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BBS Software

BBS Software is the "engine" of a successful BBS system. Not only does it serve as the basis for your BBS, but it also gives it the basic look, feel and functionality of your BBS. The following is a list of BBS software - both past and present - to help make informed choices on the development of your BBS.

If you are just starting out, we encourage you to visit the How to Start a New BBS page to get some good pointers for the sysop-to-be. Also, visit the BBS Utilities page for other enhancements and accessories not listed here.

Of the following BBS software systems listed and are still in production, we recommend: Mystic, Synchronet, Wildcat Winserver, Worldgroup and WWIV.

Apollo BBS: Operating Systems: Windows
Type: Freeware
Currently in production: No
As of June 2004, the link is no longer working and the status is unknown.; The Apollo BBS Software for Windows 2000 and Windows XP is
the next generation of BBS software. This is a freeware program that
allows up to 260 "nodes" via Telnet connection. It is a full 32-bit
Windows application (no console or DOS programs here). Some of the
features include:

- DOS Door Game Support
- Fully programmable menus through an easy to use menu editor.
- BASIC-like Script language for more complex customization.
- Database engine; allow users to create their own databases, or create your own for them to query.
- BBS Network Support not reliant on old "FidoNet" technology.
- Sync to Web feature allows you to put your BBS on the world wide web.
- Internet email support; Apollo BBS is also home to NewsEd BBS News Editor.
BBBS Official Page: Operating Systems: DOS, OS/2, Windows, Linux, Amiga
Type: Shareware
Currently in production: Yes
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.
Bulletron: Operating Systems: OS/2
Type: Shareware
Currently in production: No
Bulletron was a commercial BBS system for OS/2. Operations ceased in 1999.
Citadel: Operating Systems: DOS, OS/2, Windows, Linux, Etc.; Type: Shareware
Currently in production: Yes
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 Pro: Operating Systems: Amiga
Type: Commercialware
Currently in production: Maybe?
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. Due to "partnership difficulties" ZenMetal Software was legally disbanded in January of 2001. Dan Fitzgerald supposedly purchased the rights to CNet, but as of December 2006 there has not been any development.
Concord: Operating Systems: DOS, OS/2, Windows
Type: Shareware
Currently in production: No
Concord is a full featured, very versatile and configurable BBS software for PC compatibles. It is released under Shareware concept and you can try it for 90 days before deciding whether to keep it or not. Though no longer in production, you can still register it with the author.
EleBBS: Operating Systems: DOS, OS/2, Windows, Linux
Type: Open Source (Freeware)
Currently in production: No
EleBBS was a RemoteAccess BBS clone developed by Maarten Bekers of the Netherlands. It has a built-in Telnet server (Win & OS/2 versions). It is compatible with many RA third-party add-on programs. A web-based version was also developed. Production ceased in April 2003. Files are still available and the souce code has been opened to the public.
Excalibur: Operating Systems: Windows
Type: unknown
Currently in production: No
Excalibur BBS was an entirely GUI (graphical user interface) BBS system developed by Excalibur Communications. It requires the users to have a special GUI client to access the system - either dial-up or telnet. Operations ceased in 1999.
Ezycom BBS: Operating Systems: DOS
Type: Commercialware
Currently in production: Yes
Ezycom Bulletin System, has been developed for several years. One of its main advantages is its ease of use, but yet retaining that power and flexibility for the more advanced bulletin board operators. It's $65 to register the hobby version (4 line) and $200 for the commercial (255 line) version.
Falken: Operating Systems: Linux
Type: Freeware
Currently in production: No
Link not working as of December 2006. Falken is the fastest growing BBS software package for Linux. It unleashes the the best of BBS's and Internet capabilities. Unlike most Linux BBS systems, Falken provides an excellent user interface (ANSI) similar to that found in traditional DOS based BBS packages.
GAP BBS: Operating Systems: DOS
Type: Freeware
Currently in production: No
Once a commercialware BBS developed by GAP Development Company, the company declared GAP BBS freeware in September 1999. They no longer support nor maintain Gap BBS, but offer it for download for free from their website.
Hermes II: Operating Systems: Macintosh
Type: Freeware
Currently 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.
Illusion BBS: Operating Systems: DOS
Type: Freeware
Currently in production: No
Illusion is no longer being developed or supported. It is not Y2K compliant. The final release of Illusion is version 2.03 from January 1998. Source code is available.
Impulse: Operating Systems: DOS
Type: Freeware
Currently in production: No
Not much is known about Impulse. Currently not in production but you can still download the files from the website.
