A bulletin board is a modem-equipped computer which is running special bulletin board software. While most bulletin boards are free, many charge a nominal subscription fee which covers the rental of telephone lines and purchase of new software and features. Many businesses use bulletin boards to keep their employees and sales staffs informed of new developments and to collect reports from the field. Other businesses use bulletin boards as catalogs for software, homes, books, and other products. Many libraries have converted their card catalogs to computers and the catalog can be accessed by a modem from home or work.
Some bulletin boards are the business and the sole source of income for many individuals.
Lists of bulletin board telephone numbers are available from most computer dealers, and from computer magazines such as Boardwatch and Computer Shopper. Most bulletin boards contain extensive lists of other bulletin boards, both local and national.