PuTTY is a general-purpose terminal and SSH client that is commonly installed on Windows systems. While it is not designed specifically for BBS use, it can still be used to connect to Telnet-based BBSes.
This guide explains how — and when — to use PuTTY for BBS connections.
What You’ll Need
- A Windows system with PuTTY installed
- Internet access
- A Telnet-enabled BBS
PuTTY does not support modem dialing.
Step 1: Launch PuTTY
Open PuTTY. You will see the Session configuration screen.
Step 2: Configure the Connection
In the Session screen:
- Connection Type: Telnet
- Host Name: BBS hostname or IP
- Port: usually
23
Optionally save the session with a descriptive name.
Step 3: Adjust Terminal Settings (Important)
Before connecting, adjust the following:
Terminal → Keyboard
- Set Backspace key to Control-H
Window
- Set Columns: 80
- Set Rows: 25
Window → Translation
- Set Remote character set: CP437
These settings are required for proper BBS display.
Step 4: Connect
Return to Session and click Open.
If successful, the BBS will appear in the terminal window.
Known Limitations
- No ANSI animation support
- Poor font handling
- No modem or serial support
- Not BBS-optimized
When Should You Use PuTTY?
PuTTY is acceptable if:
- You already have it installed
- You want a quick test connection
- You are troubleshooting access
For regular use, a dedicated BBS terminal is strongly recommended.
Final Notes
PuTTY works — but it is not ideal.
If you plan to spend time on BBSes, SyncTERM or MuffinTerm will provide a much better experience.
Related Guides
- How to Connect to a BBS in 2026
- HOWTO: Connect Using SyncTERM
- HOWTO: Connect Using MuffinTerm
— Analog Node