Computer Security Bulletin Board System: User's Guide

An electronic bulletin board system (BBS) is similar to a regular bulletin board, except that all posted information is stored on a computer rather than on a wall. A BBS has several features which a regular bulletin board does not have. For example, on a BBS, one person can leave a message for another person without letting everyone else read it. Also, documents which are too long to post on a regular bulletin board are easily stored on a BBS. Further, BBS documents are categorized for easy reference.

This guide describes the NIST Computer Security BBS and how to use its many features. The guide is written specifically for the user who has never used a bulletin board. Explanations are given on what a BBS is, how and what a "log-on” is and continues with step by step instructions on maneuvering throughout the board. The guide is also geared to the more experienced user as well. The essential functions are divided into separate sections which can stand alone from the rest of the document.