ENiGMA½ BBS
ENiGMA½ is a modern BBS software that runs on Node.js and brings back the classic bulletin board experience. It supports multiple platforms, unlimited nodes, Telnet/SSH/WebSocket access, FidoNet message networking, native DOS door emulation, and ActivityPub federation. Highly customizable via HJSON and JavaScript mods, with built-in file bases and full-text search.
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A modern BBS server software with a nostalgic touch
Core Features
- Cross‑platform: works on Linux, FreeBSD, macOS, Windows
- Multi‑protocol: Telnet, SSH, WebSocket (secure & insecure) built-in
- Highly customizable via HJSON config files, themes, and JavaScript mods
- Native DOS door emulation (v86) – run LORD, TradeWars without external emulators
- Message networking: FidoNet FTN with BinkP mailer, Multi-Relay Chat (MRC)
What It Can't Do
- •Configuration can be complex; read the official docs thoroughly
- •DOS door emulation uses v86 – memory‑intensive and not all DOS programs work perfectly
- •ActivityPub support is experimental and may lack full documentation or stability
Use Cases
- Setting up a retro BBS for community discussions, file sharing, and online games
- Hosting classic DOS doors (LORD, TradeWars 2002) with native emulation
- Joining the FidoNet network as a hub or leaf node for exchanging messages
Detailed Introduction
ENiGMA½ 是一个运行在 Node.js 上的现代 BBS（电子公告栏系统）服务端，支持多平台（Linux、FreeBSD、macOS、Windows）。它提供了 Telnet/SSH/WebSocket 接入、文件传输、FidoNet 消息网络、内置 BinkP 邮件收发、活动Pub 实验性支持，以及原生 DOS 门仿真（无需额外虚拟机）。通过 HJSON 配置和 JavaScript 模块实现高度自定义，并内置 SQLite 数据库、双因素认证等特性。适合搭建复古风格的在线社区、游戏门站或文件分享系统。
Troubleshooting & FAQ (2)
How-toHow can I store the SSH host key password in a separate file instead of plaintext in config.hjson for Enigma BBS?
Use the resolver syntax @file:/path/to/file for the password value in your config.hjson. For example: password: @file:/run/secrets/ssh_key_pass. This reads the password from the specified file. Alternatively, you can use an environment variable. This feature was added in PR #694.
TroubleshootingHow to fix text ghosting artifacts in terminal list view when scrolling?
In VerticalMenuView.prototype.redraw, change the old item erasure loop from 'this.oldDimens.height - 2' to 'this.oldDimens.height - 1' to clear the bottom row. After drawing items, add a loop to fill the area below the last item with spaces:
for (let i = startBlankRelativeRow; i < totalHeight; i++) {
const row = this.position.row + i;
this.client.term.write(ansi.goto(row, this.position.col) + this.getSGR() + ' '.repeat(this.dimens.width));
}
Full context in core/vertical_menu_view.js (issue #630).
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Getting Started
Download installer
Click the button above to download the installer for your system
Install the software
Double-click the downloaded installer and follow the prompts
On Linux/macOS, run: curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NuSkooler/enigma-bbs/master/misc/install.sh | bash
Follow the prompts to complete installation and default configuration
Launch the server and connect with any Telnet client (e.g., SyncTERM) to localhost:23
- On Linux/macOS, run: curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NuSkooler/enigma-bbs/master/misc/install.sh | bash
- Follow the prompts to complete installation and default configuration
- Launch the server and connect with any Telnet client (e.g., SyncTERM) to localhost:23
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Open Source Transparency
View GitHub SourceUninstall Info
Delete the installation directory (typically ~/.enigma-bbs or /opt/enigma-bbs) and remove any data files. Back up configuration and user data before deletion.
No Extra Dependencies
Ready to use after download. No additional runtime required.
Having issues? Check the FAQ below
2 FAQs
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