Infusion: Operating Systems: DOS
Type: not known
Currently in production: No
Infusion board software is the most advanced and configurable software to date. Fully configurable local interfaces (ie, waiting for caller screens, init screens, etc) and of course EVERYTHING the user sees is configurable. Never before has a sysop been able to give their system its own look on their side, as well as the users. Fastest communications rotuines to ever be released, ports 0-127 supported (most support 0-4 or 0-8), multinode (up to 255 nodes), full online AND offline configuration, extended door system (fully automated door creation), internal irc mode (infuIRC), full lightbar script support (create a lightbar selection WITHOUT a seperate fully pulldown flagged menu), and much, much more. Basically, if you are a sysop who cares about speed, power, configurability, support, and having a great looking and operating system, infusion is for you. Support a TRUE scene bbsware, and download infusion today!
Iniquity: Operating Systems: DOS
Type: Freeware
Currently in production: No; Iniquity features include lightbar support, rumors, 1-liner wall, bbs list, voting, and more. It has a menu editor based on the Telegard/Renegade style ACS system. It includes configurable pascal-like script language called IPL. Currently only for DOS, plans are in place to make Linux and Win32 ports of Iniquity as well as JAM message base support.
JetBBS: Operating Systems: DOS
Type: not known (maybe now freeware?); Currently in production: No
JetBBS was a fully featured multi-line BBS system for DOS. Production ceased in 1996. Supposedly there is a free version on the web.
Lora BBS: Operating Systems: DOS, OS/2, Windows
Type: Freeware
Currently in production: Yes
LoraBBS is a multiplatform Bulletin Board System which features what is arguably the most extensive support for different BBS message base formats including JAM, Hudson, Squish, FIDO, and AdeptX. It can support an unlimited number of nodes and has several Internet client capabilities including one of the fastest and most stable telnet pass-thru functions around and the ability to use Internet usenet newsgroups natively as message bases. Originally a DOS based BBS system, it is now a Win 95/98 BBS system.
Maximus: Operating Systems: DOS, OS/2, Windows
Type: Open Source
Currently in production: No
Maximus is a flexible bulletin board system (BBS) for the DOS, OS/2 Windows operating systems. Maximus allows remote users to connect to the system by modem, read and write messages, participate in public conference areas, send and receive files, and much more.
Mystic BBS: Operating Systems: DOS, Windows, Linux
Type: Freeware
Currently in production: No
Freeware Multinode BBS software. Native DOS, Windows, Linux 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. The link no longer works as of 2006.
Oblivion/2: Operating Systems: DOS
Type: Freeware
Currently in production: No
Oblivion/2 was a highly configurable BBS system. There is no current word on if it is still in production or not, and no working link is available.
O-M-N-I BBS: Operating Systems: Windows
Type: Freeware
Currently in production: No
Originally a commercialware product, Copsey Strain has released O-M-N-I BBS as freeware. It is a 16-bit Windows based BBS system that can be used for dial-up and Internet based BBS systems.
PCBoard: Operating Systems: DOS, OS/2
Type: not available
Currently in production: No
PCBoard was a very popular commercial BBS system made by Clark Development Company. CDC went out of business in July 1997.
PowerBBS: Operating Systems: Windows
Type: Commercialware
Currently in production: No
Windows based. Internet-ready (using Powersock). Capable of using HTML for Internet connections. The PowerBBS website was taken down in late 2003.
ProBoard: Operating Systems: DOS
Type: Shareware
Currently in production: No
Originally developed by Philippe Leybeart of the Netherlands. Telegrafix purchased the rights to ownership in early 1999. Telegrafix is no longer in business and Proboard is no longer in production. Supposedly the last released was version 2.17 available on the web.
QuickBBS: Operating Systems: DOS
Type: not known
Currently in production: No
It is unclear of the current state of QuickBBS.
Multi-node; supports up to 250 users concurrently. Full Local Area Network (LAN) support including enhanced functions under NetBIOS compatible LANs. Supports Popular multitaskers (Desqview, Os/2, Windows). Supports multi-line on-line messages between nodes. Support for the popular FidoNet technology. Automatic remote ANSI detection (supports terminal programs that are ANSI X3.64 compliant). Support for Interactive EMSI automated log-on and user parameter detection, eliminating the need for users to enter their name and password at log-on. XMS, EMS, & Virtual Memory swapping support. Provision to create custom log entries using a menu function. Supports the FSC-0035 Internet gating specification.
