These computers communicated with each other and spread these discussion forums from computer to computer. These forums were going strong before there was an Internet. Early newsgroups were focused on computers and technical topics. Gradually groups were formed to discuss hobbies and literature. Support groups sprang up as computer users banded together to support each other through mutual problems.
Bulletin boards are similar to newsgroups in their function.
Computer buffs began creating bulletin boards on their home computers and attaching them to a telephone line. Other users could dial-in and leave public and private messages. These boards often had a local flavor, as most users were calling the local telephone number. With the relatively recent advent of the World Wide Web many Websites have added web-based bulletin boards. Some boards are devoted almost entirely to helping groups such as trauma survivors support and assist each other.