Mac BBS List

A few months back, I asked readers to send in some good BBS listings for Mac users. So far, these are the ones received:

All-Net 1-408-288-9260 (First Class Server)
{Also see} http://www.hoho.com/allnet/

LiveWire 1-408-298-8646 (First Class Server)
{Also see} http://www.virtualvalley.com/livewire/

A32 BBS 1-415-948-4994 (First Class Server)

MacShasta 1-916-926-4854 (First Class Server)

Mac Line 1-608-233-9487 (First Class Server)
{Also see} http://www.macline.com/

KloneZone Mac 207.49.209.199 (Telefinder Client)
{Also see} http://kzpwrmac.cyberhighway.net/

Channel Z 1-805-946-8117 (First Class Server)
http://www.av.qnet.com/~simpsoft/

Gooey BBS 1-805-445-1012 (First Class Server)

All-Net 1-415-964-5856 (First Class Server)

Macrocosm 1-510-449-1648 (First Class Server)
{Also see} macrocosm.com, port 3004

NovaMac 1-206-814-0369 (First Class Server)

Sanctuary 1-416-466-5141 (First Class Server)

Coronado BBS 1-619-435-0819 (First Class Server)

Please note that most of these BBS (Bulletin Board Systems) use First Class Servers. To access these, you need the setting files for that BBS. Many of the web sites listed are where you can learn more about the BBS, download setting files, etc…Obviously, I have neither the time nor money to make the long distance calls it would take to verify each one, but these were all sent to me in the last few months as good BBS’s to call into for Mac related stuff. So, if you are in an area that is close to one of these BBS’s, be sure to dial in! Or, if unlike me, you can afford a long distance call, I am sure you will find much worth looking at in any of these systems.

First Class is a graphical user interface something like AOL software. Everything is Icons and double clickable, much more easier to navigate than the Internet. When you download the setting files that are needed to call in, that settings file will have all the graphics and such, so you do not get any “Wait while artwork is downloading” messages. Besides setting files, you will need the First Class server software. You can download this from SoftArc via the Internet or AOL. (http://www.softarc.com/). The latest version is 3.12 as of this writing. SoftArc provides free client software for use with First Class Servers. There is a PowerPC native version available for Power Mac users as well.

Telefinder, used by KloneZone Mac, is a Internet accessible BBS. To use this BBS, you will need the Telefinder client, downloadable from Spider Island at http://www.spiderisland.com/. Version 5 is the latest. This is nice, as you will not be making a long distance call to access the system.

If you have never called a BBS before, and plan on calling one of these, you are in for a treat! BBS’s are much more personal and user friendly. As Mac users, these Mac BBS’s will make you feel welcome and right at home:-) When you do call in, you will be expected to fill out a registration form, that will allow you to download, upload, chat, and basically do everything the BBS is set up for. Some BBS’s do charge money, and some also have Adult files and areas. In these cases, you are expected to provide proof of age, usually by sending in a photocopy of your drivers license.

Okay, now go and call one! (Children, ask your parents before calling!)