| Communication
Utilities for DOS (Comm programs, mail readers) Ratings: [* fair] to [* * * * * excellent] |
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* * * * * reviewed 7-13-97
FreeComm is a free reincarnation of Delrina's now-defunct DOS terminal program (c. 1995). There's a small catch to using this fine program. You must register it online through a toll-free 800 number. Otherwise, it will allow only three sessions of use. It takes only a minute to register- easy. Once you do, you'll have one of the finer com programs ever produced for DOS. It has a nag screen ad at startup but this is not a demo. This is a professional application packed with features. Here is a taste:
download freecomm.exe (900K, self extract zip)
unrated
I rarely if ever use a DOS terminal program these days- and since I no longer belong to a BBS, I can't easily put this program through my usual battery of tests. I place it here as "unrated" and list some of it's features from the documention. TCP/IP support requires a packet driver.
6-21-97.
* * reviewed 4-1-95
I used to use this program quite a bit when I was a BBS'er because I thought it was the only available freeware comm program with Zmodem support- now considered the most robust and frequently used transfer protocol on BBS's. Alas, now I only use it to open up my com port when Windows screws it up! TXZM is a very small program without script support, and I recommend it if you're short on diskspace. It does provide a dialing shortcut key, dialing directory, and a logging feaure. Other modem commands must be entered manually. ANSI terminal emulation is good. TXZM can also be used as an external Zmodem protocol for other comm programs.
unrated
Haven't tried this 1990 program (and may never) so I can't give it a rating. Because the external Zmodem program included with FreeTalk was developed during the age of 2400 baud modems, it may not be a wise choice if you own a high speed (28.8+) modem. Features from the documentation:
* * * * reviewed 12-29-96
Read and reply to messages sent in the form of Qwk or Soup packets. This type of message system is common among BBS forums. NFX does not provide mouse support, but remains my favorite free offline reader. Uses external archivers (PKZIP, ARJ). Includes built-in editor for replying. A version is also available for Windows 3.1.
* * * reviewed 12-29-96
I don't run a BBS, but I've played with this program. I've heard it's the best free BBS around and is still being actively developed. I had it up and running in no time. You will first need to get a "fossil driver" which is a DOS tsr that controls COM functions. It took me a while to locate a free one, so I'll save you the effort. Here's a free and popular fossil driver. There's also a newsgroup (alt.bbs.renegade) dedicated to Renegade.
download renegade.zip (ver 0511, 550K) I'll warn you now, this is a lousy link.
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(c)1997 Richard L. Green