What does BBS stand for in telecommunications?

The term BBS stands for Bulletin Board System in telecommunications. A Bulletin Board System refers to a computer-based system that allows users to connect, share information, and communicate with one another. Originally popular during the late 1970s through the mid-1990s, BBSs functioned as an early form of online communities, where users could post messages, share files, and engage in discussions. They typically operated over telephone lines, using modems to link users to the system.

In the context of telecommunications, BBSs played a crucial role in the development of online communication and paved the way for later internet-based forums and social media platforms. Understanding this terminology is important for grasping the evolution of online communication systems and their foundational role in the creation of interactive virtual communities.