>ChatGPT4 re: BBS ! or Bulletin Board Systems

By tigs February 23, 2003

I was curious about the differences between the BBS WAN, FidoNet and the actual Internet. I asked it two questions. The second one was true and it was nice to hear.

>ChatGPT4 re: BBS !
or Bulletin Board Systems

tigs$> what is the difference between a BBS with fidonet and the internet?

chatgpt>"A Bulletin Board System (BBS) with FidoNet and the Internet are distinct in their purposes, technologies, and how they facilitate communication and information sharing. Here's a detailed comparison:

Technology and Structure

1. BBS with Fidonet

A BBS is a computer server running software that allows users to connect over a phone line (using a modem) or, in some cases, via a terminal protocol over the internet. Users can share messages, files, play games, and participate in discussions.

FidoNet is a networked system for distributing messages between BBSes. It uses a store-and-forward system to pass messages and files between systems, typically over dial-up phone lines or, more recently, over the internet. FidoNet allowed BBSes to form a global network, with messages being relayed from one BBS to another until they reached their destination.

2. Internet

The Internet is a vast global network that connects millions of private, public, academic, business, and government networks. It uses the TCP/IP protocol suite for communication and supports a wide range of services, including the World Wide Web (WWW), email, voice over IP (VoIP), and file sharing.

Unlike BBSes where you typically connect to a single server at a time, the Internet allows simultaneous access to countless servers and services worldwide.

