Complete BBS (Bulletin Board System) Setup Cheat Sheet: Software, Configuration & Operation

Introduction to Bulletin Board Systems

A Bulletin Board System (BBS) is a computer server running software that allows users to connect using terminal programs to upload/download files, read news, exchange messages, play games, and more. Popular in the 1980s-90s, BBSes were the precursors to modern online communities before the widespread adoption of the internet.

Why Set Up a BBS Today:

• Preserve digital heritage and computing history
• Create a unique retro computing experience
• Build a specialized community with a nostalgic interface
• Develop a low-bandwidth alternative to modern websites
• Experiment with vintage computing and telecommunications
• Connect with the active BBS revival community
• Host multiplayer door games from the golden era of BBSes

Core Concepts & Technologies

BBS Fundamentals

Connection Methods

Hardware & Software Requirements

Minimum System Requirements

Optional Hardware

Popular BBS Software

Step-by-Step BBS Setup Process

1. Planning Phase

• Choose BBS Software: Based on your technical skills, desired features, OS
• Determine Connection Methods: Telnet, SSH, dial-up, web interface
• Plan Content Areas: Message bases, file sections, doors/games
• Choose a BBS Name: Unique, memorable name for your system
• Define User Access Levels: New users, regulars, co-sysops, etc.

2. Basic Installation

For Synchronet (Example)

1. Download: Get latest version from syncpro.synchro.net
2. Install Synchronet:
   • Windows: Run installer executable
   • Linux: ./install after extracting archive
3. Initial Configuration:
   • Run scfg for Synchronet configuration
   • Set system name, location, sysop info
   • Configure nodes (typically 10-25 for small BBS)
4. Start BBS Service:
   • Windows: Start via Services or sbbs.exe
   • Linux: ./sbbs or set up as systemd service

For Mystic BBS (Example)

1. Download: Get latest version from mysticbbs.com
2. Install:
   • Extract archive to desired location
   • Run install script (Linux) or INSTALL.BAT (Windows)
3. Initial Configuration:
   • Run mystic (Linux) or MYSTIC.EXE (Windows)
   • Complete setup wizard
   • Navigate configuration menu for detailed settings
4. Start BBS:
   • Run mystic or set up service/daemon

3. Network Configuration

• Port Forwarding: Configure router to forward ports (23 for Telnet, 22 for SSH)
• Firewall Settings: Allow BBS ports through system firewall
• DNS Setup: Set up DDNS if no static IP (using No-IP, DynDNS, etc.)
• Domain Name (Optional): Register domain and point to your IP

4. BBS Configuration

Message Areas Setup

• Create categorized message bases (General, Tech, Help, etc.)
• Configure message retention policies
• Set up access rights per area
• Optional: Connect to FidoNet or other message networks

File Areas Setup

• Create categorized file sections
• Set storage directories
• Configure upload/download ratios if desired
• Set up virus scanning for uploads (ClamAV integration)

User Management

• Create security levels/groups
• Define access rights per level
• Set up new user validation process (automatic, email, manual)
• Configure user quotas and limitations

Door Game Installation (Common Examples)

• LORD (Legend of the Red Dragon):

  1. Download LORD or LORD2 from gameport.com/bbs
  2. Extract to doors directory
  3. Configure door using BBS software’s door configuration
  4. Set path, node settings, and registration info

• TradeWars 2002:

  1. Obtain TradeWars files
  2. Extract to doors directory
  3. Run registration/setup program
  4. Configure in BBS software’s door section

5. Aesthetics & Customization

ANSI Customization

• Create/customize login screens
• Design menu systems
• Create ANSI art for different BBS areas
• Tools: TheDraw, ACiDDraw, PabloDraw, SyncDraw

Theme Configuration

• Set default colors for menus, text
• Configure lightbars or text-based menus
• Set pause prompts and navigation options

6. Testing

• Local Testing: Connect locally via built-in terminal or telnet client
• Remote Testing: Have friends test from external connections
• Stress Testing: Simulate multiple simultaneous connections
• Security Testing: Verify access controls work as expected

7. Launch & Promotion

• Add to BBS lists (bbsindex.com, telnetbbsguide.com)
• Create social media presence for your BBS
• Join BBS operator forums and communities
• Schedule regular maintenance and backups

