Most people think of the public's access to the internet as only really being a "thing" with the advent of the World Wide Web in the mid-90s with all those rudimentary websites with pictures and even short, blurry video clips the size of a postage stamp.But in the 1980s, regular people were dialing into internet-based services known as BBSes or to socialize, find information, or just escape from the real world for a bit.They used microcomputers connected to TVs and proper desktop PCs of the day, but one way or another, people were reaching out from across the world.
So what would you say about taking a trip back to a simpler time? BBSes never really went away While there certainly aren't as many BBSes around as in the 80s and 90s, there are still plenty of ones running to this day.Of course, they don't work like websites.You dialed into a single machine run by a system operator (a “sysop”), and once connected, you could post messages, download files, play text-based games, or just hang out.
In modern times, the only thing that's really changed is the transport layer.You no longer dial a phone number with a dial-up modem to connect to a BBS.Using the right software, you connect to a BBS using its unique address and connection details.
It's no harder than connecting to an FTP server with the right client.What hasn't changed, and what makes a BBS unique, is the culture.It might be surprising, but a BBS today isn't a dead old relic with no one around.
Instead, many of them have a community of tight-knit users.A BBS is somewhat insulated from the prying eyes of the masses on the modern web.So even people who weren't alive in the 80s or 90s might be attracted to this retro form of the internet.
You don’t need old hardware or a modem While an old beige computer and a dial-up modem would certainly make things feel more authentic, there's no actual need for any of that stuff.The dial-up connection method to link with a BBS has been replaced by using Telnet or SSH from a terminal client.These clients simulate what a proper terminal would have done almost 50 years ago when the first BBSes were launched.
Instead of dialing a number, you connect to an address.Any modern Windows PC, Mac, or Linux machine works.There are even mobile apps that let you log in from your phone.
Use a proper terminal client Which brings us to the matter of getting the terminal client you need.As I said, there are apps, there are web-based terminals you can run from inside a browser, but having a standalone terminal application for your Windows, macOS or Linux computer is the most reliable solution.One of the most popular options is SyncTerm, and you can go ahead and download the version for your operating system right now.
SyncTerm is properly compatible with just about every BBS that's still online today, and that's no mean feat.This isn't HTML which benefits from strict standardization.If you connect to a BBS with a terminal client that doesn't understand it, you'll get a garbled mess.
Finding active BBSes is easier than you think So how do you even find a BBS to connect to? There are a few ways.You can search the web for lists of active BBSes.Here you'll find all the connection details you need like the address, the port you have to use and so on.
However, in SyncTerm, there's already a live list of hundreds of BBSes and you can connect to them by simply highlighting one that looks interesting.After selecting one that looks interesting, SyncTerm will try to connect to it.If it succeeds, you should see a welcome screen.
Once you see the main menu, you'll probably be asked to register.Every BBS is different, so just read what's on the screen carefully.If you've looked up a BBS online that you don't see on this list, just press the Insert key on your keyboard, and then enter the details into SyncTerm, starting with the name of the BBS.
BBS etiquette is different from modern social platforms Once you're registered, you can start exploring, but it would be a mistake to bring your habits from social media or open web forums to a BBS.These are usually smaller communities and may be strictly moderated.You are a guest and can be shown the door at any moment if you misbehave.
Be friendly, contribute, and try to match the spirit of the community.Presumably you've connected to a BBS that's related to an interest of yours, like Linux, tabletop gaming, or retro computing.If you play your cards right you might make some new friends, or learn things that you might not find on the open web.
Most importantly, you'll see first hand that the internet used to be a much cosier place than it is today.
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