The following is a list of known active BBS software websites. Active BBS Software means that the software is either being actively being updated by the author, or a website exists where you can either download the software and/or you can get support from the author.
If you know of an actively supported BBS software not listed here, please Contact Us. You may also wish to visit our Classic BBS Software Listif you don't find your favorite BBS software listed here.
Firstly I'm actually quite surprised that any new laptop out there still has DOS as an operating system any more I highly suspect that it's more likely that it's going to be Linux or something. If you are running Windows 10, Windows 8.1 or Windows 8, first run the inbox Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool prior to running the System File Checker. (If you are running Windows 7 or Windows Vista, skip to Step 3.) Type the following command, and then press Enter.
- DOSBox is a free and open source DOS emulator software app filed under console emulators and made available by DOSBox Team for Windows. The review for DOSBox has not been completed yet, but it was tested by an editor here on a PC.
- Note: The above article is for Windows 7 however you might and go-ahead and performs the steps which are applicable for Windows 8. Such as: (System Restore, Update Drivers, Software update, Safe mode, Memory error, Startup repair) Safe Mode: Follow these steps to start the computer in safe mode. Boot from the Windows 8 DVD.
List of Active BBS Software Packages
The following is a listing of active BBS software packaages. Active BBS software means that the software is either still being developed and/or supported - or the BBS software is still in wide use even though there is currently no direct author support.
BBBS Official Page
Operating System: Linux, DOS, OS/2, Windows
Type: Shareware
In Production: Yes (Feb. 2019)
BBBS is a very powerful BBS system written by two Finnish programmers (Kim Heino & Tapani Salmi). BBBS has been developed since 1990 and still has a continous developement. BBBS is a fullfledged BBS system which incorporates all of your needs for setting up your own BBS. BBBS contains full Internet and Fidonet support. Fidonet messages and Internet news and email are embedded together with a versatile WWW-based, offline and online message reading system. BBBS is easy to customize to suit every need imaginable. It is configurable also from the user's point of view. There are hundreds of 3rd party utilities available, mostly coded with BBBS's C-alike script language.
Citadel
Operating System: DOS, OS/2, Windows, Linux, Etc.
Type: Shareware
In Production: Yes (2019)
Citadel is a Bulletin Board System (BBS) that allows users to read and post messages in topic related areas called 'rooms' or 'forums'. Sometimes these are also broken up into 'floors' to group similar topics together. The best way described is this: Think of a house, it has floors, walls, hallways, and different rooms. In each room you can talk about a different topic.
CNet Amiga Pro
Operating System: Amiga
Type: Open Source
In Production: Dormant
CNet/PRO was originally developed by Ken Pletzer (Perspective Software) and it was sold to Todd Knight in March 1996. Development was resumed by ZenMetal Software approximately that time, and continued until some point in late 1998 or early 1999 under the ZenMetal Software label. It is now owned by Storm's Edge Technologies.
Enigma 1/2 BBS
Operating System: Multiple (Javascript based)
Type: Open Source
In Production: Yes (Latest update Nov. 2019)
ENiGMA½ BBS was started in October 2015, driven through a lack of diversity in the BBS scene and no modern open source solutions being available. ENiGMA½ is written in Node.js, and has a very active development community. Lead by NuSkooler, numerous other developers have since contributed to the ENiGMA codebase and multiple boards have started to appear in the scene!
Hermes II BBS
Operating System: Macintosh (Power PC pre OSX)
Type: Freeware
In Production: Yes
Hermes II is freeware BBS software system for the Apple Macintosh. Work continues on this software to improve its connectivity to the Internet including a Telnet server.
Magicka
Operating System: Unix
Type: Open Source
In Production: Yes (Source code updated 2019)
Magicka BBS is a bulletin board system (BBS) for UN*X like systems. It is known to run on Linux, FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, DragonFly BSD and OpenIndiana(Illumos). Magicka is meant to be a modern BBS system, using modern technologies, like Sqlite3, long filenames etc while still retaining the classic BBS feel. Batman animated torrent. ANSI, Telnet/SSH, and good old ZModem.
MBSE
Ms Dos Download Windows 10
Operating System: Unix
Type: Open Source
In Production: Yes (Source code updated 2019)
MBSE BBS is a Bulletin Board System that runs on Linux and other POSIX compatible operating systems and is not limited to PCs. MBSE BBS for Unix is a full multi line FidoNet mailer, tosser and BBS with ANSI screens which looks like most popular DOS based BBS packages. The main author no longer develops the software, but the open source community still supports it on Sourceforge.
Mystic BBS
Operating System: Windows, Linux, OSX, ARM (Raspberry Pi)
Type: Freeware
In Production: Yes (Latest release Feb. 2019)
Freeware Multinode BBS software. Native Windows, Linux, OSX, and ARM (Raspberry Pi) versions. Extemely flexible and configurable. Unlimited configurable menuing system. Powerful language/theme/string editor. Pascal-like programming language. JAM/Squish message bases and QWK system. Full screen editor with quote window. Lightbar and standard file/msg listings. 99-line file description & FILE_ID.DIZ. Internet Zmodem, archive viewing, testing. Many DOS DOOR formats and 32-bit DOOR32. BBS list, Voting booth, Time bank, 1Liners Quote of the day, Rumors, Split Chat, MORE! Long file names and telnet servers in most 32-bit versions.
