ABBS for ALL

*** New "Install ABBS" script uploaded - The one in the archieve didn't work. ***

Ever wanted to run a BBS on your Amiga or via an Amiga emulator?

Well, this has been possible for many years. But ABBS became abandonware back in the early 2000s.

I took over the source code in 2017 and have made improvements to the system ever since.

Yet, there's still a lot to do and fix in this package – outdated documentation, for one.Most of the utilities we use within ABBS today are working.

I think it's about time to show the world ABBS again – even if no one ends up using it.

Anyone running ABBS these days, anyway?

Yes, there are still people running ABBS today. But I certainly wouldn't mind seeing more people getting their own BBS up and running!

Is there a way to contact us?

Join our ABBS community on Discord.

You can join us here:

https://discord.gg/DB4FxSUYCa

The serial number #999?

The #999 serial number used in this release is an "ABBS For All" notion.

If you'd like a personal serial number instead of #999, just come ask in our Discord community.

ABBS? When? What?

ABBS was created by Geir-Inge Høsteng sometime around 1991.

There were many BBSes running ABBS back in the day – especially here in Norway.

So, why was ABBS made?

Well, in short: Back in 1990/91, Geir-Inge wondered if it was possible to create a BBS system for our beloved Amiga.

He felt it was his task to make that happen – and he did.

And so, ABBS was born.

How much does ABBS cost? And is it still being maintained?

ABBS is free to use and download.

Of course, I wouldn't say no to donations or support of any kind.

ABBS has been like my "baby" since 2017, and I've learned a lot about 68k ASM and C in the process.

Most of the utilities included in this package were made by me. Some have simply been updated for future use.

Yes, ABBS is still being actively maintained – and probably will be, as long as there’s interest.

What else do I need to know?

After installation, you should definitely read some of the ABBS documentation.

But be aware: parts of it are outdated.

We’re working on converting everything into AmigaGuide files instead – to make it easier to find the info you need.

So, what now?

Have fun with ABBS if you decide to try it out!

I’ve had fun with it since around 1995 – well, with a break of two or three decades in between.

But we’re back! :)

📚 Documentation Notice

⚠️ Note: ABBS documentation is partially outdated and may not reflect the latest features or tools available in ABBS v3.x.
We are currently working on a new and updated AmigaGuide version of the documentation, which will include all recent changes, tools, and features introduced since v2.x.
In the meantime, please refer to the included .doc files (e.g., edituser.doc, abbsarexx.doc) for up-to-date information on specific tools or functions.

ABBS (Amiga Bulletin Board System) – Feature Overview

💬 Core BBS Functionality

• Multi-node BBS support with real-time node status display

• Customizable login and welcome screens

• SysOp and public node separation for clearer management

• Bulletin board system with support for:

  • Bulletins (read, write, delete)

  • Message boards (local messages, replies, threading)

  • File areas with descriptions and upload/download tracking

• Chat functionality between nodes

• Full keyboard command interface with menus for SysOps and users

🧑‍💼 SysOp Tools & Features

• MainWindow GUI for visual node monitoring and control

• Built-in tools for:

  • Editing user profiles (Edit User button + UserEditor)

  • Modifying file descriptions (ModifyFile)

  • Managing system configuration (ConfigBBS, ConfigNode)

• SysOp menu commands for quick access to admin functions

• Toggle SysOp availability via SysopAvail tool or command

🧰 Included Tools (latest versions)

• UserEditor v1.0 – Graphical user editor integrated with ABBS MainWindow

• ConfigBBS v2.1 – Manage BBS configuration, with About dialog, versioning, and menu-based file cache toggle

• ConfigNode v2.43 – Node-specific settings with bug fixes and GUI improvements

• SysopAvail v2.0 – Toggle and report SysOp availability status

• ABBS Utilities – Various CLI tools with proper version tagging

⚙️ Advanced Features

• ARexx support with a growing set of functions:

  • SETNODECITY, SETNODESPEED, SETNODEUSER

  • GETNODECITY, GETNODESPEED, GETNODEUSER

• Message filtering system with granular control (0–50 levels)

• Background process handling for About/Stats to prevent multiple instances

• Optional FileCache system, toggled via menu or CLI tool (ToggleCache)

🛠️ Installation & Configuration

• Installer/Updater supports:

  • Upgrading from ABBS v1.1 to v2.x to v3.x

  • Fresh installs of ABBS v3.x

• Tools and GUI designed for both config-driven and config-less operation (restored 1.x behavior)

📊 Statistics & GUI Feedback

• Stats dialog in About window shows:

  • Number of logins, uploads, downloads, new users (last 7 days)

• SysOp can view node/user info directly from GUI

• Cleaned up node list display with consistent format and activity status

and more.