In the world of technology, few things evoke nostalgia as the Bulletin Board Systems (BBS). Before the advent of the internet as we know it today, the BBS were the center of the world online for many computer enthusiasts. How many emotions to connect to a BBS, chat with other users and download programs and games!
Today, thanks to projects such as the BBS by Francesco Sblenderio, we can relive those emotions, remembering a fundamental piece of the history of information technology. In this conference, recorded at the Varese Retrocomputing 2023, Francesco Sblenderio shows how he created and maintains the BBS of Retrocampus.
What are Bulletin Board Systems
The BBS (Bulletin Board Systems) were, in the 80s and 90s, a virtual meeting point to exchange messages, files and information. Before the internet explosion, users connected to the BBS using a modem and a telephone line. The BBS made it possible to participate in forums, download software (even pirate), use useful online services and even play. With the advent of the internet, the BBS have almost disappeared, but for retrocomputing enthusiasts, such as Francesco Sbulendio, they represent a piece of history to be preserved and revived.
The RetroCampus BBS: the present and the past
Francesco Sblenderio, a professional computer scientist and fond of retrocomputing, has decided to bring the experience of the BBS back to life, with retrocampus. Its BBS is a perfect example of how modern technology can coexist with the charm of vintage. Made using the Java and hosted language on a modern server, Francesco's Bulletin Board System is not only accessible via the Internet, via TCP/IP protocol, but also offers the possibility to connect by telephone, just like in the old days. Thanks to modern technologies, the simultaneous connection of various users is supported.
In the conference video, Francesco explains exactly how the BBS works and shows us the source code.
One of the main challenges was implementing and supporting the various communication protocols used by vintage computers. Through research, Francesco had to study and implement the various protocols used in vintage computers. The BBS supports PETSCII for Commodore 64 and Vic20 computers, ASCII and ANSI for IBM compatible PCs, and Teletel for Minitel and Videotel. This makes it accessible from a wide range of devices.
Computers supported by BBS
One of the most fascinating features of the Rethorn BBS is its compatibility with a wide range of vintage computers, which allows you to relive the experience as it was experienced decades ago.
In the video of the conference, we go into the details of how to connect to the BBS and the hardware-software needed, for example, to use the Commodore 64.
Here is an overview of the main supported systems:
- Commodore 64: one of the best -selling computers of all time, can connect via the Petscii Protocol to 40 columns and a WiFi or telephone modem. For more information on the modem and terminal software, you can refer to this article.
- Commodore Vic20: uses the PETSCII with 22 columns and connects via WiFi or telephone modem. For those who own both the C64 and the VIC20, I recommend buying a wifi modem to be connected to the user port, so that it is compatible with both computers.
- Commodore Amiga: different Amiga models are supported, connecting through WiFi modem (or telephone) connected to the serial door.
- Apple 1 e 2
- Olivetti M10
- IBM compatible PCs: they can access through the ASCII or ANSI protocols. You can use a WiFi or telephone modem to be connected to the serial door.
- MINITEL and Videtel: using the Teletel protocol, via WiFi modem or the telephone adapter already included in some Videtel. For more information on the mines and videol, you can refer to this article.
Not just vintage computers! The BBS is also accessible from modern computers!
Management of the BBS
Keeping active a BBS requires constant refresher and optimization work. Francesco regularly dedicates himself to maintenance of the server and software, ensuring that connections are always stable and implementing new features and games. Management also involves significant costs, especially as regards technical infrastructure and hosting. For this reason, Francesco accepts contributions through Patreon, inviting anyone who wants to support the project to make a donation. Those who support Francesco Sblenandorio, have access to exclusive content, including the possibility of using ChatGPT.
Another exclusive content for the benefit of supporters is the possibility of programming in BASIC directly in the BBS and executing the programs entered.
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