A bulletin board system or BBS is a computer system running software that allows users to connect to the system, typically over an analog phone line, to perform various social and recreational tasks, and communicate with others on the system. Using a terminal program, remote users can perform functions such as downloading software and data, uploading data, playing games, reading news, and exchanging messages with other users. During their heyday (from the early 1980s to the mid 1990s), many BBSes were run as a hobby free of charge by the "SysOp" (system operator), while other BBSes charged their users a subscription fee for access.

In current usage (primarily in Taiwan, Japan and China) the term BBS may be used to refer to any online forum or message board. See Internet forum.

Bulletin board systems were in many ways a precursor to the modern form of the World Wide Web and other aspects of the Internet. BBSes were a highly social phenomenon and were used for meeting people and having discussions in message boards as well as for publishing articles, downloading software, playing games and many more things using a single application.

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NPR Topics: Technology

Laid-Off Furniture Workers Try To Leap To Google
Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:00:00 -0500
Two million manufacturing jobs have disappeared in the recession. Lenoir, N.C., was once known as the "Furniture Capitol of the South." But a handful of former furniture factory workers are trying to retrain for high-tech careers with the new company in town: Google.
FTC Files Antitrust Lawsuit Against Intel
Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:21:00 -0500
The FTC said Intel, which makes the microprocessors that run personal computers, has shut rivals out of the marketplace. In the process, the FTC says Intel has deprived consumers of choice and stifled innovation in the chip industry.
EU Drops Antitrust Charges Against Microsoft
Wed, 16 Dec 2009 07:25:00 -0500
The European Union says it is dropping the antitrust charges after Microsoft agreed to give Windows users a choice of up to 12 other Web browsers. The deal comes after more than a decade of EU antitrust action against the world's biggest software company.

L.A. Times - Technology News

Comcast launches Web TV service
Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800
Fancast Xfinity will allow millions of its subscribers who pay for high-speed Internet access and television to watch cable shows online. Cable operator Comcast Corp. said it would make its experimental Web TV service available to millions of its subscribers who pay for high-speed Internet access and television, paving the way for people to watch cable shows online.
Americans have gone text-crazy
Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800
The number of messages cellphone users sent jumped from 48 billion in December 2007 to 110 billion a year later. We're becoming a nation of texters.
Rumors fly as Google workers test new cellular phone
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800
The Internet search giant drops fresh clues that it plans to market its own 'unlocked' mobile device. Google Inc. has been letting its employees test a new cellphone that could be rolled out to consumers as soon as next month, potentially marking its first foray into the business of selling mobile phones.

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