Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!husc6!cmcl2!lanl!unm-la!unmvax!charon!cscbrkac
From: cscbrkac@charon.unm.edu (Lazlo Nibble)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple
Subject: Re: the perfect telecommunications program
Message-ID: <3488@charon.unm.edu>
Date: 5 Aug 88 09:33:14 GMT
Reply-To: cscbrkac@unmc.UUCP (Lazlo Nibble)
Organization: Deep in the Bowels of the net.steam.tunnels
Lines: 60

Andy Tefft writes:

> I'm looking for a really good communications program. Right now, I use
> 3 or 4 different ones, depending on what i'm doing, because each has
> its specific strengths and weaknesses. Here are the features I'm looking
> for:
>
> -Ascii, xmodem, ymodem, zmodem file transfer (Here z-link or TIIre good.)

Woooah, back up.  Who has implemented Zmodem for the Apple?  This is the first
I've heard of this.

> [Lots of other features deleted]
>
> Does such a program exist!?!?!? Actually I'm watching the Z-link development
> very closely since it seems to be getting there... but i usually use kermit
> (I am now). what's this about kermit 3.84??

I use ProTERM.  Yes, I know it isn't shareware, but I think it's worth the
price:

*  It does support VT100 (has a problem wrapping the screen in vi but fine
   otherwise).  Also supports several other popular terms, and has its own
   proprietary mode that supports Mousetext and simple music generation.

*  It handles file transfers in ASCII, Xmodem (vanilla, DOS, and ProDOS
   flavors), Ymodem, Kermit, and Transit<?>, and does them in file, batch,
   Binary II, or disk (DDD/PBH compatible) format either uploading or
   downloading.  The only thing I wish it had is Zmodem.

*  Easy commands, and lots of 'em, with fairly powerful macros (though
   AE-Mousetalk has it seriously beat in the macro department -- much more
   room).

*  Easy access to ProDOS commands (copy files, rename, format disk, delete
   files, create subdir, easy directory traversal, etc.)

*  Views and prints TXT and APW files (and edits 'em, I'm using the builtin
   editor to compose this post).

It does have some things that would be disadvantageous to you -- the VT100
bug, it's not shareware and doesn't support DOS 3.3, you can't access /RAM
(it uses 44K for a copy/edit buffer and the rest for scrollback, up to your
full capacity, whether you like it or not :-().  It also doesn't "quit straight
to DOS" (I think you mean automatically dive back to BASIC.SYSTEM) but it uses
the QUIT code properly and comes with a more intelligent "next-program"
selection interface -- if there's not a vector set where to go when you exit
the program, it lets you select where to go via menu.  This is hacked into the
ProDOS on the ProTERM disk.

I've noticed most ProDOS-based shareware term programs don't support my modem
(an AppleCat II 212 system that I have no intention of replacing with some
wimpy external modem -- I'm eyeing the DataLink 2400 though) so I bought
ProTERM.  I'm VERY happy with it and wouldn't consider changing back to
anything less powerful.  If you're willing to actually buy a terminal program
and have an enhanced //e or greater, you should definitely consider it.

--
    Lazlo Nibble /\/oo\/\    |   Call Lair Of The Beast BBS: +1 505 268 4804
   cscbrkac@charon.unm.edu   |         "Where Wankies are Welcome"(TM)