FoReM BBS
FoReM BBS (short for *Friends of Rick and Eric's Modem*) was a family of bulletin board system (BBS) software for the Atari 8-bit family, Atari ST, and Apple II platforms. First released in 1983 for Atari 8-bit computers, FoReM became one of the most popular BBS programs for Atari users in the United States during the 1980s and early 1990s. It was widely used by hobbyist sysops, gaming communities, and early file-sharing networks.
History
FoReM BBS was created by Atari developer Matt Singer in 1983, initially written in Atari BASIC and later compiled to improve performance. Its name originated from the early BBS community group "Friends of Rick and Eric's Modem," in homage to two early Atari telecommunications enthusiasts.
FoReM quickly gained popularity for its ease of use, configurability, and support for common Atari peripherals. The software allowed users to host public message boards, share files, and chat remotely using dial-up modems. In an era when few full-featured BBS systems existed for the Atari platform, FoReM filled a critical role for grassroots communities.
Over time, multiple variants and forks were developed. FoReM XE targeted the 130XE with expanded memory, and FoReM ST was written specifically for the Atari ST line. A version for the Apple II was also released, though it remained less widely used.
Features
Features of FoReM BBS varied across versions but commonly included:
- Public and private message areas
- File libraries with upload/download capabilities
- User registration and access level management
- Sysop chat, local console support, and activity logs
- Time and ratio limits for users
- BASIC or compiled code customization for menu scripts
- Support for 300 to 2400 baud modems (later versions up to 9600 baud)
Advanced users could add custom modules and door games, often distributed in BBS user group circles or typed in from printed newsletters.
Platform support
Atari 8-bit
The original and most widely adopted version of FoReM was for the Atari 8-bit family. It ran on machines with as little as 48K of RAM and supported peripherals like the 850 Interface Module and various modem cartridges (e.g., SX212, MPP).
Atari ST
FoReM ST was released in the mid-1980s and supported the GEM desktop, hard disk storage, and higher-speed modems. While less popular than other ST-based BBS packages such as MichTron BBS and C*Net BBS, it remained in use into the early 1990s.
Apple II
An Apple II version was also developed but received limited support and adoption compared to other Apple II BBS software like GBBS or ProDOS-based systems.
Community and influence
FoReM BBS helped spawn one of the largest Atari-based BBS networks in the United States during the 1980s. Hundreds of sysops used the software to run public-access boards for games, warez, telecommunications discussions, and early online communities. The FoReM brand became synonymous with Atari-based boards in BBS listings and underground zines.
The flexibility of the BASIC-based configuration enabled widespread local customization. Sysops frequently modified FoReM boards with ASCII art menus, welcome screens, voting systems, and crude real-time games.
Decline and legacy
FoReM BBS usage declined in the 1990s as interest in Atari hardware waned and users migrated to PC-based systems like WWIV, PCBoard, and Wildcat! BBS. The original developer ceased support, but archives of FoReM software remain available through Atari user group repositories.
As of the 2020s, FoReM BBS has been preserved via emulation and retrocomputing projects. Enthusiasts continue to operate and explore classic FoReM systems on platforms like Altirra and Hatari, sometimes bridged to telnet for internet access.