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From: hall@ittral.UUCP (Doug Hall)
Newsgroups: net.micro.apple
Subject: Softerm 2, a review
Message-ID: <427@ittral.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 25-Jun-84 18:51:12 EDT
Article-I.D.: ittral.427
Posted: Mon Jun 25 18:51:12 1984
Date-Received: Thu, 28-Jun-84 06:12:33 EDT
Lines: 36


[]
     I recently bought Softerm 2, a communication/terminal emulation package
for the Apple ][. After using it for a week I thought I would pass along a
few comments.
     Softerm 2 emulates a whole truckload of terminals (only one at a time,
however :-) ) and supports almost any imaginable Apple ][ configuration. All
the popular 80 column cards are supported, as well as the popular serial
cards, printer cards, clock cards, and modems. Transmission speeds to 9600
baud are supported. I have used the program at 300 and 1200 baud with my
Apple //e and 80 column card with no problems. The program has excellent
file transfer capabilities, and can transfer DOS, Pascal, or CP/M files
using any of three protocols, including XMODEM protocol.
     Softerm 2 includes a 3 key 'keyboard expander' which, when used in
conjunction with certain keys on the Apple keyboard, allows access to the
many features of the program. Since the keyboard enhancer is used for Softerm
functions, the Apple keyboard is used transparently, i.e. all ctrl and
shift combinations may be used without the bother of accidently invoking
some program function.
     The Softerm 2 software comes on 2 diskettes. They are not copy protected.
However, the program will not work without the keyboard enhancer, so the
software is of no use by itself.
     I've used the program for about a week now. Without a doubt it is the
best I've ever seen for the Apple. It is an extremely versatile program, and
has a lot of useful utilities built in. It has solved all of my file transfer
and terminal emulation problems. I highly recommend it.
     Now for the kicker. Softerm 2 retails for almost 200 bucks. Not cheap.
If you don't need specific terminal emulation capabilities you can save some
bucks by buying Softerm 1. It's essentially the same as Softerm 2, minus the 
terminal emulation features. Both Softerm 1 and Softerm 2 are from 
Softronics. I don't work for them, I just like their program.


                           Doug Hall
                           ITT Telecom B&CC
                           ittvax!ittral!hall