Raptor: Operating Systems: DOS
Type: not known
Currently in production: no
Current status of Raptor is not known.
255 Nodes, DOS based, WIN 3.1/95/98, OS/2, Desqview aware. Includes RAPMAIL FTSC Mail import/export utility. Internal QWK Mail interface including new files list. 32,000 message areas; 32,000 file areas assignable to 26 conferences. Multi Node chat with up to 999 chat rooms. BBS Events to sort file bases, pack messages areas, process file uploads, delete users. Internal Call back verifier.
RBBS-PC: Operating Systems: DOS
Type: Open SOurce
Currently in production: Not Sure
An old-style BBS system that has long ago been out of production. The last official release was in June 1992 with a beta release in February 1995. At one time this was considered the best BBS software out there. Last known version was 17.4.
RemoteAccess Pro: Operating Systems: DOS
Type: Shareware
Currently in production: Unknown
Completely configurable, provides total control over system layout and appearance. Supports most networks and multitaskers. Fully multilingual, for true international use. Extensive security system, featuring over 65,000 access levels to protect your data. Files and messages are catalogued using a fast indexed database system. Supports all popular file transfer protocols including XModem, YModem and ZModem. Compatible with optional add-on modules, including games, offline mail doors. File system supports single and multi-disk CD-ROM players. Built in support for many file types including ZIP, ARC, ARJ, ZOO, LZH and GIF. Includes a full-screen message editor. Ability to connect to worldwide networks such as FidoNet and the Internet. Support for many modems, with the ability to receive incoming FAX calls. Automated user subscription and cost accounting system. Interfaces with virus scanning products for maximum system security.
Renegade BBS: Operating Systems: DOS
Type: Freeware
Currently in production: Yes
Renegade BBS software is freeware designed to operate on DOS, Win 95/98 and OS/2 operating systems. Renegade has had a number of owners in the last few years and is now owned by Onic Software. The website has Renegade news, discussion forums, and of course file downloads (both regular and alpha releases).
Sauron BBS: Operating Systems: DOS, Linux
Type: Freeware
Currently in production: No
Sauron is a multi-user, script file driven BBS and the software and code is free to all. Sauron is no longer being developed, but the product will be supported by the author, and the source code is available.
Searchlignt: Operating Systems: DOS, Windows
Type: Not Available
Currently in production: no
Includes 32-bit Windows 95/NT and 16-bit DOS versions; Windows version supports Telnet hosting. Easy to use, RIP-based GUI featuring vector & bitmapped images, digital sound. Works with any RIP, ANSI or TTY terminal. RIP graphics clients available for Windows and DOS. Build custom menus, edit prompts and strings. No complex script languages and nothing extra to buy. Supports Door.Sys, Dorinfo.Def, PCBoard.Sys. Runs any DOS Program Online -- runs Doors on the same PC as your BBS. Support for Internet Email and Newsgroups. Runs as a Telnet client on Win95 or WinNT. Telegrafix used to own the rights to Searchlight after buying them from Searchlight Software. Telegrafix went out of business in 2001.
Shotgun Professional: Operating Systems: DOS
Type: Open Source
Currently in production: no
Shotgun Professional is a complete SVGA/ANSI/ASCII/RIP based BBS package. Bring the touch of high quality Super-VGA to your online service or
BBS. Everything is included that you would normally pay extra for:

- SQUISH/JAM/FIDO Support
- Front End Mailer Software
- TIC File Echo Processor
- Echomail processor
- Multiple Interface (SVGA/ANSI/TTY/RIP)
- Shotgun GUI Editor included!
- XModem/YModem/ZModem and much much more
Spitfire: Operating Systems: DOS; Type: Shareware
Currently in production: Supported, but no new development
Spitfire BBS has been been around for a long time. In recent years it has been dormant, but a new Y2K compliant version was released in August 1999. Supposedly still being developed.
Synchronet: Operating Systems: DOS, FreeBSD, Linux, OS/2, Windows
Type: Freeware
Currently in production: Yes
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 3.12a, released in December 2004. 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 versions of Synchronet starting in October 1999.
TAG: Operating Systems: DOS
Type: Freeware
Currently in production: No
TAG is a freeware BBS similar to that of older WWIV, Renegade and Telegard. More than likely it is no longer being developed.