Synchronet
Operating System: Windows, Linux
Type: Freeware
In Production: Yes (Latest release Jan. 2019)
Synchronet is a BBS system developed by Rob Swindell. Originally for DOS and OS/2 platforms, Rob has now made versions for Windows (32-bit) as well as Linux and FreeBSD with built in Telnet support, Internet E-mail support, NNTP (Usenet) and FTP support. Current version is 3.17, released in 2019. Synchronet started out as shareware, but was made freeware (with source code) in 1997. Rob came out of retirement and started work on the current 3.xx versions of Synchronet starting in October 1999.
Wildcat Winserver
Operating System: Windows (current versions), DOS (older versions)
Type: Commercialware
In Production: Yes (Latest version released August 2019)
Wildcat Win Server is hybrid online communications system - providing both the traditional ANSI/RIP based BBS system to Dial-Up and Telnet users, as well as being a web-based BBS system. Originally developed by Mustang Software, Wildcat was sold to Santronics in December 1998. Work continues on Wildcat to this day.
Worldgroup/MajorBBS
Operating System: Windows (Worldgroup), DOS (MajorBBS)
Type: Commercialware
In Production: Maybe?
Originally called The Major BBS, Worldgroup is probably the most successfully made and commercially sold BBS software. Its maker, Galacticomm, was sold in 1998 to Netvillage. Netvillage had stopped selling and supporting Worldgroup a couple of years later. Worldgroup is again available (and supported) for the Sysop community at Worldgroupware. Worldgroup is an ANSI/RIP based Dial-Up and Telnettable BBS, a Web Server, and an Internet Service Provider all in one package. Worldgroup is probably the most popular pay-based BBS and is one of the most common among Telnettable BBSes. Dial-up users can access with standard ANSI/RIP software or a free Windows based GUI client. Originally designed as a multi-threaded MS-DOS system, Worldgroup now runs on Windows platforms. Web based users can use a browser plug-in to get enhanced graphics. Worldgroup is meant to be used as a professional system and carries with it a professional price tag.
Firstly I'm actually quite surprised that any new laptop out there still has DOS as an operating system any more I highly suspect that it's more likely that it's going to be Linux or something. If you are running Windows 10, Windows 8.1 or Windows 8, first run the inbox Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool prior to running the System File Checker. (If you are running Windows 7 or Windows Vista, skip to Step 3.) Type the following command, and then press Enter.
- DOSBox is a free and open source DOS emulator software app filed under console emulators and made available by DOSBox Team for Windows. The review for DOSBox has not been completed yet, but it was tested by an editor here on a PC.
- Note: The above article is for Windows 7 however you might and go-ahead and performs the steps which are applicable for Windows 8. Such as: (System Restore, Update Drivers, Software update, Safe mode, Memory error, Startup repair) Safe Mode: Follow these steps to start the computer in safe mode. Boot from the Windows 8 DVD.
List of Active BBS Software Packages
The following is a listing of active BBS software packaages. Active BBS software means that the software is either still being developed and/or supported - or the BBS software is still in wide use even though there is currently no direct author support.
BBBS Official Page
Operating System: Linux, DOS, OS/2, Windows
Type: Shareware
In Production: Yes (Feb. 2019)
BBBS is a very powerful BBS system written by two Finnish programmers (Kim Heino & Tapani Salmi). BBBS has been developed since 1990 and still has a continous developement. BBBS is a fullfledged BBS system which incorporates all of your needs for setting up your own BBS. BBBS contains full Internet and Fidonet support. Fidonet messages and Internet news and email are embedded together with a versatile WWW-based, offline and online message reading system. BBBS is easy to customize to suit every need imaginable. It is configurable also from the user's point of view. There are hundreds of 3rd party utilities available, mostly coded with BBBS's C-alike script language.
Citadel
Operating System: DOS, OS/2, Windows, Linux, Etc.
Type: Shareware
In Production: Yes (2019)
Citadel is a Bulletin Board System (BBS) that allows users to read and post messages in topic related areas called 'rooms' or 'forums'. Sometimes these are also broken up into 'floors' to group similar topics together. The best way described is this: Think of a house, it has floors, walls, hallways, and different rooms. In each room you can talk about a different topic.
CNet Amiga Pro
Operating System: Amiga
Type: Open Source
In Production: Dormant
CNet/PRO was originally developed by Ken Pletzer (Perspective Software) and it was sold to Todd Knight in March 1996. Development was resumed by ZenMetal Software approximately that time, and continued until some point in late 1998 or early 1999 under the ZenMetal Software label. It is now owned by Storm's Edge Technologies.
