Couple questions from an aspiring sysop
reddit / bbs

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Drunken_Idaho · 2020-09-23 22:37

Hi all. I have a few questions I hope I can get some guidance from
this awesome community.
I am planning to start hosting my own bbs. I have settled on
Synchronet.
First question is would it be more advantageous to host on linux or
Windows? I bought a raspberry pi, but I am still learning linux. I
kind of thought I'd use the bbs as incentive to really deep dive into
Linux, but seeing as there is a windows server,is that the best
option?
Second question, if I do go the Linux route, should I use Raspbian
light or Ubuntu Server 20.04? I am leaning heavily toward the
Raspberry Pi,but am trying to decide between Light Raspbian and
Ubuntu. I'll be using the pi in a headless configuration via ssh.
I would honestly just really appreciate any advice. I've thought about
hosting a bbs for 20 years off and on and I finally have time to
dedicate.
Thanks and thanks for all the great bbs''s you guys host. I've had a
great time checking them out recently.

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HerpieMcDerpie · 2020-09-23 23:22

The Windows version of this has you up in running the second you
download the package and run it. You can configure from there (BBS
name, Your name, add games).

I would set up the Windows one so you have something working to fiddle
with and make installing it on Linux a learning project for you.

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dmine45 · 2020-09-23 23:36

Agreed with the other comment. The Linux version you need to compile
in order for it to work. The Windows one has a very nice installer and
you'll have a BBS up and running in less than 5 minutes. Just follow
the wiki for hints and help. There's a Synchronet group on Facebook
and a large sysop user base (myself included) to help you out.
Welcome! :)

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electronicchicken · 2020-09-24 01:51

If you're totally new to Linux, you may prefer to start on Windows. It
is easy to migrate your BBS over to Linux later on if you want to. As
the other comment says, getting it going on Linux may be a good
project to learn from and take a bit of time with.

For the love of God don't go to Facebook for Synchronet support. Join
DOVE-Net one you have your board set up and find us there.