Communications Programs
For DOS

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No DOS Internet, or network apps are listed here- see other freeware lists.


TERMINAL PROGRAMS

Also see: Connect IDE and the DOS Navigator file manager (both include good integrated terminals).


1. QMODEM Test Drive- Excellent terminal program with script language, host mode.

* * * * * [added 06-19-99]

An excellent term program,"one of the smoothest." Includes great docs, an integral host mode, and an extensive script language.

Notes: 1) For fast Pentiums patch install.exe using bp7pat. 2) Ordinarily, qmodem uses the arrow keys for its scroll back feature - which can be annoying. Here is a fix (qmfix96b.zip , 11K)

"QMODEM 4.6 Test-Drive is licensed for individual personal use and evaluation for an unlimited time." Author: Mustang Software. (1994). Suggested by H. Schwartz, I. Smith; originally featured on Y. Bellefeuille's Best freeware for DOS list.

download qm46td-1.zip (372K)
and
download qm46td-2.zip (374K)


2. BananaCom- Easy to use terminal, z-modem transfers; now freeware.

untested [added 05-15-99]

Formerly shareware, this simple and stable text mode terminal received good reviews and achieved a high level of popularity among BBS's due to its easy set-up and user friendliness. Includes a dialing directory, ANSI emulation, scrollback buffer, text capture, and internal Z-Modem transfer protocol. Notes: Development has ended. May lock up with some Pentium II-based PC's.

Also available in these languages : French, Spanish, Dutch, Finnish, German, Portuguese, Indonesian, Polish, Hebrew.

Author: Paul Wheaton (1998) Home Page. ; sugg. by Bjorn Simonsen.

09-22-00: Found BananaCom's new web site, links updated.

download install.exe (165K)


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

unrated [updated 07-06-00]

"Conex seems to be the only terminal emulator that can send data to the port through init14 of the bios, thus allowing programs to make it mimic a telnet program."

Some features from the v7.1 documentation:

  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. Adjustable baudrate (50-115,200), parity, full/half duplex, xon/xoff or hardware handshake.
  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. Transfer protocols: Zmodem or Kermit protocol (long packets, sliding windows).
  7. Tektronix 4010/4014/4105, ANSI, DEC VT52 - VT320 emulation. 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 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, including net sessions, can be opened concurrently.
  13. CONEX is written in assembly language -quick and small.
Author: Erhard Hilbig, Germany (1995, 1998)

07-06-00: v7.5 (1998) added; Xmodem and Ymodem protocol have been implemented, other changes...see docs. (Thanks to Howard Schwartz and the author for obtaining the update).

download conex75.zip (95K)
or get the older but widely distributed conex71.zip (75K)


4. RBcomm- Small, memory efficient comm program with script support; uses external transfer protocols.

unrated [added 10-18-99]

From a user: "chiefly written for DESQview and blows away everything I've seen in almost every respect. It will run in DOS also....Configuration is a little involved, but not really hard. It uses an external xfer program (I'm using Texas Zmodem and getting consistent download speeds of 2200 cps on an 8088 at 19.2kb.) Another plus is that the ANSI/VT100 emulation doesn't screw up the screen every 10 seconds, but it's still a fast screen routine. Scripting, phonebooks, about everything imaginable...all this in a 33kb executable."

Author: Ralf Brown (1995). Home Page. Suggested by Steve Stocker.

download rbcom346.zip (120K)


5. Panther- Full featured terminal with script support.

unrated

I haven't tried this 1993 comm program but the feature list looks impressive, and it should handle fast modems. Developed primarily for accessing BBS's. I ran it through the auto-installation - which was a snap. I'll leave it to you to research how well it actually runs.

Features:

Limitations:

Author: Black Cat Software Factory, (1993)

download panther2.zip (345K)


6. Texas Zmodem- A very small ANSI terminal emulator with Zmodem file transfer support.

* * *

I used the "mini-terminal" component of this program quite a bit when accessing BBS's- it was one of the few available freeware comm programs 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 (33K) without script support, and I especially recommend it if you're short on diskspace. Author: Mike Dumdei (1994)

Limitations: Only supports Zmodem file transfers. No scrollback buffer (but try using Peruse with TZ.)

download txzm241.zip (43K)


7. Cyclone- Comm program with VT100 emulation, script support, Zmodem.

unrated

(Untested online). From India. Cyclone probably represents one of the smallest comm programs with a scripting language. VT100 emulation only (useful for Internet progs (Lynx, Pine) but not suitable for some BBS's.)

