What is a BBS & OSP? ...you ask...

BBS = Bulletin Board System
OSP = Online Service Provider


An OSP (BBS) is a computer which you can call using your modems, log-on using a nick name or your real name, depends on the *1SysOp. Once you're logged on, you can see who else is on the system, leave messages, post public messages, download files, chat with other users, play online multiplayer games, *2doors, etc.
For over 25 years this type of system was refered to as a BBS, but times change and now are refered to as an OSP, yet the BBS is still there, it is a part of the OSP. The part which informs the users about various topics (bulletins section of the OSP is the BBS).

99.9% of the time, these OSP (BBS)'s are absolutely free to log on to and use most of the services.

OSPs of today now come in all sorts of display, sizes, and sounds. :) From Ansi emulation to HTML full web graphics emulation, and many type of views in between.

For even more detailed information on how to use such a service go here

*1-SysOp = Systems Operator, the person which runs and maintains the OSP.
*2-doors = an external program ran from the main BBS software, eg. online games, chat