The following is a listing of Classic BBS software programs from yesteryear. A BBS software package that is on this list means that the software is no longer being supported by the author and most likely there is little (if any) third party support. It would be impossible to list all the BBS software from yesteryear, but if you know of a BBS software from yesteryear that is not on this list please Contact Us. Note that we are focusing on DOS, Windows and OS/2 software at this time. Later we’ll expand this list to include Unix, Commodore/Amiga and Mac based software as well.

Apollo BBS

Operating System: Windows

The Apollo BBS Software for Windows 2000 and Windows XP was 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). Apollo BBS is also home to NewsEd BBS News Editor.

Bulletron

Operating System: OS/2

Bulletron was a commercial BBS system for OS/2. Operations ceased in 1999.

Celerity

Operating System: DOS

Celerity BBS was a descendant of the freely distributed source of TCS BBS 1.43, and ultimately nearly completely rewritten. It originally began as a project of Brendon Woirhaye (The Byter) and David Hicks (Moebius) in 1990 to quickly modify an existing BBS package to meet a simple organizational need (separate conferences for IBM PC users and Amiga users), and to meet the needs of high speed (9600 bit/s) communication, as most BBSes of the time could not pump data to the modem quickly enough. The I/O and display subsystems were rewritten, and the BBS package got its name. The last version was released in 1995. (Wikipedia entry)

Concord

Operating System: DOS, OS/2, Windows

Concord was a full featured, very versatile and configurable BBS software for PC compatibles.

EleBBS

Operating System: DOS, OS/2, Windows, Linux
Type: Open Source/Freeware
In Production: No (Last Update 2003)

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 System: Windows (16-bit)

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. (Wikipedia entry)

Ezycom BBS

Operating System: DOS

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. The 4 node version is now free. There are also 10, 20 node non-commercial versions, plus a 255 node commercial version available. (Wikipedia entry)

Falken BBS

Operating System: Linux

Falken was a fast growing BBS software package for Linux. 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 System: DOS
Type: Freeware
In Production: No (1999)

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.

GT-Power BBS

Operating System: DOS
Type: Freeware
In Production: No

Production was supposed to continue in the 2010s but never occurred. (Wikipedia entry)

Illusion BBS

Operating System: DOS

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 BBS

Operating System: DOS
Type: Freeware
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 System: DOS
Type: Freeware
In Production: No

Infusion board software was 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! (BBS Documentary page)

JetBBS

Operating System: DOS

JetBBS was a fully featured multi-line BBS system for DOS. Production ceased in 1996. Supposedly there is a free version on the web. (BBS Documentary page)

LoraBBS

Operating System: DOS, OS/2, Windows
Type: Freeware
In Production: Dormant

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. (BBS Documentary page)

Maximus

Operating System: DOS, OS/2, Windows
Type: Open Source
In Production: No (Last update 2016)

Maximus was 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. (Wikipedia entry)

Oblivion/2

Operating System: Windows, Linux, Mac OSX
Type: Open Source
In Production: No (files released via open source in 2023)

Oblivion/2 was a highly configurable BBS system. There is an effort to bring this back as a remake, tentatively known as Oblivion/2 XRM (XRM = X-Treme Remake).

O-M-N-I BBS

Operating System: Windows

Originally a commercialware product, Copsey Strain had released O-M-N-I BBS as freeware. It was a 16-bit Windows based BBS system that can be used for dial-up and Internet based BBS systems.

PCBoard

Operating System: DOS, OS/2

PCBoard was a very popular commercial BBS system made by Clark Development Company. CDC went out of business in July 1997. There was an effort in early 2020 to resurrect PCBoard. (Wikipedia entry)

PowerBBS

Operating System: Windows
In Production: No (Last version 2020)

Windows based. Internet-ready (using Powersock). Capable of using HTML for Internet connections.

ProBoard

Operating System: DOS
Type: Shareware
In Production: No (Last version Dec. 2023)

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 2.30 available on the web. ProBoard is owned by Jason Bock who purchased the software from John Riley. (Current version 2.30 released in December 2023)

QuickBBS

Operating System: DOS

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.

However, as of November 2025 there is a modern re-interpretation of the QuickBBS Bulletin Board software available on their Sourceforge website.

Raptor

Operating System: DOS

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 System: DOS

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 System: DOS
In Production: No (Last version Oct. 2000)

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. (Wikipedia entry) (PCMicro Support Site for RA)

Sauron BBS

Operating System: Linux
Type: Freeware
In Production: No

Sauron is a multi-user, script file driven BBS and the software and code is free to all. The DOS version is no longer being developed but the Linux version is currently being developed (2003).

Searchlight

Operating System: DOS, Windows

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. The link is to access the “Searchlight BBS Support” website.

Shotgun Professional

Operating System: DOS

Shotgun Professional was 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.

However someone did port this to Windows and can be downloaded from Sourceforge.

Spitfire BBS

Operating System: DOS
Type: Freeware
In Production: No (Author has passed away in 2022)

A DOS based multi-node, bulletin board software package named SPITFIRE. SPITFIRE was a known and literally operated around the world. While SPITFIRE is a DOS program, it operates just fine in the Microsoft Windows environment. SPITFIRE is still supported by Buffalo Creek Software and the software is still being used. In recent years it has been dormant, but a new Y2K compliant version was released in August 1999. Last update was in 2010. Sadly, Mike Woltz (Spitfire author) had passed away in 2022.

TAG

Operating System: DOS

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 System: DOS

TBBS (The Bread Board System) was originally developed by eSoft as a commercialware BBS system. eSoft has mostly abandoned “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. (Wikipedia entry)

tcRemoteAccess32

Operating System: Windows
Type: Shareware
In Production: No (Latest release 1999)

tcRemoteAccess 32 was originally developed by Niels Schoot to be a Windows clone of RemoteAccess. Production ceased in 1999 but files can still be downloaded from PCMicro.

Telefinder

Operating System: Mac
Type: Shareware
In Production: No (Last update 2016)

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 BBS

Operating System: DOS
Type: Freeware
In Production: No

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.

There was a project underway called the OpenTelegard BBS Project – an open-source project to recreate the Telegard BBS from scratch into a modern, internet ready, and standardized system. That project is no longer in development.

Tornado

Operating System: DOS

Tornado was a BBS developed in Russia. Production ceased in 2001.

TotalAccessControl BBS

Operating System: DOS

A DOS-based BBS system from the 1990s. Source code was lost in a fire.

TriBBS

Operating System: DOS
Type: Shareware
In Production: No

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. (Wikipedia entry)

TSX-Online

Operating System: TSX-32 (DOS related)

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 System: DOS, OS/2

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. (Wikipedia entry)

WinBBS Australia

Operating System: Windows (16-bit)

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.

x/84

Operating System: Linux
Type: Open Source
In Production: No (Latest update 2020)

A python telnet/ssh server for modern UTF-8 and classic cp437 network virtual terminals. In spirit of classic software such as Ami/x, Telegard, Renegade, Iniquity.

Xenoterra

Operating System: Windows

Originally designed as a shareware system, the author (James Black) made it a freeware system. Xenoterra BBS was 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.