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Created page with "{{Short description|Commodore 64/128 bulletin board system software}} {{Use mdy dates|date=July 2025}} '''Image BBS''' is a family of bulletin board system (BBS) software originally developed for the Commodore 64 and later the Commodore 128. First released in the mid-1980s, it was one of the most widely used BBS platforms on Commodore 8-bit computers, known for its graphical PETSCII menus, flexible sysop configuration, and large third-party support community..."
 
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{{Short description|Commodore 64/128 bulletin board system software}}
{{Short description|Commodore 64/128 bulletin board system software}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2025}}


'''Image BBS''' is a family of [[bulletin board system]] (BBS) software originally developed for the [[Commodore 64]] and later the [[Commodore 128]]. First released in the mid-1980s, it was one of the most widely used BBS platforms on Commodore 8-bit computers, known for its graphical PETSCII menus, flexible sysop configuration, and large third-party support community.
== Image BBS ==
'''Image BBS''' is a family of [[bulletin board system]] (BBS) software originally developed for the [[Commodore 64]] and later the [[Commodore 128]]. First released in 1988, it became one of the most popular BBS platforms on Commodore 8-bit computers, known for its PETSCII graphical interface, modular structure, and active sysop community.


== History ==
== History ==
Image BBS originated from internal development on [[C-Net BBS]], a widely used system in the 1980s created by Ken Pletzer of Perspective Software. After multiple iterations of C-Net, programmer Don Gladden—originally tasked with developing version 11.0—was delayed due to personal setbacks. This led to a separate version being released by Jim Selleck, which was plagued by bugs. Subsequent development by Gladden and collaborator Ray Kelm resulted in C-Net 12.0, based on the earlier, more stable 10.0 version.<ref name="WNF">{{cite web |title=The Wrong Number ][ BBS History – The Complete History |url=https://example.com/WNFhistory.pdf |last=Bucko |access-date=2025-08-05}}</ref>


Image BBS originated as a heavily modified version of ''CMBBS'' (Color64 Message BBS) in 1985. It was developed by Jeff Wilson and Greg Pfountz, who rewrote much of the original codebase in assembly language to improve performance and flexibility. The earliest public release, typically referred to as ''Image 1.0'', introduced a modular structure and advanced multi-user features for the time.
Gladden and Kelm eventually left Perspective Software after disagreements during the development of version 12.1a. The unfinished C-Net 12.1a was rebranded and completed independently under the name '''Image BBS 1.0''', with the newly formed New Image Software handling its release on November 8, 1988.<ref name="WNF" />


Later versions added support for larger message bases, multiple storage devices, modem configurations, and sysop scripting. ''Image 1.2'' became the most widely adopted release throughout the late 1980s, used by hundreds of Commodore BBSes in the U.S. and Europe. Support for the Commodore 128 was introduced in subsequent branches of the software.
Version 1.1 followed in early 1989 but was recalled due to drive compatibility issues. A substantially rewritten version 1.2 was released in November 1989, introducing improved BASIC and machine language routines, as well as support for networking and relative file message bases ("Turbo-RELs").<ref name="WNF" />


Development slowed in the early 1990s with the decline of Commodore systems and the growing use of PC-based BBS software. However, several sysops and enthusiasts maintained and modified versions independently.
Over time, enhancements for compatibility with CMD hard drives and SwiftLink cartridges enabled support for high-speed modems, leading to versions 1.2a and beyond. While Image BBS usage declined in the 1990s with the fall of Commodore platforms, it maintained a following within the retrocomputing community. The software's development was briefly revived in the mid-1990s as a potential version 2.0, but hardware failures and changing priorities prevented its completion.<ref name="WNF" />


== Features ==
== Features ==
* PETSCII-based graphical menus and interface 
* Modular command shells and menu-driven navigation 
* Message boards, private e-mail, file transfers 
* Support for multiple user levels and security access 
* Built-in support for door games and PFILES (add-on programs) 
* Compatibility with 1541, 1571, 1581, and CMD storage devices 
* SwiftLink cartridge support for high-speed modem access 
* Native support for Commodore 128 memory and display modes (in compatible versions) 
* Basic scripting support via <code>&</code> command for interactive output and interface customization<ref name="WNF" />


