Observed arrival · 2026-11-01

BadTerm, down to the busy signal

badterm.com Visit website

Editorial interest 83/100 Selection signal · not a rating of the site

A free, cross-platform BBS client that connects over telnet, SSH, or modem and renders vintage board graphics and text modes.

Landing page captured for the 2026-11-01 issue.

For: BBS callers using modern computers and old modems
Worth noticing: Its dialing directory can import lists from SyncTERM, NetRunner, Qodem, EtherTerm, MagiTerm, or the Telnet BBS Guide.

Field notes

The client draws its own terminal screen, supporting 80x25 through 132x52 layouts, iCE colors, and SyncTERM palette and font changes. Its dialing directory can import existing lists from six named clients and the Telnet BBS Guide; calls can be captured as ANSI or text, and screens saved as .ans or .png with SAUCE credits for artwork. The page lists GPL-3.0 and says there is no telemetry.

Observed signals

Read the marks

Editorial observations of this landing page, not a rating.

○OpenPublic substance visible

✦PrettyNotable craft visible

●ProPolished or operationally mature

◎NicheUnusually specific use

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