Connection Methods & Protocols

Telnet Setup

• Default port: 23
• Enable in BBS software configuration
• Consider limiting failed login attempts
• No encryption – not secure for passwords

SSH Setup

• Default port: 22
• Generate server keys
• Configure sshd for BBS access
• Recommended for internet-accessible BBSes

TCPSER (Modem Emulation)

1. Download TCPSER from github.com/FozzTexx/tcpser
2. Compile or use pre-built binaries
3. Configure to listen on desired ports
4. Map to BBS software’s serial port settings
5. Connect via telnet or terminal clients

Dial-up Modem Setup

1. Install modem hardware (internal or external)
2. Connect to phone line
3. Configure BBS software to use COM/TTY port
4. Set appropriate baud rate (usually 57600 for modern systems)
5. Test connection with actual dial-up

Common Challenges & Solutions

Advanced Configuration Topics

FidoNet & Message Networks

• FidoNet: Connect to the original BBS message network
  1. Apply for FidoNet node number from your Network Coordinator
  2. Set up a mailer (BinkD, Internet Rex)
  3. Configure mail tosser (GoldED+, Squish, JAM)
  4. Join echoes (discussion areas)

Multi-node Setup

• Increase node count in BBS configuration
• Configure inter-node communication
• Set up node locking for doors
• Ensure sufficient system resources

External Services Integration

• Email Gateway: Allow users to send/receive internet email
• Usenet Gateway: Connect BBS to Usenet newsgroups
• RSS Feeds: Import web content as BBS messages
• Web Interface: Add HTTP access to BBS content

Backup & Disaster Recovery

• Regular database/message base backups
• User account information backups
• Configuration file backups
• Door game data backups
• Off-site backup storage

Best Practices & Tips

Security Best Practices

• Use SSH rather than Telnet when possible
• Implement strong password requirements
• Regular security updates to OS and BBS software
• Validate new users to prevent spam/abuse
• Monitor failed login attempts
• Restrict sensitive areas to trusted users

Performance Optimization

• Compress message and user databases regularly
• Archive old messages instead of deleting
• Use RAM drives for temporary files
• Schedule maintenance during off-peak hours
• Optimize door game configuration
• Monitor resource usage and adjust accordingly

Community Building

• Welcome new users personally
• Create engaging discussion topics
• Host online events/competitions
• Feature active user contributions
• Regular SysOp bulletins/updates
• Add new content and doors regularly

Maintenance Schedule

• Daily: Check logs, new user applications
• Weekly: Backup data, update file areas
• Monthly: Software updates, clean databases
• Quarterly: Configuration review, security audit

Software-Specific Command References

Synchronet Commands

• scfg: Configuration utility
• exec/sbbsctrl: GUI control panel (Windows)
• baja: Script compiler for Synchronet
• jsexec: Execute JavaScript programs
• filelist: Generate file listings
• chksmb: Check/repair message bases

Mystic BBS Commands

• mystic: Main BBS program
• mutil: Utility for maintenance tasks
• mbbsutil: Database maintenance
• mcfg: Configuration utility (alternative interface)
• mpref: Set preferences

WWIV Commands

• wwivconfig: Main configuration utility
• wwivd: Network daemon
• netup: Initialize network connections
• network: Process network mail
• bbs: Start BBS program

Resources for Further Learning

Communities & Forums

• Synchronet Support: synchro.net/support
• WWIV Discussion: wwivbbs.org/forums
• BBS Enthusiasts: reddit.com/r/bbs
• Vintage Computer Forum: vcfed.org

BBS Directories

• The BBS Corner: bbscorner.com
• BBSindex: bbsindex.com
• Telnet BBS Guide: telnetbbsguide.com

Documentation & Tutorials

• Synchronet Wiki: wiki.synchro.net
• WWIV Documentation: docs.wwivbbs.org
• BBS Documentary: bbsdocumentary.com

Software Resources

• BBS Software Archives: bbsfiles.com
• Classic PC Games: myabandonware.com
• Door Game Archive: doorgames.org

Books

• “The ANSI Art Scene” by Ian Vining
• “BBS: The Documentary Guidebook” by Jason Scott
• “Dial Up!” by Kevin Driscoll
• “The Online World” by Beverley Kane