* PETSCII-based graphical menus and interface
== Modern Revival ==
* Customizable ASCII/ANSI login screens (when using terminal adapters)
In the 2010s, interest in Image BBS resurfaced, with hobbyists adapting the software for use with modern telnet-based connections through Wi-Fi modems and emulators. This effort culminated in the release of '''Image BBS v3.0''', a community-led update preserving compatibility with earlier Image BBS versions while adding modern networking support.<ref name="WNF" />
* Modular command shell and menus
* Message boards, e-mail, file transfer areas
* Multiple user levels and security access settings
* Basic door game and add-on support
* Local and remote sysop tools
* Compatibility with 1541/1571/1581 and RAMDrive-based storage
* Optional Commodore 128 mode with additional memory and display support


== Legacy ==
Several active boards remain accessible via telnet, running on either emulated or original Commodore hardware. These boards typically incorporate both original and modernized features, with new ANSI art, file libraries, and door game integration.


Although Image BBS usage declined with the end of the BBS era, the software maintained a loyal following within the Commodore retrocomputing community. Efforts to revive and modernize the platform began in the 2010s.
== Active systems ==
A number of Image BBS installations remain active and are listed in retro computing directories. Notable examples include:


A community-driven project, known as '''Image BBS v3.0''', was launched to update the original 1980s code for modern telnet-capable systems using Wi-Fi modems or IP bridges. The revived version includes native telnet support, bug fixes, additional features, and cross-compatibility with original Image BBS data files. As of the mid-2020s, several active Image BBS boards are accessible via telnet, hosted on original Commodore hardware or emulated systems.
* '''The Wrong Number ][''' – Historically significant board with deep ties to Image BBS development<ref name="WNF" />
* '''Cottonwood BBS''' – Commodore 64 board with PETSCII interface
* '''Central Ontario Remote''' – Commodore 128 system
* '''Borderline BBS''' – Hosted on modern Wi-Fi modem configurations
* '''Bucko’s Den''' – A legacy system briefly revived in the late 2010s


== Active systems ==
== Legacy ==
Several Image BBS systems remain operational, often listed on retro BBS directories. Notable current systems include:
Image BBS was among the most customizable and resilient bulletin board systems of its time. Its legacy is preserved by projects like the Image BBS 3.0 GitHub repository and ongoing support communities such as the New Image SysOp Support Association (NISSA) and Image Network.


* Cottonwood BBS (C64)
The BBS Documentary project and online archives such as C64-Wiki continue to preserve its technical and cultural impact on the Commodore scene.
* The Wrong Number ][ (C64)
* Central Ontario Remote (C128)
* Borderline BBS (WiModem)


== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Bulletin board system]]
* [[Bulletin board system]]
* [[Commodore 64]]
* [[Commodore 64]]
* [[PETSCII]]
* [[PETSCII]]
* [[C*Base]]
* [[C*Base]]
* [[Color64 BBS]]
* [[Color64 BBS]]
* [[GEOS (8-bit operating system)]]
* [[GEOS (8-bit operating system)]]


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist|refs=
 
<ref name="Zimmers">{{cite web |title=IMAGE BBS: A Short History |url=https://www.zimmers.net/bbs/docs/image.html |publisher=New Image Software |access-date=2025-08-05 |last=Dart |first=Fred}}</ref>
 
<ref name="C64Wiki">{{cite web |title=Image BBS |url=https://www.c64-wiki.com/wiki/Image_BBS |publisher=C64-Wiki |access-date=2025-08-05}}</ref>
 
<ref name="WNF">{{cite web |title=The Wrong Number ][ BBS History – The Complete History |url=https://example.com/WNFhistory.pdf |last=Bucko |access-date=2025-08-05}}</ref>
 
}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
* [https://cbbsoutpost.servebbs.com Image BBS Outpost – Community resource]
* [https://cbbsoutpost.servebbs.com Image BBS Outpost – Community resource]
* [https://telnetbbsguide.com/bbs/image-bbs Telnet BBS Guide – Image BBS Listings]
* [https://telnetbbsguide.com/bbs/image-bbs Telnet BBS Guide – Image BBS Listings]
* [https://www.bbsdocumentary.com BBS Documentary project]
* [https://www.bbsdocumentary.com BBS Documentary project]
* [https://github.com/jimner/image-bbs-3.0 Image BBS v3.0 source code on GitHub]
* [https://github.com/jimner/image-bbs-3.0 Image BBS v3.0 source code on GitHub]


