Turbo Pascal BBS Modernization

I have the original Turbo Pascal source code of a classic dial-up BBS. I now need it refreshed for today’s networks and hardware while keeping the old-school spirit intact.

The first priority is a clean build that runs natively on Ubuntu (64-bit). After that, I will also want Windows 11 and ARM binaries, so please structure the project with cross-platform portability in mind from day one.

Core objectives
• Eliminate all pre-2000 date logic and make the code fully Y2K-compliant.
• Replace the COM-port/modem routines with an integrated Telnet server so users can connect over TCP/IP without external helpers.
• Modernize the interface where it matters for functionality—clearer menus, smoother navigation, and optional theme hooks—while respecting the retro aesthetic.
• Add a handful of new BBS features (message threading, extended file transfer stats, and basic SSH support are on my wish list).
• Profile and optimise the code so it handles today’s higher user counts without choking.
• Package the finished application so that it compiles under Free Pascal/Lazarus (or another open compiler you recommend) and ships with easy install scripts for Ubuntu.

Acceptance will be based on:
– Source compiles with no warnings on Ubuntu 22.04.
– Telnet connections work concurrently and show stable throughput in load tests.
– System clock rolls over past 31-Dec-1999 without errors in logs or user data.
– New UI flows are demonstrably quicker to navigate than the original.
– Memory/CPU footprint is documented and improved relative to the legacy build.

If you have deep Turbo Pascal or Free Pascal experience and enjoy breathing new life into vintage code, this should be a fun one.