HOWTO: Connect to a BBS Using SyncTERM

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SyncTERM is one of the best terminal programs available today for connecting to Bulletin Board Systems. It is actively maintained, runs on modern operating systems, and supports both Telnet and real modem connections.

If you are new to BBSes in 2026, SyncTERM is the recommended place to start.

This guide walks through installing SyncTERM, configuring it, and connecting to your first BBS.

What You’ll Need

  • A computer running Windows, Linux, BSD or macOS
  • Internet access (for Telnet)
  • Optional: a physical modem and serial adapter (for dial-up)

No special privileges or legacy hardware are required.

Step 1: Download and Install SyncTERM

Download

SyncTERM is available from the official site and common BBS archives.

Download the version appropriate for your operating system:

  • Windows
  • Linux
  • BSD
  • macOS

After downloading:

  • Extract the archive
  • Install or run the executable according to your platform

On first launch, SyncTERM will open to the Directory / Connection List screen.

Step 2: Create a New BBS Entry

From the main SyncTERM screen:

  1. Press Insert (or choose New from the menu)
  2. Select Telnet as the connection type
  3. Enter the BBS details:
    • Address: hostname or IP (e.g. bbs.example.com)
    • Port: usually 23 or 2323
  4. Give the entry a Name (this is just for you)

Save the entry.

You now have a reusable connection profile.

Step 3: Configure Terminal Settings (Recommended)

Before connecting, adjust a few settings for best compatibility.

Open the entry’s Settings or Edit menu and verify:

  • Terminal Type: ANSI
  • Screen Size: 80 columns × 25 rows
  • Encoding: CP437 (Code Page 437)
  • Font: Default or a bitmap font if available

These settings match what most BBS software expects.

Step 4: Connect to the BBS

From the connection list:

  1. Highlight your BBS entry
  2. Press Enter (or choose Connect)

SyncTERM will open a terminal window and initiate the connection.

If successful, you should see:

  • A welcome banner
  • A login or new user prompt

You are now connected to a BBS.

Optional: Using a Real Modem with SyncTERM

SyncTERM also supports physical modems for dial-up connections.

You will need:

  • An external modem
  • A serial or USB-to-serial adapter
  • A working phone line or VoIP gateway

Basic Modem Setup

  1. Create a New Entry
  2. Choose Modem as the connection type
  3. Select the correct COM/serial port
  4. Set baud rate (typically 9600–57600)
  5. Enter the BBS phone number

Advanced modem and VoIP setups are covered in separate HOWTOs.

Common Problems and Fixes

Garbled or Incorrect Characters

  • Ensure encoding is set to CP437
  • Verify terminal type is ANSI

Connection Drops Immediately

  • Check the port number
  • Some BBSes require non-standard Telnet ports

No Color or Broken ANSI

  • Confirm font support
  • Disable UTF-8 mode if enabled

Where to Go Next

  • Return to: How to Connect to a BBS in 2026
  • Try another terminal:
    • HOWTO: Connect Using MuffinTerm
    • HOWTO: Connect Using PuTTY
  • Explore a live system in BBS Spotlights

Final Notes

SyncTERM strikes a rare balance:

  • Modern software
  • Classic compatibility
  • Active development

It behaves the way BBS terminal software should — quietly, predictably, and without abstraction getting in the way.

For most users, it’s the best bridge between today’s systems and yesterday’s networks.

— Analog Node