[[Category:Bulletin board system software]]
[[Category:Bulletin board system software]]
[[Category:Commodore 64 software]]
[[Category:Commodore 64 software]]
[[Category:Commodore 128 software]]
[[Category:Commodore 128 software]]
[[Category:Telecommunications software]]
[[Category:Telecommunications software]]
[[Category:Free bulletin board software]]
[[Category:Free bulletin board software]]
[[Category:1980s software]]
[[Category:1980s software]]
[[Category:Retrocomputing]]
[[Category:Retrocomputing]]

Revision as of 02:42, 6 August 2025

Image BBS

Image BBS is a family of bulletin board system (BBS) software originally developed for the Commodore 64 and later the Commodore 128. First released in 1988, it became one of the most popular BBS platforms on Commodore 8-bit computers, known for its PETSCII graphical interface, modular structure, and active sysop community.

History

Image BBS originated from internal development on C-Net BBS, a widely used system in the 1980s created by Ken Pletzer of Perspective Software. After multiple iterations of C-Net, programmer Don Gladden—originally tasked with developing version 11.0—was delayed due to personal setbacks. This led to a separate version being released by Jim Selleck, which was plagued by bugs. Subsequent development by Gladden and collaborator Ray Kelm resulted in C-Net 12.0, based on the earlier, more stable 10.0 version.[1]

Gladden and Kelm eventually left Perspective Software after disagreements during the development of version 12.1a. The unfinished C-Net 12.1a was rebranded and completed independently under the name Image BBS 1.0, with the newly formed New Image Software handling its release on November 8, 1988.[1]

Version 1.1 followed in early 1989 but was recalled due to drive compatibility issues. A substantially rewritten version 1.2 was released in November 1989, introducing improved BASIC and machine language routines, as well as support for networking and relative file message bases ("Turbo-RELs").[1]

Over time, enhancements for compatibility with CMD hard drives and SwiftLink cartridges enabled support for high-speed modems, leading to versions 1.2a and beyond. While Image BBS usage declined in the 1990s with the fall of Commodore platforms, it maintained a following within the retrocomputing community. The software's development was briefly revived in the mid-1990s as a potential version 2.0, but hardware failures and changing priorities prevented its completion.[1]

Features

  • PETSCII-based graphical menus and interface
  • Modular command shells and menu-driven navigation
  • Message boards, private e-mail, file transfers
  • Support for multiple user levels and security access
  • Built-in support for door games and PFILES (add-on programs)
  • Compatibility with 1541, 1571, 1581, and CMD storage devices
  • SwiftLink cartridge support for high-speed modem access
  • Native support for Commodore 128 memory and display modes (in compatible versions)
  • Basic scripting support via & command for interactive output and interface customization[1]

Modern Revival

In the 2010s, interest in Image BBS resurfaced, with hobbyists adapting the software for use with modern telnet-based connections through Wi-Fi modems and emulators. This effort culminated in the release of Image BBS v3.0, a community-led update preserving compatibility with earlier Image BBS versions while adding modern networking support.[1]

Several active boards remain accessible via telnet, running on either emulated or original Commodore hardware. These boards typically incorporate both original and modernized features, with new ANSI art, file libraries, and door game integration.

Active systems

A number of Image BBS installations remain active and are listed in retro computing directories. Notable examples include:

  • The Wrong Number ][ – Historically significant board with deep ties to Image BBS development[1]
  • Cottonwood BBS – Commodore 64 board with PETSCII interface
  • Central Ontario Remote – Commodore 128 system
  • Borderline BBS – Hosted on modern Wi-Fi modem configurations
  • Bucko’s Den – A legacy system briefly revived in the late 2010s

Legacy

Image BBS was among the most customizable and resilient bulletin board systems of its time. Its legacy is preserved by projects like the Image BBS 3.0 GitHub repository and ongoing support communities such as the New Image SysOp Support Association (NISSA) and Image Network.

The BBS Documentary project and online archives such as C64-Wiki continue to preserve its technical and cultural impact on the Commodore scene.

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Bucko. "The Wrong Number ][ BBS History – The Complete History" (PDF). Retrieved August 5, 2025.

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Cite error: A list-defined reference named "C64Wiki" is not used in the content (see the help page).

External links

Retrieved from "https://retrowikipedia.com/index.php?title=Image_BBS&oldid=15417"