Ward Christensen and the first BBS, CBBS.

CBBS (Computerized Bulletin Board System) was a computer software program created by Ward Christensen to allow him and other computer hobbyists to exchange information between one another. Ward Christensen and the First BBS, CBBS (February, 2002) File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Ward Christensen and the First BBS, CBBS (February, 2002) File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... A computer program (often simply called a program) is an example of computer software that prescribes the actions (computations) that are to be carried out by a computer. ... Ward Christensen Ward Christensen, born in West Bend, Wisconsin, was the founder of the CBBS bulletin board, the first BBS ever brought online. ... This article is about pastimes. ...

In January of 1978, Chicago was hit with a blizzard, which dumped record amounts of snow throughout the midwest. Among those caught in it were Christensen and Randy Suess, who were members of CACHE, the Chicago Area Computer Hobbyists' Exchange. They had met at this computer club in the mid 1970s and become friends. 1978 (MCMLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Sunday. ... Nickname: The Windy City, The Second City, Chi Town, The City of Big Shoulders, The 312, The City that Works Motto: Urbs In Horto (Latin: City in a Garden), I Will Location in Chicagoland and Illinois Coordinates: Country United States State Illinois County Cook & DuPage Incorporated March 4, 1837  - Mayor... A computer club is an organization that meets regularly to build, converse about, and assist others with computers. ... The 1970s decade refers to the years from 1970 to 1979, inclusive. ...

Christensen had created a file transfer protocol for sending binary computer files through modem connections, which was called, simply, MODEM. Later improvements to the program motivated a name change into the now familiar XMODEM. The success of this project encouraged further experiments. Christensen and Suess became enamored of the idea of creating a computerized answering machine and message center, which would allow members to call in with their then-new modems and leave announcements for upcoming meetings. For other senses of this word, see protocol. ... A computer file is a collection of information that is stored in a computer system and can be identified by its full path name. ... A modem (from modulate and demodulate) is a device that modulates an analogue carrier signal to encode digital information, and also demodulates such a carrier signal to decode the transmitted information. ... A modem (from modulate and demodulate) is a device that modulates an analogue carrier signal to encode digital information, and also demodulates such a carrier signal to decode the transmitted information. ... XMODEM is the Christensen (developed by Ward Christensen) file transfer protocol, probably the most widely available protocol used for file transfer over serial lines (e. ...

However, they needed some quiet time to set aside for such a project, and the blizzard gave them that time. Christensen worked on the software and Suess cobbled together an S-100 computer to put the program on. They had a working version within two weeks, but claimed soon afterwards that it had taken four so that it wouldn't seem like a "rushed" project. Time and tradition have settled that date to be February 16, 1978. The S-100 bus, IEEE696-1983 (withdrawn), was an early computer bus designed in 1974 as a part of the Altair 8800, generally considered today to be the first personal computer. The S-100 bus was the first industry standard bus for the microcomputer industry, and S-100 computers, processor... February 16 is the 47th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1978 (MCMLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Sunday. ...

Because the Internet was still small and not available to most computer users, users had to dial CBBS directly using a modem. Also because the CBBS hardware and software supported only a single modem for most of its existence, users had to take turns accessing the system, each hanging up when done to let someone else have access. Despite these limitations, the system was seen as very useful, and ran for many years and inspired the creation of many other bulletin board systems. Ward Christensen and the computer that ran the first public Bulletin Board System, CBBS A Bulletin Board System or BBS is a computer system running software that allows users to dial into the system over a phone line and, using a terminal program, perform functions such as downloading software and...

The program had many forward thinking ideas, now accepted as canon in the creation of message bases or "forums".

As Christensen and Suess went their separate ways, the CBBS name lived on, and survives to an extent as a web-based forum on Suess' website, chinet.com. Christensen's version of CBBS, called "Ward's Board", closed in the early 1990s.

See also

• Bulletin board system