TBBS: Operating Systems: DOS
Type: Commercialware
Currently in production: No
TBBS (The Bread Board System) was originally developed by eSoft as a commercialware BBS system. eSoft has mostly abandonded "legacy" software such as TBBS and is focusing on their Internet products. However several TBBS sysops have joined together to make a support forum website called TBBS.ORG
tcRemoteAccess32: Operating Systems: Windows
Type: Shareware
Currently in production: Yes
tcRemoteAccess 32 was originally developed by Niels Schoot to be a Windows clone of RemoteAccess. Production ceased in 1999. In February 2004, Stephen Proffitt (BeeMail author) took over development.
Telefinder: Operating Systems: Macintosh
Type: Shareware
Currently in production: Yes
TeleFinder Server is a package that gives you everything you need to set up a complete Internet site for your business, school or organization. Use TeleFinder to keep in touch with off-site colleagues, clients, and friends. TeleFinder's Mail and Public Message areas provide quick and easy communication. Quick file transfers let you share and distribute important data quickly. Each TeleFinder package includes all the software you need to set up and maintain your BBS, mail, and Web site. Every TeleFinder Server includes graphical client software for Macintosh and Windows that you can freely distribute to all the users of your BBS.
Telegard: Operating Systems: DOS
Type: Freeware
Currently in production: unknown
Telegard is a freeware BBS system that has its origins from WWIV BBS software back in its Pascal days. Telegard BBS Software is a full featured bulletin board system software for beginners and experts! Features include a full message section with JAM and Squish formats, a full file section w/file tagging & CDROM support, multinode & multilingual support, powerful menus, scripts, and door support! Tim Strike, the author, disappeared in 1999 and has not been heard from since. The whereabouts of the source code are unknown.
Tornado: Operating Systems: DOS, OS/2, Windows
Type: Open Source
Currently in production: No
Tornado was a BBS developed in Russia. Production ceased in 2001.
Tri-BBS: Operating Systems: DOS
Type: Shareware
Currently in production: Yes
TriBBS is a shareware DOS based BBS program. TriBBS was sold Gary Price of Freejack's Software in 1997, and was sold again to Frank Prue of PTC Software in October 2000. TriBBS supports both ANSI and RIP graphics, is multi-node ready and supports Fidonet (external tosser required). Even though it is a DOS based application, it runs well in Windows 95/98 (complete steps to set up are on the website).
TSX-Online: Operating Systems: TSX-32 (DOS related)
Type: Commercialware
Currently in production: Yes
TSX-BBS runs exclusively under the TSX-32 operating system. The TSX-32 operating system will also run MS-DOS doors and programs in multiple sessions on the same cpu. Works as both a BBS and an Internet Service Provider. Provides ANSI for ANSI callers, and PPP/SLIP for PPP/SLIP callers. Multi-node uses special serial multiplexer. Internet ready (Telnet, FTP, SLIP, WWW).
Virtual BBS/Virtual Advanced BBS: Operating Systems: DOS, OS/2
Type: Shareware
Currently in production: No
Virtual BBS (VBBS) and its successor Virtual Advanced were based upon earlier versions of WWIV BBS software but branched out to a system of its own. Roland de Graaf (author) quit production of Virtual Advanced in December 1997. However, after-market support for VBBS/VADV sysops is available at Aspect Technologies.
Wildcat Winserver: Operating Systems: DOS, Windows
Type: Commercialware
Currently in production: Yes
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.
WinBBS Australia: Operating Systems: Windows
Type: not known
Currently in production: No
No word on current production of availability of WinBBS. Developed as a Shareware application, WinBBS Australia is a powerful yet easy to use BBS program that utilises the Windows Graphical User Interface (GUI) that we are all accustomed to. Once your server is setup users can dial-in to upload/download software, access BBS doors, chat with the SysOp, send/receive e-mail with file attachments, place/read notices on the notice board, place/read advertisements and more.
Worldgroup: Operating Systems: DOS, Windows
Type: Commercialware
Currently in production: Yes
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.
WWIV: Operating Systems: DOS, Windows, Linux
Type: Open Source
Currently in production: Yes
Originally developed by Wayne Bell, Dean Nash is now the primary author of WWIV. 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. A shareware version is available and C++ source code is available to registered users who wish to customize or "modify" their system. Sysops can now transfer WWIVnet (and compatible) networks via the Internet using the Filenet message network.
Xenoterra: Operating Systems: Windows
Type: Freeware
Currently in production: Yes
Originally designed as a shareware system, the author (James Black) has made it a freeware system. Xenoterra BBS is a true 32-bit (ANSI/Text only), native Win 95/98 program that is Internet-ready (email, telnet, news), Multinode-capable and fully sysop-configurable.