1/2 BBS, FBB, Hermes II BBS, Magicka, MBSE, Mystic BBS, Renegade, Spitfire, Synchronet, Wildcat Winserver, and WWIV BBS. Some of these may no longer be in active development, but are available and in use on BBS systems today. You may find other actively developed BBS software programs listed below.
The focus of this category is on computer bulletin board software, particularly the software that powers the BBS, as well as add-ons or modifications for specific BBS software. The software for BBS door programs and utilities is listed in a parallel category.
Recommended Resources
Presented by BBS Documentary, this is an extensive directory of obsolete and contemporary BBS software packages, sorted by operating system platform. Compiled from several sources, including lists of BBS software online, old magazines, and viewer submissions, the maintainer welcomes corrections, additions, and suggestions. Various degrees of additional information is available for each listing, which may include the original selling price and download links for those still available.
http://software.bbsdocumentary.com/
In operation since 1996, Aspect Technologies creates BBS applications, particularly for the Virtual Advanced BBS software. Although no longer in development by the author, Aspect Technologies creates applications and utilities for use with the BBS software. Available are the Windows installer for Virtual Advanced and VADV32, the BBS software and its telnet server, as well as VSMTP32, an SMTP server, VIRC32, an IRC client, and VADV-PHP, a web front end for the BBS.
https://www.vadvbbs.com/
In continuous development since 1990, BBBS is a complete BBS system with full Internet and FidoNet support, and available for FreeBSD/Intel, Linux, OS/2, and Windows platforms. An overview of the software is put forth on its site, including a list of features, supported platforms, and other resources. Also available is BTERM, a small VT320 terminal emulator that can be used as a telnet/SSH client or with modern/ISDN. BBSes running BBBS systems are encouraged to register.
https://www.bbbs.net/
Available for Linux, Raspbian, and Windows platforms, BPQ32 is a packet radio BBS software and can be downloaded from the site, which also features SysOp and user guides, installation instructions, setup and configuration tips, including examples of configurations, application interfaces, how to install Linbpq on a Raspberry Pi, and other guides. Examples of BPQ32 port configurations are included, along with links to other online resources, as well as information about packet radio.
https://packet-radio.net/bpq32/
In 1987, Buffalo Creek Software released Spitfire, a DOS-based computer bulletin board software, written by Mike Woltz, which quickly became one of the more popular BBS programs, behind RemoteAccess, TriBBS, PCBoard, MajorBBS, and Wildcat! BBS. Although it could be run under Windows and OS/2, it was usually run under DOS/DESQview. Last updated in 2010, the BBS software, and related utility programs are available as shareware downloads.
http://www.buffalocrk.com/
Created as C-Net DS2, the single-line BBS software system was designed for use with the Commodore 64 microcomputer in 1986. Storm’s Edge Technologies acquired the rights to the C-Net Developer System II from Jim Selleck in 2012 and is offering it to anyone who would like a copy as long as it’s only distributed through an official C-Net Support BBS or website. News and information about a possible new release are posted on the site, and disk images are available.
https://www.cnet64.com/
Between 1984 and 1993, computer bulletin boards were in their prime, and many people believed that Commodore BBSes were the best. Less arguably, there were more of them because Commodore computers were more affordable than IBM-compatibles. Although the Internet has taken over the bulk of the traffic that once went to BBS operators, some continue. This is a list of Commodore-based BBS software, listing the program, author, versions, and a download, where available.
http://zimmers.net/bbs/
Acquired by Storm’s Edge Technologies in 2005, CNet Amiga Pro was a large BBS package with more than seventy software applications, a new version was released in 2006, according to a notice on its site. However, there does not appear to be a download link or information on obtaining the 2006 update. Instead, an apology is posted for not having had the time to continue its development. However, a list of CNet BBSes is posted, including the official support BBS, which may include a download.
http://www.cnetbbs.net/
EleBBS is a traditional BBS software package, one that can be accessed using a modem, but it offers several additional features, enabling users to access the Internet through the BBS and the BBS through the Internet. Available for DOS, OS/2, Win9x/NT, and Linux operating systems in native versions, it features a built-in Telnet server. Available for OS/2, Win9x/NT, FreeBSD, and Linux, EleWEB is the HTML interface to EleBBS, and EleXer is a scripting language for BBS add-ons.
