bulletin-board system (BBS)

Computerized system used to exchange public messages or files. A BBS is typically reached by using a dial-up modem. Most are dedicated to a special interest, which may be an extremely narrow topic. Any user may “post” his or her own message (so that they appear on the site for all to read). Bulletin boards produce “conversations” between interested participants, who may download or print out messages they desire to keep or pass on to others. BBS sites today number in the tens of thousands. See also newsgroup.

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