In 1986 I wrote a BBS (bulletin board system) called DLX, for MS-DOS computers. DLX is a multi-line BBS that features extensive chat features, both one-on-one and group chat. After Inner Loop Software closed in 1987, I kept tinkering with it. In 1994 I stopped work on DLX (at version 7), gave up my copyright on the program, and placed it in the public domain. In other words, it's FREE and, in the spirit of public domain freeware, I have included the Microsoft Pascal 4.0 source code, too. Note that it's written in Microsoft Pascal, not Turbo Pascal, as some think.
I sometimes get queries about where to find a copy of MS Pascal 4.0. Here is one possibility: EMS - Old Microsoft Software.
You can download DLX 7.0 from several places on the Internet, such as the Simtel archive. Simtel has added a mention of themselves to their version, but the archive is otherwise OK. Here is a link to a copy of the original DLX70BBS.ZIP on this server. Please note that I am no longer supporting DLX, and I have no connection with the Super DLX, EDLX or VDLX folks, either.
A number of authors took the DLX source code and enhanced it. The ones I know about are Super DLX (SDLX), EDLX and VDLX. Only VDLX is still going - They are working on a Windows version. For more info on VDLX, vist Collin Gohl's Dog Soft page.
DLX-derived BBSes on the net:
I still get emails about DLX and I thought I'd start sharing them here.
Date: Sun, 27 Jul 2008
I just wanted to send you an email and thank you for making DLX
available to download. I have run BBS's since owning a Commodore 64
back in 1985.
I ran my share of software, including Amiga BBS's and PC BBS's (Mostly
Searchlight and Major BBS).
I would love to setup a DLX BBS still, I always wanted one but could never really afford it (MBBS broke my bank).
~Chris
Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2007
Hello. I was an old owner of DLX many years ago. Just ran across your website and wanted to thank you for having developed such a great product so many years ago.
I had about 3,000 members (with 12 phone lines!) at one point and eventually had to shut down to the advent of the Internet …
Hope you’re still doing well!
Alex
Old SysOp – AIE (Adult Information Exchange) – Boca Raton, Florida