For setting up a classic dial-up Bulletin Board System (BBS), which items are required at the host end to receive and serve callers?

Introduction:
Before the modern Internet, hobbyists and small organizations used Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) to share files, messages, and announcements. Understanding the minimal hardware and connectivity required to host a BBS clarifies how dial-up access worked and why certain capabilities were critical.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The BBS is reachable by callers over the public switched telephone network (PSTN).
• The host needs to answer incoming calls automatically, without manual intervention.
• Basic computing resources are needed to run the BBS software and store content.

Concept / Approach:
A functioning BBS requires: (1) a personal computer to run the BBS application and manage storage; (2) a telephone line so remote users can dial in; and (3) a smart modem with auto-answer capability so the system can detect incoming rings and negotiate a data connection automatically. Without any one of these, the BBS cannot accept unattended calls reliably.

Step-by-Step Solution:
List necessary components: PC + phone line + auto-answer modem.Confirm each item’s role: compute, connectivity, call negotiation.Recognize that all three are jointly necessary for a dial-up BBS.Select “All of the above.”

Verification / Alternative check:
Classic BBS guides specify modem initialization strings and auto-answer settings (e.g., ATS0=1) to pick up after a set number of rings.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Single components (A, B, or C) are insufficient alone.
• None of the above: invalid because all listed items are required.

Common Pitfalls:
Overlooking auto-answer; manual pickup would defeat unattended access by remote users.

Final Answer:
All of the above