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BBS Sysop Frequently Asked Questions |
Over the past several years, the BBS Corner sees a number of questions being asked a number of times. Here are some of the top questions asked by BBS sysops such as yourselves. If you haven't already done so, you may also want to visit the BBS Sysop Resources page. And finally - if you still have a question, feel free to contact us directly.
- Q. I work for a business that wants to communicate with clients or employees. Is a Bulletin Board system the right approach?
A. Business people ask this question on occasion if a BBS system is right for them. Most BBS systems are run as hobbies by people who like to experiment with technology and wish to express themselves through their BBS system. Yes - a BBS system can provide communications via message forums and E-mail, and can also provide a resource for sharing computer programs. However, I strongly discourage a BBS for business use these days since there are other methods available via the web that are more geared towards a business environment - such as web-based forums and E-mail mailing lists (listservs). Some BBS systems do other these things but you may be better off using a fully web-based approach rather than a BBS system.
- Q. I want to start my own Bulletin Board system. How do I do it?
A. Starting a BBS is not very difficult. However, you will need to dedicate a certain amount of time and energy. Computer programming experience is NOT required - but general knowledge of how your computer works and how to change settings is necessary. Most BBS software packages will run "straight from the box" but many people choose to customize their BBS systems to their own liking. Money is not an issue since a number of BBS software packages are free. The most expensive part is the physical connection - either a dial-up modem line for a dial-up BBS, or an Internet connection for a Telnet BBS (using dial-up or broadband). If you already have these, then essentially you can start a BBS system for almost no extra money at all. More detailed information can be found at the How To Start Your Own BBS page.
- Q. How can I put my BBS on the Internet? Can I make my old DOS based BBS telnettable?
A. It is relatively easy to put your BBS on the Internet. There are several kinds of BBS Software that are already Telnet ready - such as EleBBS, Mystic, Synchronet, Wildcat Winserver and Worldgroup and the latest WWIV. If you use BBS software that is not Internet ready, there are add-on software packages that will provide Internet connectivity. Details are available on the How To Set Up A Telnettable BBS page.
Q. Do I need full control (administrator privileges) of the computer to run a BBS? Can I operate a BBS remotely?
A. Yes and no. You will need to be physically at the computer to install the BBS software, configure it, and then run the programs. But once the software is up and running, and it can automatically be set to run when the computer reboots. Most BBS systems allow you to change configurations via remote control. However, it is best that you are able to monitor the BBS on a daily or weekly basis to make sure the system has not crashed and all programs are running correctly.
Q. Is it possible to operate a BBS on the Web?
A. The general answer to this question is no. Most BBS systems do not lend themselves to the web. Hence, you can run a telnet BBS on the Internet, but it will not have a web-based interface. Some exceptions are Wildcat Winserver and Worldgroup, both of which offer web-based interfaces in addition to their traditional ANSI interfaces (dial-up and telnet). And for those of you who like a full web-based interface in addition to the traditional ANSI-based interfase, Synchronet has now released a web-based interface in addition to their traditional dial-up and telnet ANSI based systems.
Site Created April 1996. Page last modified January 1, 2006
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