The following is a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) list for both Telnet BBS Sysops and Telnet BBS Users. If you haven't already done so, you may want to visit the Getting Connected page or the Setting up a Telnet BBS page. And finally - if you still have a question, you may contact us directly. 

Click here to see the Telnet BBS User's FAQ.

Click here to see the Telnet BBS Sysop's FAQ.

Telnet BBS User's FAQ

Q. What is a "Telnet" and what is a "Telnet BBS"?

A. Telnet is one of may Internet protocols and systems. The World Wide Web is only one system. Internet E-mail (POP3 and SMTP), Usenet, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) are other common Internet protocols. Telnet is a method of "logging" onto a remote computer and interfacing with that remote computer via a text interface. If you are familiar with the traditional "dial-up" BBS, this is basically the same thing but using the Internet instead of dialing a BBS with your modem.

Q. How do I telnet to these Internet accessable BBS systems?

A. In order to access Telnet BBS systems, you will need to use a "Telnet Client".

Windows 2000 and XP have built in Telnet clients. From the main search pages, you can click on the Telnet BBS address and a telnet window will pop up. Though the screen is small, you can access BBS systems by this method. You can also open a DOS window and type in "Telnet" and you can the name of the BBS or "Telnet (bbs address here)" to access these systems.

However, we HIGHLY suggest you use a Telnet client program. These are widely available for users of Windows and other operating systems.
Most BBSes use a video standard called ANSI emulation. The following is a brief list of ANSI telnet software. The one we highly suggest is mTelnet.

CRT (Windows)
A great Telnet client - one of the best. Shareware.

mTelnet (OS/2 & Windows)
A great telnet client for Windows & OS/2. Freeware.

NetTerm (Windows)
A great Telnet client - highly suggested. Shareware.

ZOC (OS/2 & Windows)
A great Telnet client from Germany - available in both English and German versions. Versions available for both Windows & OS/2. Shareware.

Q. Why can't I just use my web browser?

A. BBS systems require a real-time access method, as all the action takes place on the server (BBS) system side. Telnet is a real-time access method. Your web browser uses a system called HTTP (Hyper Teletext Protocol) which is NOT real-time. Also, BBS systems use ANSI graphics which is not compatible with web browsers. For more information, visit our  How To Telnet page.

Q. Will I be charged to telnet to an Internet accessable BBS system?

A. Your will *NOT* be charged be accessing a BBS. The vast majority of BBS systems are absolutely *FREE*. However, there are a very select few BBS systems that do request payment to access their system. Those that do charge will inform you when you log onto a BBS that you must send the System Operator (Sysop) a payment (personal check or credit card). Each system is different. But it is your option to utilize these systems, and you won't receive any surprise billings on your Internet bill. (Your Internet provider doesn't charge you extra for visiting other websites or sending E-mail. Same goes for BBS systems.)

Telnet BBS Sysop's FAQ

Q. How do I set up a Telnet BBS??

A. If you have never operated a Telnet BBS system before and wish to set one up, please see our section on Setting Up a Telnet BBS System.

Q. How do I add my Telnet BBS to the Telnet BBS Guide?

A. Adding (or updating) your Telnet BBS is free of charge and can be done easily at our Add or Update a Telnet BBS Listing page.

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). For those who run their own web servers on the same computer as their BBS - there is a Java applet called Java Telnet Client that provides a telnet interface on a web page. It is slow to load and it does work, but doesn't allow for file transfers (Zmodem). And for those of you who like a full web-based interface, EleWeb is now available.