###

2. Accessibility and Usage

BBS with FidoNet: Accessing a BBS generally required direct dial-up access to the server or, in later years, a telnet connection over the internet. Users would often engage with a single BBS or a small selection of BBSes. FidoNet's message and file sharing was not instant; it could take hours or days for content to propagate across the network due to the store-and-forward method. > Internet The Internet is accessible through a wide range of devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets, using various technologies like Wi-Fi, broadband, and mobile data. Communication and information retrieval over the Internet can occur in real-time, making it a platform for instant messaging, live streaming, and immediate access to web content. ### 3. Content and Services BBS with FidoNet: BBS content and services are limited by the software capabilities of the BBS itself and the interests of its community. Common features include forums, file downloads, email, and games. FidoNet provided a way to exchange emails and public messages (echomail) with users on other BBSes, but its capabilities are relatively basic compared to modern internet services. Internet: Offers a vast array of content and services, including comprehensive search engines, social media platforms, online shopping, digital streaming, and much more. Supports sophisticated protocols for secure communication, data exchange, and content delivery (e.g., HTTPS, FTP, streaming protocols). A Bulletin Board System (BBS) with FidoNet and the Internet are distinct in their purposes, technologies, and how they facilitate communication and information sharing. Here's a detailed comparison: 1. Technology and Structure BBS with FidoNet: A BBS is a computer server running software that allows users to connect over a phone line (using a modem) or, in some cases, via a terminal protocol over the internet. Users can share messages, files, play games, and participate in discussions. FidoNet is a networked system for distributing messages between BBSes. It uses a store-and-forward system to pass messages and files between systems, typically over dial-up phone lines or, more recently, over the internet. FidoNet allowed BBSes to form a global network, with messages being relayed from one BBS to another until they reached their destination. Internet: The Internet is a vast global network that connects millions of private, public, academic, business, and government networks. It uses the TCP/IP protocol suite for communication and supports a wide range of services, including the World Wide Web (WWW), email, voice over IP (VoIP), and file sharing. Unlike BBSes where you typically connect to a single server at a time, the Internet allows simultaneous access to countless servers and services worldwide. 2. Accessibility and Usage BBS with FidoNet: Accessing a BBS generally required direct dial-up access to the server or, in later years, a telnet connection over the internet. Users would often engage with a single BBS or a small selection of BBSes. FidoNet's message and file sharing was not instant; it could take hours or days for content to propagate across the network due to the store-and-forward method. Internet: The Internet is accessible through a wide range of devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets, using various technologies like Wi-Fi, broadband, and mobile data. Communication and information retrieval over the Internet can occur in real-time, making it a platform for instant messaging, live streaming, and immediate access to web content. 3. Content and Services BBS with FidoNet: BBS content and services are limited by the software capabilities of the BBS itself and the interests of its community. Common features include forums, file downloads, email, and games. FidoNet provided a way to exchange emails and public messages (echomail) with users on other BBSes, but its capabilities are relatively basic compared to modern internet services. Internet: Offers a vast array of content and services, including comprehensive search engines, social media platforms, online shopping, digital streaming, and much more. Supports sophisticated protocols for secure communication, data exchange, and content delivery (e.g., HTTPS, FTP, streaming protocols). 4. Evolution and Current Status BBS with FidoNet: While most BBSes and FidoNet have largely been supplanted by the Internet, a niche community still exists. Some BBSes have transitioned to the Internet, offering telnet access or web interfaces. Internet: Continues to evolve with emerging technologies, such as blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence, expanding its capabilities and services. In summary, while BBSes with FidoNet played a crucial role in the early days of digital communication and community building, the Internet has surpassed them in terms of accessibility, speed, and breadth of content and services." BUT I THOUGHT... surpassed in terms of WHAT? ----------- tigs$> but what about the decentralized nature of BBS? ----------- "The decentralized nature of Bulletin Board Systems (BBSes) and their network, such as FidoNet, is indeed a key characteristic that differentiates them from the modern Internet in significant ways. Both BBSes and the Internet can be described as networks, but their approaches to decentralization, control, and community engagement have notable differences. Decentralization in BBS and FidoNet: BBSes: Individual BBSes were standalone systems usually operated by enthusiasts or small organizations. Each BBS was independently owned and managed, setting its own rules, available services, and community standards. This meant a highly decentralized structure where each system was a distinct entity within the larger ecosystem of BBSes. FidoNet: FidoNet connected these disparate BBSes into a wider network, allowing message and file exchanges. Despite this connectivity, the network maintained a decentralized approach. FidoNet's structure was hierarchical in terms of message routing (using Zone, Region, Net, and Node levels), but each node (or BBS) operated independently under the broader protocol standards. This allowed for a distributed messaging system without a central authority controlling the entire network. Comparison with the Internet: Internet: The Internet is decentralized in its fundamental design, with no central control over its networks and services. It operates on a global scale, connecting millions of networks and devices. However, certain aspects of the Internet, such as infrastructure (backbone networks, ISPs), standards (protocols, software), and services (search engines, social media platforms), are controlled by a relatively small number of organizations. This has led to concerns over centralization in terms of control, data ownership, and privacy. Key Aspects of Decentralization in BBS/FidoNet vs. Internet: Control and Ownership: BBSes and FidoNet featured a more grassroots level of ownership and control, with individuals and small groups operating their own nodes in the network. In contrast, significant portions of the Internet's infrastructure and popular platforms are owned and controlled by large corporations. Community Engagement: BBSes often fostered tight-knit communities with a strong sense of ownership and participation in the platform's governance. The decentralized nature of the Internet also supports diverse communities, but the scale and commercialization of major platforms have changed the dynamics of community engagement. Resilience and Censorship: Decentralization in both BBSes/FidoNet and the Internet contributes to resilience against failures and censorship. However, the concentration of power among key Internet players has raised concerns about censorship, privacy, and the potential for service disruption. Evolution and Adaptability: The Internet has continually evolved, absorbing or overshadowing technologies like BBSes and FidoNet. The decentralized nature of the Internet's early days has shifted towards a more centralized model in terms of content distribution and service provision, though initiatives like blockchain and decentralized web projects aim to counteract this trend. In summary, while both BBSes/FidoNet and the Internet embody principles of decentralization, the scale, control structures, and community engagement mechanisms differ significantly between them. The grassroots, individualistic nature of BBSes and FidoNet's decentralized network contrasts with the broader, more centralized control seen in parts of the Internet today, despite its inherently decentralized architecture." well well well... We gotta return to our roots... [BBS: The Documentary](https://youtu.be/Dddbe9OuJLU) (by Jason Scott) ((NOT me))

#make nostr better #internet #bbs

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