https://jcs.org/subtext

joshua stein


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Subtext - A multi-user BBS server for classic MacOS

Subtext is a multi-user BBS server that is developed on and for
Macintosh System 6 (and above). It supports dialin access through a
serial modem and Telnet access through MacTCP. For full
documentation, see the GUIDE file included with the distribution.

Subtext is open source software released under an ISC license. See
the LICENSE file contained in the distribution for copyright and
licensing terms.

To see the BBS server in action, you can telnet to the Kludge BBS at
klud.ge, visit klud.ge in a web browser, or dial +1-312-654-0090 with
a modem.

I also have some videos about its development, and C programming on
System 6 in general.

Latest Update: Subtext 1.0 Released (2022-11-22)

Subtext 1.0 has been released:

  * subtext-1.0.sit (StuffIt 3 archive, includes source code and
    THINK C 5 project file)

This is the initial public release of the Subtext BBS server for
Classic Mac OS. It represents a full year of development and testing
while operating the Kludge BBS on my Macintosh Plus.

Thanks to all past and present Kludge users for feedback and bug
testing.

Source Code

Source code and its THINK C project file are contained in the latest
release archive, or it can be viewed on AmendHub.

Features

  * Multithreaded, multi-user BBS server that runs on System 6+
  * Telnet support through MacTCP
  * Direct serial modem support (no Communications Toolbox)
  * Integrated ANSI-capable local console
  * Local log window with smart screen blanking
  * Multiple threaded message boards
  * Multi-user interactive chat
  * Private messaging/mail
  * File uploading and downloading with ZMODEM support
  * Secure user password storage with SHA256
  * View/menu templates with variable expansion
  * Configurable main menu key shortcuts
  * Telnet brute-force IP banning by sending UDP packets to a
    firewall host

Screenshots

Logger

By default, Subtext only shows its log window at the console. The
menus at the top allow the Sysop to edit menu and view templates in a
large text editor. All other configuration is done through the BBS
itself by logging in as a Sysop and accessing the Sysop Menu (with !
by default).

[-subtext-logger-512x342]

Console

Subtext has an integrated VT100-capable terminal to quickly login as
a Sysop user at the console.

[-subtext-console-512x342]
Copyright (c) 2001-2022 joshua stein. All rights reserved.