Definitions of common terms used throughout the Synchronet documentation. For FidoNet-specific terminology see the FidoNet Glossary.
Terms marked (historical) describe the dial-up / modem era. They are preserved here for context — modern Synchronet runs over Internet protocols and does not use serial-line modems at runtime.
A handle or pseudonym that a user is known by. Whether aliases are allowed at all is configured per-system in SCFG → System → Toggle Options → Allow User Aliases. When disabled, all users are known by their real names.
The ANSI X3.64 terminal standard and its escape sequences for cursor positioning and text attributes. Synchronet emits ANSI sequences to terminal clients (e.g. terminal programs like SyncTERM) when the user has ANSI capability enabled. See also ANSI.
A single file that contains multiple (typically compressed) files that can be expanded back to the originals. The most common formats are ZIP (Synchronet's default), 7z, GZ, BZ2, RAR, and ARJ. Archive handling is configured in SCFG → File Options.
Access Requirement String — a small expression language used throughout SCFG to express access controls (e.g. minimum security level, required flags, time-of-day restrictions, exemptions, etc.).
American Standard Code for Information Interchange. The 7-bit character encoding for English letters, digits, punctuation, and control codes. Synchronet text is typically CP437 (extended ASCII) or UTF-8 depending on the user's terminal.
A scripting language used historically to author command shells and modules for Synchronet. See baja. Most modern modules are written in JavaScript.
(historical) An obsolete term for the number of signal-level changes per second on a modem connection. The CCITT now prefers symbols per second. For example, a V.22bis connection transfers 600 symbols per second, but each symbol can represent up to four values, yielding an effective 2,400 bps. Often misused as a synonym for bps.
Bulletin Board System. A networked or dial-up service that lets users connect (today usually over Telnet, RSH/RLogin, or SSH; historically over a phone modem) to read and post messages, exchange files, chat, and run online games. See the listing of public Synchronet BBSes.
Bits Per Second (a.k.a. Bit Rate) — the rate of data transmission. Historically describing the modem-to-modem rate; now more generally any data rate. Each transmitted byte (8 bits) is also accompanied by start/stop bits in async serial transmission, for a total of 10 bits per data byte.
Real-time text communication between users — either line-by-line (multinode chat) or character-by-character (private chat). The sysop can also chat directly with a user via the ;CHAT command.
(historical) The RS-232 communications port on an IBM PC compatible computer through which digital signals were exchanged with a modem (or other peripheral). Either a 25- or 9-pin male connector. See also Serial Port and UART.
The complete syntax used to invoke a program — the program path/name plus any arguments. Command lines configured in SCFG (e.g. for external programs and protocol drivers) support Command Line Specifiers for variable substitution.
A trusted user with partial sysop privileges. Co-sysops typically hold a security level in the 80-89 range, plus selected exemption flags granting specific sysop functions. See Sysop for more.
See Archive.
See EchoMail.
Carriage Return (ASCII 13). The character that conventionally marks the end of a line of text, typically generated by the Enter key.
FidoNet NetMail flagged for immediate, direct delivery to the destination's network address — bypassing normal hub routing. The CR title-prefix (or the F exemption) controls whether a user may send Crash NetMail.
(historical) Data Communications Equipment. In RS-232 parlance, the dial-up modem that establishes and controls a data link via the telephone network.
(historical) The data transfer rate between two modems on a phone line.
See Extraction.
A section within a file library containing one related set of files for upload/download. Synonymous with file area. Configured in SCFG → File Areas.
Transfer of a file from the BBS (or another host) to the remote user. The opposite of upload.
(historical) Data Terminal Equipment. In RS-232 parlance, the device that generates or is the final destination of data — i.e. the computer.
(historical) The data transfer rate between the computer and the modem on its serial port.
A networked sub-board where messages posted on one BBS are distributed to every other BBS that carries the same area. The term originates with FidoNet EchoMail. Synchronet's echomail tosser is SBBSecho; see fidonet.
A separate program that handles echomail tossing/scanning when the front-end mailer doesn't do it directly. Synchronet ships with SBBSecho. Other historical examples: TosScan, Squish, GEcho, FreeMail.
Private messages between users (or between a user and the BBS, or via Internet SMTP/POP3/IMAP). E-mail is stored on the BBS until the recipient deletes it.
A character sequence introduced by an escape control code, used to change terminal attributes or cursor position. See ANSI.
Single-letter flags (A-Z) granting a user extended privileges or exempting them from specific limitations. See exemptions.
Programs run by Synchronet to extend its functionality — door games, mail tossers, text editors, file archive/extract drivers, etc. Configured in SCFG → External Programs. Often called doors or chains.
The splitting (and possible decompression) of an archived file back into the original set of files.
A worldwide store-and-forward message network originally for dial-up BBSes, still operating today over IP transports. Synchronet supports FidoNet via SBBSecho for tossing/scanning and BinkD (or BinkIT) as the mailer. See fidonet and the FidoNet glossary.
