RGFN User's Guide

Communication Software

If you enjoy browsing the Net and retrieving information, you'll want to make sure that your communications software program is powerful and easy to use. At minimum your communications program should support the following features:

• Numerous terminal emulations such as VT100, VT102, ANSI, IBM and others that allow you to set the terminal to the needs of various online services.
• Error correcting file transfer protocols including XMODEM, YMODEM, KERMIT, ZMODEM and others that allow you to send and receive files.
• Buffer capture or log writing that allow you capture everything scrolls across on your screen while online.
• Gateway abilities that allow you to leave an online session momentarily without losing your connection.
• Automated Dialing Directory to store phone numbers and automatically dial them for you.

Commercial, public domain, freeware and shareware programs are available from several sources on the Internet. Your choice depends on the type of computer you use and the features you want.

Macintosh

Zterm0.9 is widely and has easy modem configuration, simple logon scripting and supports X, Y and ZModem transfer protocols. It is available at all Mac Internet archive sites including:

• wuarchive.wustl.edu/systems/mac/umich.edu/util/comm
• mrcnext.cso.uiuc.edu/pub/info-mac/comm/MacTCP
• ftp.tidbits.com /pub/tidbits/tisk or pub/eudora
• http://wwwhost.cc.utexas.edu/cc/microlib-mac/main.html
• boombox.micro.umn.edu
• ftp.ncsa.uiuc.edu

IBM PC: DOS

PCPLUS is the shareware junior brother of ProComm and ProComm for Windows. It is a more than adequate program in its own right and is widely used. Kermit is typically distributed with only the basic program, there are add-ons available with features such as dialing directory. It is a Public Domain (freeware) program. Two other communication programs, Terminate and Telix, are also available. Both provide many of the features that you need, at a reasonable shareware price. They are also widely used. You can find Telix in the RGFN Download Library.

IBM PCs: Windows

PCPlus for Windows, WinRamp, and Commit! programs are available. NOTE: When using a windows software program with RGFN, set the software to interpret the arrow keys movement for communications and not for window control. Look for these at:
http://coyote.csusm.edu/cwis/winworld/winworld.html

Others

You can also find programs for Commodore and Apple.

Help

For help with connecting to or using the RGFN, you can place a call to the Help Desk at (915) 594-2190, but be aware that we may not know your particular software or equipment.

RGFN User's Guide Copyright 1995: You may copy this guide and distribute it for educational purposes only and not for any other purpose.

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