XChat allows an image as the background for the chat Window. Luckily, if that image is small, XChat repeats it left to right and top to bottom. This makes it perfect for creating a multi-row background. All I had to do was create a square image (seen to the right) with the top section painted different color from the bottom. It's not perfect, but I think it helps. If you want to do the same thing you can simply right-click on the  image above and save it to your computer. Use the XChat Preferences screen to change the chat background image and your finished.

Thanks to the great folks at Hak5 I was finally able to log into my first BBS (Bulletin Board System).

Here is the definition from Wikipedia:

Bulletin Board System or BBS is a computer system running software that allows users to dial into the system over a phone line (or Telnet) and, using a terminal program, perform functions such as downloading software and data, uploading data, reading news, and exchanging messages with other users.

During their heyday (from the early 1980s to the mid 1990s), many BBSes were run as a hobby free of charge by the “SysOp” (system operator), while other BBSes charged their users a subscription fee for access, or were operated by a business as a means of supporting their customers. Still others were run by Internet service providers as part of their service to subscribers.

My friends had told me about it, but at the time I didn’t have access to it. For the longest time I simply assumed BBSes was something I would never experience. Fortunately, the guys at Hak5.com have put up their own. Come to find out, there are actually others out there that are still up. Monochrome | http://www.synchro.net/sbbslist.html

If you want to give it a try it’s very simple. All you need to do is telnet to hak5.servebbs.org. In Windows go to Start, Run. Then type “cmd” without quotes to bring up the command prompt. At the prompt, type in “telnet hak5.servebbs.org”. Since you are a new user, after you connect, type in the word “New” to start creating your account.

Give it a try, it’s actually a whole lot of fun!

Here is a list of some available games.

Usefull Links:

Hak5 BBS Page: http://wiki.hak5.org/wiki/Hak5_BBS
Synchronet BBS Software: http://www.synchro.net/
Wikipedia Article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulletin_board_system

Eboy – FooBar Poster
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Lovepixel
http://www.lovepixel.idv.tw/