See Transfer Protocol.
One of 26 sysop-defined toggle flags (A-Z) per flag set (Synchronet has four flag sets). Used to express custom access controls in ARS expressions.
A program that handles inbound/outbound FidoNet sessions and hands off mail/echomail packets to the BBS or tosser. Examples: BinkD, BinkIT, BinkleyTerm, FrontDoor.
A group of related sub-boards (e.g. “Politics”, “Programming”). Configured in SCFG → Message Areas.
(historical) The modem's use of the CTS (Clear to Send) and RTS (Request to Send) RS-232 lines to throttle the flow of data between the computer and the modem.
The primary scripting language for Synchronet modules and user-facing programs in v3+. See javascript.
Local Area Network. A group of computers connected in a local environment for sharing data, applications, and peripherals.
A user's security level — a value in the range 0-99 controlling time online, lines per message, and (combined with flags) access to message areas, file areas, external programs, and so on. Levels 90+ are sysops.
A group of related file directories (e.g. “Games”, “Utilities”). Configured in SCFG → File Areas. Sometimes abbreviated Lib.
The act of authenticating with a user account on the BBS.
A user-created item in the message base. Messages may contain text, Ctrl-A attribute codes, and ANSI sequences. Messages are either public (posted on a sub-board) or private (e-mail).
Two or more BBSes sharing public messages, where posts on one BBS are distributed to others. Synchronet supports FidoNet (echomail), QWKnet, and DOVE-Net (an IP-based network).
(historical) A device that modulates digital signals from a computer into an analog form for transmission over a phone line, and demodulates received signals back to digital. Combined: modem.
A lightweight publish/subscribe messaging protocol. Synchronet can publish system events (logons, calls, errors, etc.) via MQTT for monitoring and integration.
A BBS configuration that allows multiple users to be connected and using shared resources (message bases, file bases, chat, etc.) simultaneously. Each connection is a node (see node).
The act of performing multiple tasks seemingly simultaneously. In the dial-up era, running multiple Synchronet nodes on a single PC required a multitasker like DESQview or OS/2.
A private message addressed to a specific user at a specific FidoNet (or other network) address. Most commonly used in reference to FidoNet.
Two or more computers connected to share resources. See LAN and Message Network.
New User Password — a semi-secret password the sysop sets in SCFG → System → New User Password to gate new user account creation.
Online is the state of a user currently connected to the BBS. Offline is the state of a node not accepting connections, or a user not currently connected.
The act of writing and saving a message on a sub-board (i.e. a public message), as opposed to sending e-mail.
A defined set of rules for communication between two parties. In a BBS context, this typically refers to either:
A compressed file (typically ZIP) containing the new messages, e-mail, bulletins, and a list of new files for an offline message reader. The filename is the system's QWK ID followed by .QWK. Created by Synchronet for download by users (and used in QWK networking). See qwk.
A QWK reply packet — a compressed file containing messages or e-mail composed offline by the user with their reader. The filename is the system's QWK ID followed by .REP. The user uploads the REP packet to deliver the messages.
Single-letter flags (A-Z) restricting a user from specific BBS features. See restrictions.
(historical) The Electronic Industries Association (EIA) interface standard defining the signals and voltages exchanged between a computer (or terminal) and a modem (or serial printer). Typically connected via a cable with a 9- or 25-pin male connector.
The Synchronet Configuration Utility — the UIFC-based console program used to configure most Synchronet settings. Run as exec/scfg.
See COM Port.
Synchronet Message Base — the on-disk format used for both message bases and (since v3.19) file bases. Maintained with smbutil, integrity-checked with chksmb, and rebuilt with fixsmb.
A single message area within a message group. Also called a conference, forum, or SIG (Special Interest Group). Configured in message_areas.
System Operator — the BBS owner/administrator. In Synchronet, any user with security level 90 or above is considered a sysop. See sysop and in-BBS User Editor.
Sysop-curated text files made available to users for reading (e.g. about-the-BBS info, ANSI art galleries, news). Distinct from the file transfer section: text files are not subject to credit/transfer access requirements. Configured in SCFG → Text File Sections.
(historical) The effective rate of data flow for a file transfer, measured in bits per second. Throughput depends on the connect rate plus error-control and data-compression protocols, if any.
A protocol for moving file content between the BBS and the user's terminal. Synchronet supports Xmodem, Ymodem, and Zmodem over the terminal session, plus FTP for batch transfers.
(historical) Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter. The integrated circuit that controlled the serial-port I/O on a PC. Each COM port needed its own UART. The 8250 and 16450 were typical; high-speed (9600 bps+) modems often required the buffered 16550AFN. Modern hardware integrates UARTs into peripheral controller chipsets (or eliminates them entirely in favor of USB and Ethernet).
Transfer of a file from the user to the BBS. The opposite of download.
A file uploaded by one user that is delivered to a specific other user (or set of users), rather than the public file base. Reached via the /U command at the transfer menu; the destination user retrieves it with /D.