Current Windows, Linux and Mac
Use an OS-compatible SyncTERM release over SSH, or the browser terminal. IRC clients use TLS on port 6697. iPhone and iPad can use the browser clients.
CONNECTED TO THE UNDERGROUND // 1996 MODE
★ YOUR UNDERGROUND CONNECTION ★NO MODEM REQUIRED
Old machines. New connections.
Windows, Linux and Apple systems are welcome. Modern and legacy terminal gateways are live. Public connection checks passed; vintage hardware compatibility still depends on the client.
Download ASCII guide Client downloads
Terminal services
| Service | Host | Port | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBS SSH | bbs.unixtechlab.dev | 2222 | Encrypted · live |
| BBS Telnet | bbs.unixtechlab.dev | 23 | Plaintext · live |
| BBS Telnet TLS | bbs.unixtechlab.dev | 992 | Encrypted · live |
| BBS RLogin | bbs.unixtechlab.dev | 513 | Plaintext · live |
| IRC TLS | irc.unixtechlab.dev | 6697 | Encrypted · live |
| Legacy IRC | irc.unixtechlab.dev | 6667 | Plaintext · live |
Telnet, RLogin and legacy IRC send passwords without encryption. Use a separate password and ordinary account. Prefer SSH/TLS or a modern local gateway when possible.
Choose your machine
Windows 3.1 and early Linux
Use a compatible TCP/IP stack and Telnet client, or a nearby gateway that handles modern encryption. Current Windows installers do not run on Windows 3.1. Vintage IRC clients can use legacy IRC.
Classic Mac OS
Use compatible TCP/IP terminal and IRC software, or a modern local gateway. Choose plain ASCII if PC graphics display incorrectly.
Apple II / IIgs and serial terminals
Use terminal software with matching serial/network hardware or a nearby modern computer. Adapter, cable and baud rate depend on the machine. Full 40-column layouts remain untested.
Display and game compatibility
Start with 80 columns and 24 or 25 rows. ANSI/CP437 gives classic PC artwork; plain ASCII is available for simpler terminals. Individual games may require ANSI and 80 columns. Windows 3.1, classic Macs, Apple II and early Linux hardware have not yet been tested end to end.
No telephone modem needed for internet access
These are internet terminal services. Telephone dial-in is not configured. Internet users on a 56K dial-up connection can use compatible text clients.
See the complete ASCII guide for connection commands, password guidance and known limits.
A lighter way in
Browser compatibility: Modern browsers force HTTPS for all .dev addresses using a built-in policy. This retro hostname now has a trusted certificate for those browsers. Older clients that support only HTTP can try the plain HTTP address. Plain HTTP remains available to clients that do not enforce that policy. A broadly usable HTTP-only address would need a domain without mandatory HTTPS.
Open the plain HTML classic site. It requires no JavaScript, images or animation. It currently uses HTTPS.
The lightweight retro information site at utlundergroundretro.unixtechlab.dev is available now over HTTPS and plain HTTP. It carries public guides only, without logins, password forms or browser chat. HTTP traffic is unencrypted. Modern browser chat and the main site stay on HTTPS. Very old browsers may need a trusted local gateway or an offline copy of the guide.