Bulletin board service , also known as a bulletin board system, is a communications feature available on computer networks. A bulletin board’s software stores messages posted (entered) by computer users and makes the messages available to other users. Most messages consist of text only, but they can also include pictures and even sounds. The software arranges the messages by category and, within each category, by the date and time of posting.
Some services cover many topics. Others are devoted to a single subject, such as a hobby, a type of business, or a political issue. Individuals from different geographic areas can use a bulletin board service to find people who share their interests, to exchange information and compare ideas, and to conduct business.
Bulletin board services are available on the Internet (the global network of computers). They are also offered by online services, commercial networks to which subscribers generally pay monthly or hourly fees.