Nice features (culled from the documentation)

  1. Small exe (80K)
  2. Impressive VT100 emulation
  3. custom dialing configurations
  4. Z-Modem file transfer-uses PDZM v. 120 (included), a more recent PDZM update is available.
  5. Ability to mark and copy screen text to file, or capture entire screen to file
  6. Concise scripting language
  7. Pop-up notepad window (auto-save to file)
  8. Session logging
  9. Shell to DOS, Edit or view files while online using external programs
Limitations.
  1. Error handling of scripts needs improvement.
  2. No ANSI emulation.
  3. No mouse support.
  4. Only supports Zmodem file transfers.

download cyclone.zip (109K)


8. COMTOOL- Tiny (3.6K) terminal program.

unrated

As its name suggests, COMTOOL's intended use is as a com/ modem tool rather than as a terminal program. But it can function as a simple TTY terminal. No file transfer capabilities. No built-in help- read the documentation. ASM source included. Author: K.H. Weiss. Germany. (1994)

download comtool.zip (8K)


OFFLINE MAIL READERS

For a comprehensive list of shareware and freeware Offline Mail Readers (for several platforms), see Jim Hanoian's offline readers pages.


1. NFX- Offline Qwk and Soup Mail read/ reply .
2. SLMR- Offline Qwk Mail read/ reply with mouse support.
3. OLX21td- Offline Qwk Mail read/ reply with mouse support.
4. ReadMail- Offline multi-format message reader/ creator.

  1. NFX: * * * * [updated 9-12-98] Read and reply to messages sent in the form of Qwk or Soup packets. Uses external archivers (PKZIP, ARJ). Includes built-in editor for replying. NFX automatically creates subdirectories for storing incoming and outgoing packets, config files, etc. Note: A freeware version of NFX is also available for Windows 3.1, but no link on the Net? Y2K ready. Author: Blueview Software. (1996)
  2. Silly Little Mail Reader: * * * * Not at all silly- it is an excellent mouse driven, offline QWK packet reader with reply capability. This was the predecessor to the OLX mail reader. SLMR has many many options, most of which I've never tested. SLMR has been free for individual use since 1992. There is still a small nag function left in the program from it's shareware days (you have to press a key to activate the main menu). If you are adventurous, instructions to "cure" this have been widely distributed on BBS's in SLMRFIX.ZIP. Note Y2K issues. Author: Mustang Software. (1992)
  3. OLX21td: unrated. [added 3-6-98] This is a non-disabled, no expire "test drive" version of the OLX reader- the descendant of SLMR. Splashes a message on exit, but otherwise, fully functional. Complete documentation. Note the Y2K issues. Author: Mustang Software. (1992). Suggested by Robert Bull. Status: "OLX 2.1 Test-Drive is licensed for individual personal use and evaluation for an unlimited time. Use and evaluation by businesses, corporations or individuals in a commercial venture is limited to 60 days, after which time the REGISTERED version of OLX must be purchased or the use of OLX 2.1 Test- Drive must be discontinued. (Mustang no longer markets it- sold to someone else- ?Satronics).
  4. ReadMail: unrated. [added 1-3-99] ReadMail is an offline news and message reader that employs the familiar Borland text mode multi-document interface- it's well-suited to mouse or keyboard users."The most notable feature of ReadMail is its ability to handle many different message formats, including ones which can be defined by the user. ReadMail allows the user to customize how to read mail, news, bbs bulletins, or other messages by defining their headers in an easy-to-use screen. It opens listserv ``digests'' in a separate window and lets you read each message in the digest one at a time. It reads, for instance, soup and QWK packets directly, without having to decompress them. And it lets you write mail, news or message replys. ReadMail has a resizable "preview" window just like MS Outlook- you can view the first few lines of each message as you browse a list. It also lets you mark a set of messages and then operate on the set (e.g., delete or save messages 3, 5, 9). You can define your own editor or viewer if you wish to view/edit messages." Note that an older release of ReadMail is distributed through Simtel mirrors as rmail41.zip but it lacks the ability to create mail/ messages. The version 5.0 is a free beta from 1995 and seems quite stable. Author: Jeroen Schipper. Thanks to Howard Schwartz for suggestion & comments.