https://www.elebbs.com/
ENiGMA½ is a modern BBS software that maintains the look and feel of the traditional computer bulletin board system. Its features are listed here, along with full documentation, which includes installation methods, operating system and hardware-specific information, network setups, testing, and production installation, as well as instructions for configuration of the board, the file base, message areas, art, servers, modifications, administration, and troubleshooting.
https://nuskooler.github.io/enigma-bbs/
Created in 2015, ENiGMA½ is one of the newer computer bulletin board systems, although several of the older programs have had newer updates. Written in Node.js, the software will run wherever Node.js runs, such as FreeBSD, Linux, OpenBSD, macOS, and Windows. Its features are listed, along with development information and recent news, along with documentation, screenshots, support options, and a list of BBS boards running the software, with telnet and web addresses.
https://enigma-bbs.github.io/
The full-featured BBS system software for Amiga 68k computers operates in a dynamic environment of data structures. Like the Amiga Executive, Excelsior! is flexible and open-ended, eliminating artificial boundaries on internal data, and will support as many lines as desired. Originally created by Thomas Deitz and Ronald Kushner between 1991 and 1995, the software came under new ownership in late 1995, the most recent version released in 1997. BBS software and utilities are available.
http://www.excelsiorbbs.com/
Also known as F6FBB, FBB is a bulletin board software package for amateur packet-radio. Available for DOS, Linux, and Windows, each of these versions are designed to have nearly the same functionalities, although some differences may be present due to the capabilities of the operating systems. Recent versions are available free, and the site includes development and technical information, documentation, mailing lists, and links to related online resources.
http://www.f6fbb.org/
The Major BBS by Galacticomm was a successful BBS package created by Tim Stryker, allowing 256 simultaneous users to connect to a single DOS program on a single DOS-based computer. Although Galacticomm filed for bankruptcy in 2002, this site is focused on discussion and the preservation of the history of Galacticomm, the Major BBS, and related products. Viewers are encouraged to contribute print ads, magazines, or other memorabilia, and to participate in forum discussions.
http://www.themajorbbs.com/
Created by GAP Development Company in 1987, GAP BBS was a popular bulletin board software during the prime days of the BBS. Still in business, GAP Development Company now provides web hosting, web design, and CGI programming. However, its GAP BBS software is available for free, although unsupported. A description of the software, minimum and recommended requirements, and features are set forth, along with release and installation notes.
http://www.gapbbs.com/
Originally distributed between 1980 and 1993 for Apple II computers, a new version of this BBS software features error-checking and improved reliability, and will run on actual Apple II machines as well as on Virtual II emulators on the Mac, and should be able to work on AppleWin in Windows. Available, along with the source code, a book is also available, with documentation, tutorials, history, and other resources. Games and other utilities are also featured.
http://gbbs.applearchives.com/
First released in 1988, Hermes Bulletin Board Software was one of the first BBS programs available for the Macintosh computer. The author, Will Price, sold the rights to the software to someone who did nothing with it. In 1998, it was sold to Michael Alyn Miller, who made several contributions to the software before releasing it as open-source in 2013. Available for download, developers can use a Python-based external development system to author games and utilities for Hermes-based BBSes.
http://www.hermesbbs.com/
Originating in 2008 as a project to create a BBS system using modern software tools, while maintaining the nostalgic look and feel of a traditional BBS system from the 1980s and 1990s, the original website was lost when the OpenTelegard site went down. Efforts to complete the project were still underway in December of 2018. Project updates are featured, along with an introduction to the goals of the project, screenshots of the administration menu, and documentation.
https://www.ionfalls.org/
Designed for Unix-like operating systems, known to run on Linux, DragonFly BSD, FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, and OpenIndiana, Magicka is intended to be a modern BBS system, using modern technologies such as Sqlite3 and long filenames, while retaining the traditional BBS feel, ANSI, Telnet/SSH, and ZModem. It is available for download, including the source code, documentation, MagiChat GUI client, MagiChat door, MagiTerm, and a list of BBSes running the software.
