The Computer Dictionary

Forums

Also called: Message Boards, Discussion Groups, Discussion Forums, and Discussion Boards.

These terms all refer to a place on the Internet where people can visit and communicate with each other. A forum is usually dedicated to a specific topic or special interest. They are not in real time, so participants are not necessarily connected to the host computer at the same time. Responses can be posted at any time that is convenient. The line of "posts" in one conversation is refered to as a "thread."

The terms "forum" and "board" usually refer to an entire community, although these terms may also apply to specific topic threads or sections dealing with a very specific subtopic within the community.

These public written exchanges can have the feel of a private discussion, but keep in mind everything that is said is permanent and can be viewed by anyone visiting the forum. Many forums require membership (usually free) before posting and sometimes for full access to all sections.

Forums cover every topic you can possibly imagine. If you are interested in a special interest, search and you will probably find a forum of people that share your special interest.

Newsgroups are related to forums but are somewhat different. See Newsgroups.

Bulletin Board Systems, also known as Bulletin Boards or BBS, is an older form of board discussion community that is different from today's forums. See Bulletin Board System for more information.

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