ZMODEM PROTOCOL DRIVERS


(Also see: Texas Zmodem)

1. PDZM- Public domain Zmodem protocol.
2. CE-XYZ- File transfer protocol module (X, Y, Zmodem, and variants).
3. ZEST- Zmodem protocol module for EGA/VGA displays.

all unrated

  1. PDZM is for use with comm programs that support external protocols and also is used with BBS's. Distinguishing features of this package include (from docs): Full Public Domain status, including commercial use. 1) Support of any IBM compatible serial interface, using any IRQ up to #15. FOSSIL support. 2) High throughput, especially with ISDN; optimum throughput on bad lines due to calculation of the best data block size. 3) All standard Zmodem functions. ZedZap support (8k data blocks). 4) Optional transfer of whole directory trees. 4) Chat function. 5) Automatic cps rate and transfer time control. 6) Time synchronization. 7) Minimum system load under OS/2 or DesqView. 8) Choice of English or German user interface. Limitations: Xmodem, Ymodem and XON/XOFF (software) handshake are not supported. Good documentation. Author: Peter Mandrella, Germany. (1996)
  2. CE-XYZ can be used as a free substitute for external protocol modules, such as DSZ and GSZ. Intended for comm programs that support external protocols, and BBS's. CE-XYZ supports the following protocols: Zmodem: 16, 32-bit CRC; ZedZap: 32-bit CRC; Ymodem: Batch, 1K, G; Xmodem: 1K, CRC/Checksum. Ability to use 3 different serial port communication methods: FOSSIL communications (most compatible with FidoNet systems, default); Direct communications (standard for most comm programs); Interrupt driven communications (fastest, takes over INT 14h). Free for non-commercial use. (1993)
  3. ZEST: [added 3-6-98] Yet another free Zmodem driver I can't test. This one requires EGA/VGA compatibility since its control panel is graphically rich with progress meters and status bars. I've heard some praise for this one. Documentation sparse. Author: Hyok-Sung Choi, S. Korea. (1996)
  1. download pdzm124.zip (87K)
  2. download cexyz100.zip (57K)
  3. download zest20.zip (54K)

FREE BBS PROGRAMS

I'm completely unfamiliar with the following BBS programs. No supporting applications listed here. For a comprehensive list of available shareware and freeware BBS programs see the BBS Corner.


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

unrated

This is the only BBS listed here that I've attempted to run. One of its claimed strengths is ease of use, and I'd agree. Seems to be popular. There's a newsgroup (alt.bbs.renegade) dedicated to Renegade. Donationware. (1998)

For files and latest info see Renegade Site


2. Maximus- Full-featured BBS; free for non-commercial use.

unrated [added 6-24-98 updated 09-12-99]

A popular and complete BBS.

Free for non-commercial use. "You are a noncommercial user only if you are running Maximus as a private individual with no "sponsors" and only if your BBS is not making (or helping to make) a profit."

09-12-99: Y2K-compliant beta versions available (1-99).

For files and latest info see Maximus Support Site.


3. Telegard- Full-featured BBS.

unrated [added 6-24-98]

From the description file: "Full featured BBS software for beginners to experts alike! JAM and Squish format message bases, powerful file section w/file tagging, multinode support, full multilingual support, languages with text and key configs (>length, 255 colours, 100+ MCI codes), RIP support, powerful menus, scripts, doors and more!" (1996, gamma version 1998)

For files and latest info see the Telegard Home Page


4. Oblivion/2- BBS with powerful menuing system.

unrated [added 6-24-98]

"Whether you're a beginner or a veteran Sysop, Oblivion/2 can offer you what few other software packages can. Amazing expandability and flexibility, molding the look and feel of the software to any other software you might like (without their annoying qualities), and a simple, Sysop-friendly configuration. "- Oblivion/2 web page.

Note: Although Oblivion/2 is now freeware, you still need to use the Oblivion/2 serial number generator (a separate download) to register the latest version of the program (v2.30, 1995). Work on a new version is commencing (1998).

