C*Net BBS
C*Net BBS (pronounced "See-Net") is a family of bulletin board system (BBS) software originally developed for the Commodore 64 and later ported to the Commodore 128, Amiga, and PC platforms. Known for its advanced features, modular architecture, and extensibility, C*Net became one of the most popular and long-lasting BBS packages in the Commodore ecosystem during the 1980s and 1990s.
History
C*Net was created in 1983 by Ken Pletzer of Perspective Software. It was initially released for the Commodore 64 under the name "C-Net 64", providing sysops with a flexible alternative to more limited BBS systems available at the time. The software featured customizable menus, multi-line support, messaging, file transfers, and support for external modules and door games.
In 1986, a Commodore 128 version was introduced, taking advantage of the machine's extended memory and 80-column display mode. As the Commodore user base migrated to more powerful platforms, C*Net was ported to the Amiga as C-Net Amiga Pro, which became a leading BBS package for that system in the early 1990s. The Amiga version offered more sophisticated graphics, multi-user access, and internet gateway support.
The software was sold commercially through the early 1990s but transitioned to freeware as the BBS era declined. In the 2000s and 2010s, interest in C*Net revived within retrocomputing communities. Modern forks and updates were released to adapt the software for use with telnet-connected modems and emulated systems.
Features
C*Net BBS was known for offering advanced features relative to other Commodore BBS systems:
- Full-screen PETSCII and ANSI display
- Customizable command menus and themes
- Private mail, message boards, and file libraries
- Support for multiple storage devices and RAM expansion
- Door game support (both BASIC and machine language)
- Sysop tools for account management and system monitoring
- Networking support via FidoNet and later internet integration (Amiga version)
- Telnet and RS-232 support in modern ports
C*Net 64 and 128
The C*Net 64/128 versions were widely used by Commodore sysops in North America and Europe throughout the 1980s. These systems typically ran on 1541 or 1581 disk drives and used 2400 or 9600 baud modems. User interaction was driven by PETSCII menus with full-screen message reading and entry.
The 128 version supported dual processors and larger RAM, improving system speed and capacity. Many sysops customized their BBSes using third-party "MLC" (Machine Language Command) modules or hand-written BASIC code.
C-Net Amiga Pro
Released in the early 1990s, C-Net Amiga Pro was a major overhaul for the 16/32-bit Amiga platform. It introduced a multitasking interface, message threading, internet gateways, and support for advanced file protocols. C-Net Amiga Pro was considered one of the most powerful BBS systems on the Amiga, rivaling commercial PC platforms in features.
Modern revival
Enthusiasts revived and maintained various C*Net systems into the 21st century, modifying the software to run over telnet using Wi-Fi modems or TCP/IP serial bridges. C-Net 64/128 systems continue to operate today, hosted on real Commodore hardware or emulated systems such as VICE.
A maintained fork known as C*Net 128 V2.6 added telnet support and modern configuration tools while preserving compatibility with the original architecture. Source code and documentation are distributed via online archives and GitHub repositories.
Notable systems
Historically, hundreds of BBSes ran C*Net software, particularly in the United States and Canada. Some modern C*Net-based BBSes include:
- Cottonwood BBS (C*Net 128)
- The Underground (C-Net Amiga Pro)
- Black Flag BBS (C*Net 64)
- FUnet BBS (modern telnet system)