https://magickabbs.com/
Also known as MBBSEMU, the MajorBBS Emulator is a project undertaken by a group of people to preserve the DOS versions of Tim Strykers’ BBS software. Written in .NET Core and C#, its goal is to replicate the environment necessary to be binary compatible with the existing MBBS/WG1/2 module base. MajorBBS was a BBS software developed in 1986, which later developed Worldgroup for Windows in 1999, but the company filed for bankruptcy in 2002.
http://major.butt.care/
Developed for MS-DOS and OS/2 in the 1990s, with later versions supporting the 32-bit Windows system and Unix-like implementations, Maximus is a customizable computer bulletin board system software. Now hosted on SourceForge, the software is available under the terms of the GNU General Public License. This portal to the software includes links to the full installation kit, a tarball or ZIP file of the latest source code, and the development page, which includes a support forum.
http://maximus.sourceforge.net/
Available for Linux, macOS, Raspberry Pi, and Windows, Mystic BBS was originally developed in 1995, and still maintained by the original author, who was a high school student when he created the BBS software. Its history, past versions, and other information are given, along with a list of features, screenshots, and a download page for the BBS software as well as for NetRunner, a telnet client for Linux and Windows. A support wiki includes full documentation for the software.
http://www.mysticbbs.com/
Hosted on SourceForge, PCMan X is an open-source implementation of PCMan, a full-featured BBS client previously designed for MS Windows only. The GPL version supports Windows and most UNIX-like systems, such as macOS and Linux. While the original version was in Chinese, this version is in English, although both traditional and simplified Chinese are supported. Its features are listed, including screenshots, project information, documentation, and a download page.
http://pcmanx.sourceforge.net/English/
Offering shareware (RA) and a professional (RA/Pro) versions of the software, the BBS software is designed to be used in an MS-DOS or PC-DOS environment and requires a hard disk with a minimum of 2 MB free space, serial I/O communications port, and a Hayes-compatible modem. The features for the Pro version are listed, along with information on support and shareware registration. Dealer sites are listed, along with ordering information.
http://www.rapro.com/
Originally released in 1991, Renegade was a popular BBS software during the early to two utility authors, and it was passed off a few times. Although not currently under development, the last stable release was in 2013, at which time the source code was also released, and is available from GitHub. The site includes links to the program software and source code, as well as to previous versions of the software, documentation, BBS links, screenshots, and other resources.
http://renegadebbs.info/
Designed for fans of Synchronet BBS software, the site includes a community support forum, a file section with releases of the program files, doors, terminal emulators, SysOp resources, and other file downloads. Several options for BBS hosting plans are included, such as Basic Synchronet, Synchronet Plus, Basic and Plus with backup, and just the backup plan. Details of each are presented, along with client testimonials, support services, and site policies.
https://synchronetbbs.org/
Created in 1991, Synchronet is a BBS software program with ports for Linux, Windows, and BSD variants. The site documents development information, version releases, and other notices. An overview of the software is given, along with instructions and a download page, which includes legacy versions for DOS and OS/2. A BBS list highlights bulletin board systems that are running the Synchronet software, including descriptions, locations, networks, and terminal services.
http://www.synchro.net/
Originally created as Wildcat! BBS by Mustang Software in 1986, the BBS software was later expanded to include Internet access under the name WinServer, also known as Wildcat! Interactive Net Server. In 1998, the software was sold to Santronics Software, which is currently responsible for its development, supporting the Windows platform. The software is highlighted, as well as other software products available from Santronics. Pricing and online purchases are available.
http://www.santronics.com/
Created as a single BBs in Los Angeles in 1984, the author, Wayne Bell, soon created a compiled version of his BBS software and distributed the source code. The software is still available, actively developed, and supported today. Development and release notes are published on the site, along with licensure information, bug reports, and feature requests. A history of the software is provided, along with installation and upgrade instructions, and full documentation.
https://www.wwivbbs.org/
