CBBS, acronym for Computerized Bulletin Board System, refers to a type of online communication platform that emerged in the late 1970s and gained popularity throughout the 1980s. It served as an early predecessor to modern internet forums and social media networks.
CBBSs were self-contained computer systems that allowed users to connect remotely using a modem and communicate with others via text-based messages. These systems were typically run on personal computers, often using popular computer models like the Commodore PET or Apple II.
Users could access CBBSs to interact with other users through message boards, post and respond to messages, share files, and engage in online discussions on various topics of interest. These boards were often categorized by subject matter, allowing users to focus on specific areas of discussion.
CBBSs were not connected to a larger network initially and required users to individually dial into specific systems. However, as their popularity grew, they eventually became interconnected, enabling users to access multiple bulletin board systems.
The emergence of CBBSs helped pave the way for the internet and the development of online communities. They provided a medium for people to connect, share information, and collaborate in a manner that had not been possible before. CBBSs played a significant role in the early stages of online communication and community building, laying the groundwork for the diverse online platforms that we are familiar with today.
