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 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.
History
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.
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.
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.
Features
- PETSCII-based graphical menus and interface
- Customizable ASCII/ANSI login screens (when using terminal adapters)
- 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
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.
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.
Active systems
Several Image BBS systems remain operational, often listed on retro BBS directories. Notable current systems include:
- Cottonwood BBS (C64)
- The Wrong Number ][ (C64)
- Central Ontario Remote (C128)
- Borderline BBS (WiModem)