Definition

Noun: A bulletin board system is a computer system running specialized software that enables users to connect via modem or network to leave public messages, share files, and access information on various topics of general interest. It functions as a central hub for community discussion and information exchange.

Usage

A bulletin board system is a specific type of online service, often abbreviated as BBS. It is used as a singular, countable noun. * The local computer club set up a bulletin board system for its members. * Before the World Wide Web became popular, many people connected to a bulletin board system to chat and download files.

Examples

• He spent hours every evening dialing into his favorite bulletin board system.
• The software transformed an old PC into a fully functional bulletin board system.
• Information about the meeting was posted on the community bulletin board system.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: The term often refers to systems popular from the late 1970s through the early 1990s, which users accessed via telephone lines using a modem.
  • In the 1980s, a thriving culture developed around the amateur bulletin board system.
• As a Platform: It can be described as the platform or service itself.
  • The entire bulletin board system was dedicated to discussions about science fiction.

Variants and Related Words

• BBS: The common abbreviation for "bulletin board system."
  • I got the file from a BBS.
• Bulletin Board: More generally, this can refer to any physical or virtual place for posting notices. In computing, it is often used interchangeably with "bulletin board system," though it can refer to a single message forum within a larger BBS.
  • Check the announcements on the main bulletin board.

Synonyms

• Message Board: A system or website for posting and discussing messages.
• Forum: An online discussion site where people hold conversations by posting messages.
• Dial-up Service: A descriptive term highlighting the common access method for historical BBSes.

Related Phrases

• To run a BBS: To operate and maintain a bulletin board system.
  • He used to run a BBS from his basement.
• To call a BBS: To connect to a bulletin board system using a modem (historical usage).
  • My modem is set to call the BBS at 2 a.m. when rates are lower.

Noun

1. a computer that is running software that allows users to leave messages and access information of general interest