09-12-99: Y2K-compliant beta version available (8-99).

For files and latest info see the Oblivion/2 Home Page


5. Synchronet- Multi-node BBS.

unrated

"Synchronet BBS Software is a freely distributed program (with complete C source code - available soon) which can turn your DOS, Windows, or OS/2 machine into your own multi-line online service. Once a commercial application selling for as much as $499 (for a 250 node license), you can now use this great software for FREE for as long as it serves your needs - there are no "registration" or "licensing" fees of any kind. There is also no support (from the author) of any kind."

Although there is a newsgroup devoted to Synchronet (alt.bbs.synchronet) it is not on many news servers, and DejaNews doesn't archive it. Here is a Synchronet chat board which looks like a good place to converse with other "Synch-Ops." A win32 version is now (06-2000) available and is open source GPL.

For files and latest info see the Synchronet home page.


OTHER COM UTILS


pcAnywhere- Access and control your home/office PC from remote PC.

unrated [added 11-23-00]

pcAnywhere for DOS, a once-popular commercial application (now superseded by a Win32 version), is now available for free download from Symantec Corp.

Features:

Author: Symantec Corporation (1997).

Distribution: v5.04 (1997) is currently available as a free download from Symantec's web site (see product trialware page). In order to access the download link, you must complete a personal information form. No manual appears to be included with this distribution, however, there are FAQs, support documents, and sample scripts available on Symantec's support pages. Note that a Win3.1 version ("v2.0 for DOS") is also available as a free download.

Also see: DOSVNC- DOS VNC viewer.


BGFAX- FAX program (DOS, OS/2, Win32 versions).

unrated [added 07-05-00]

Package includes DOS, OS/2 and Win32 versions.

Formerly shareware, now freeware. New (02-00) beta release available; docs and other support files are contained in most recent general release.

Author: B.J. Guillot (1997, 2000). Suggested by: tip from Surv-PC Forum.

See BGFAX Home Page for download files.


ADF- FOSSIL driver for BBS and FidoNet programs.

"ADF is a serial port FOSSIL driver for high speed modem users. Supports FIFO UARTs 16550, 16650 and 16750, 115200 bps, any port, any IRQ, any FIFO trigger level, FOSSIL rev level 5 and multitasking environments (such as Windows 3, Windows 95 and OS/2)." Notes: 01-00: former shareware program is now freeware.

Author: AnDan Software/ Anders Danielsson, Sweden (2000). AnDan Software Home Page.

download adf_150.zip (29K)


SERIAL- TSR serial port monitor, adjustable on-screen display.

* * * * * [added 10-07-99]

SERIAL is an excellent serial port monitor that displays the status of a designated COM port on screen (default COM1, upper right corner of display). Using hot key (default CTRL-ALT-S, but easily modifiable) the user can move the display anywhere on screen. After intitial loading, SERIAL can be invoked repeatedly from the command line with new/ changed options - you can even change which com port to monitor on the fly. Requires about 3.7K RAM, and includes options to disable and uninstall. Author: Bret Johnson. (1999) Also see: Other freeware programs by Bret Johnson.
SYNTAX: SERIAL [/ or -]option1 [/ or -]option2 ...

  ?,H,/?,/H  HELP
  /V         Be VERBOSE (tell me everything)  (default)
  /Q         Be QUIET (shut up unless there's an error)

  /E         ENABLE (Show the SERIAL port) (default)
  /D         DISABLE (Hide the SERIAL port)
  /U         UNINSTALL from memory

  /T         Show SERIAL only in TEXT screen modes (default)
  /G         Allow SERIAL to be shown in GRAPHICS screen modes
  /K:Letter  Change the HotKey to Ctl-Alt-{Letter}, default is Ctl-Alt-S

  /1, /2, /3, /4  Show COM1(2,3,4) (default is COM1)
  /P[:address]    Show a specific port address (hexidecimal)

  /R:n  Put SERIAL at ROW #n (default is first row of screen)
  /C:n  Put SERIAL at COLUMN #n (default is last column of screen)

Notes: v2.02 released 9-99.

download seril202.zip (17K)



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© 1994-2001. Rich Green