Enigma 1/2 BBS
Operating System: Multiple (Javascript based)
Type: Open Source
In Production: Yes (Latest update Nov. 2019)
ENiGMA½ BBS was started in October 2015, driven through a lack of diversity in the BBS scene and no modern open source solutions being available. ENiGMA½ is written in Node.js, and has a very active development community. Lead by NuSkooler, numerous other developers have since contributed to the ENiGMA codebase and multiple boards have started to appear in the scene!
Hermes II BBS
Operating System: Macintosh (Power PC pre OSX)
Type: Freeware
In Production: Yes
Hermes II is freeware BBS software system for the Apple Macintosh. Work continues on this software to improve its connectivity to the Internet including a Telnet server.
Magicka
Operating System: Unix
Type: Open Source
In Production: Yes (Source code updated 2019)
Magicka BBS is a bulletin board system (BBS) for UN*X like systems. It is known to run on Linux, FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, DragonFly BSD and OpenIndiana(Illumos). Magicka is meant to be a modern BBS system, using modern technologies, like Sqlite3, long filenames etc while still retaining the classic BBS feel. Batman animated torrent. ANSI, Telnet/SSH, and good old ZModem.
MBSE
Ms Dos Download Windows 10
Operating System: Unix
Type: Open Source
In Production: Yes (Source code updated 2019)
MBSE BBS is a Bulletin Board System that runs on Linux and other POSIX compatible operating systems and is not limited to PCs. MBSE BBS for Unix is a full multi line FidoNet mailer, tosser and BBS with ANSI screens which looks like most popular DOS based BBS packages. The main author no longer develops the software, but the open source community still supports it on Sourceforge.
Mystic BBS
Operating System: Windows, Linux, OSX, ARM (Raspberry Pi)
Type: Freeware
In Production: Yes (Latest release Feb. 2019)
Freeware Multinode BBS software. Native Windows, Linux, OSX, and ARM (Raspberry Pi) versions. Extemely flexible and configurable. Unlimited configurable menuing system. Powerful language/theme/string editor. Pascal-like programming language. JAM/Squish message bases and QWK system. Full screen editor with quote window. Lightbar and standard file/msg listings. 99-line file description & FILE_ID.DIZ. Internet Zmodem, archive viewing, testing. Many DOS DOOR formats and 32-bit DOOR32. BBS list, Voting booth, Time bank, 1Liners Quote of the day, Rumors, Split Chat, MORE! Long file names and telnet servers in most 32-bit versions.
Synchronet
Operating System: Windows, Linux
Type: Freeware
In Production: Yes (Latest release Jan. 2019)
Synchronet is a BBS system developed by Rob Swindell. Originally for DOS and OS/2 platforms, Rob has now made versions for Windows (32-bit) as well as Linux and FreeBSD with built in Telnet support, Internet E-mail support, NNTP (Usenet) and FTP support. Current version is 3.17, released in 2019. Synchronet started out as shareware, but was made freeware (with source code) in 1997. Rob came out of retirement and started work on the current 3.xx versions of Synchronet starting in October 1999.
Wildcat Winserver
Operating System: Windows (current versions), DOS (older versions)
Type: Commercialware
In Production: Yes (Latest version released August 2019)
Wildcat Win Server is hybrid online communications system - providing both the traditional ANSI/RIP based BBS system to Dial-Up and Telnet users, as well as being a web-based BBS system. Originally developed by Mustang Software, Wildcat was sold to Santronics in December 1998. Work continues on Wildcat to this day.
Worldgroup/MajorBBS
Operating System: Windows (Worldgroup), DOS (MajorBBS)
Type: Commercialware
In Production: Maybe?
Originally called The Major BBS, Worldgroup is probably the most successfully made and commercially sold BBS software. Its maker, Galacticomm, was sold in 1998 to Netvillage. Netvillage had stopped selling and supporting Worldgroup a couple of years later. Worldgroup is again available (and supported) for the Sysop community at Worldgroupware. Worldgroup is an ANSI/RIP based Dial-Up and Telnettable BBS, a Web Server, and an Internet Service Provider all in one package. Worldgroup is probably the most popular pay-based BBS and is one of the most common among Telnettable BBSes. Dial-up users can access with standard ANSI/RIP software or a free Windows based GUI client. Originally designed as a multi-threaded MS-DOS system, Worldgroup now runs on Windows platforms. Web based users can use a browser plug-in to get enhanced graphics. Worldgroup is meant to be used as a professional system and carries with it a professional price tag.
Dos Software For Windows 10
WWIV BBS
Ms Dos software, free download For Windows 8
Operating System: Windows, Linux
Type: Open Source
In Production: Yes (Latest release Dec. 2019)
WWIV was oringally developed by Wayne Bell, but now the open source community is in charge of continuing development. A new version of WWIV has been released after along beta testing period with many changes over previous versions of WWIV. WWIV now supports multiple nodes and Fidonet message echos. WWIV is now Telnet capable and is available as an open source application on Sourceforge.
