Communication Utilities for DOS
(Comm programs, mail readers)

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FreeComm- Full featured Delrina com prog with script support (free but requires registration).

* * * * * 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:

  1. Emulation: VT52, VT100, VT102, VT220, VT320, ADM3A, ANSI, COMPUSRV, HYPERTRM, IBM3278, IBM3101, RENX3278, TTY, TV925, TV950, VIEWPNT.
  2. Powerful scripting language.
  3. Built-in, comprehensive file management tools.
  4. Editor handles large files, includes spell checker.
  5. Can virus check incoming files (probably out of date since this is a 1995 app)
  6. Excellent online help.
  7. Protocols: Zmodem, Ymodem, Xmodem, CompuServe B, Kermit, HyperProtocol, and Text .
  8. Custom dialing configurations.
  9. mouse compatible...and much, much more.

download freecomm.exe (900K, self extract zip)


Conex- Small terminal program with Zmodem & TCP/IP support.

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.

  1. The IBM PC can be used as terminal via COM1 - COM4, via Interrupt 14, FOSSIL, DECNET LAT, FTP TCP/IP, B&W TCP/IP, 3COM (BAPI) at a host.
  2. COM parameters like baudrate (50-115200), parity, full/half duplex, xon/xoff or hardware handshake can be set in CONEX.
  3. Files can be transferred without protocol, e.g. to save a session to disk.
  4. Several DOS commands can be used inside CONEX such as "cd", "del" or a DOS shell can be entered.
  5. All incoming characters can be sent to a printer.
  6. You can transfer files to and from the host via Zmodem (autodownload) or Kermit protocol (long packets, sliding windows).
  7. Tektronix 4010/4014/4105, ANSI, DEC VT52 - VT320 can be emulated. The crosshair in GIN mode can be moved by a mouse.
  8. Up to 20-30 pages of screen output can be scrolled back to screen and edited.
  9. All keys including the numerical keypad and mouse buttons can be programmed.
  10. Incoming characters from the port can be remapped by the user.
  11. Supports a phonebook.
  12. Several sessions, especially net sessions, can be opened concurrently.
  13. CONEX is completely written in assembler -very quick and small.

6-21-97.

download conex71.zip.


Texas Z-modem- A very small terminal emulator with Zmodem file transfer support.

* * 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.

download txzm241.zip.


FreeTalk- Old-ish comm program with Zmodem support.

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:

  1. Interrupt-driven serial I/O - up to 38400 bits per second - menu selectable.
  2. Capture text to a file. Send ASCII text from a file.
  3. File Upload/Download with Xmodem or Xmodem/CRC. If the public domain PCZ.EXE is present (supplied), then Uploads/Downloads may also use Xmodem-1K, Ymodem(batch), SEAlink, or Zmodem protocols.
  4. Shell to DOS.
  5. User-configurable MODEM initialization and dialing lead-in strings.
  6. Browse/dial from phone directory file. One-key redial. Optional auto-redial.
  7. One-key shell to up to seven user-definable external programs.

download FREETALK.ZIP


NFX- Offline Qwk and Soup Mail Reader.

* * * * 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.

download nfx270.zip


Renegade BBS- A free and relatively easy-to-use BBS.

* * * 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