REXXTerm Readme

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REXXTERM is a full-function asynchronous communication program for DOS and OS/2. It is the first program of its kind that uses the powerful 'universal macro language' REXX for writing communication scripts. Hence it has a script language that it is at least as capable and flexible as that of any other communications program - and quite a bit more powerful than most. Yet it has the additional advantage that the same language may be used for other applications as well, such as writing DOS 'batch' procedures or macros for the KEDIT text editor from Mansfield Software Group.

REXXTERM is not just an average communications program with an excellent script language. It offers significant capabilities and innovations in addition to REXX. In particular, REXXTERM is designed to extend many features common to DOS 'shell' programs to work with any remote computer you communicate with. A powerful script language (which is still a rarity even in DOS shell programs) is just one such feature. Others are:

Learn mode
You can create communication scripts automatically as you reply to system prompts.
Built-in file manager
The file manager lists files from any directory in a window and lets you use them with program services with a 'point and shoot' interface.
Command history
All commands sent to the remote computer are saved and can be recalled, edited, and resent.
Local command editing
An optional terminal emulation 'block' mode gives full local command editing capability.
Single-key macros
You can assign either program commands or arbitrary data to most special keyboard keys. This lets you reconfigure the keyboard to your preferred layout and saves keystrokes.
Session manager/capture buffer
The capture buffer can be as large as available memory (including EMS), which allows you to scroll back through an entire session of hundreds or even thousands of screens. You can edit the capture buffer, search it for strings, or copy portions of it to other files or the printer. Data can also be captured directly to disk or the printer.
User-defined menus
You can define your own menus to provide easy access to the communication functions you use most frequently. For instance, computers you call frequently can be grouped into related categories and listed in menus through which a connection can be entirely established with just 2 or 3 keystrokes. Frequently-used commands can be placed in menus to provide a menu-driven front end to command-oriented systems. Menus are also a good way to make communication services usable by others who do not need to learn the intricate technical details involved.

Although it is rich in such forward-looking features, REXXTERM is also strong in the communications basics, which include such features as:

Built-in editor
The same editor used to manage the capture buffer can be used for creating or editing disk files, particularly scripts or messages. Multiple files can be edited at once.
Built-in file browser
A separate built-in file browser is capable of viewing even the largest ASCII files on disk.
Files transfer protocols
The standard Xmodem, Xmodem-1K, Ymodem (batch), Zmodem, Kermit, and CompuServe-B protocols are supported. File transfer progress is fully reported, and you can also use the built-in editor or browser to examine files or the capture buffer during a transfer.
Paced ASCII file upload
ASCII files can be uploaded to any computer, with pacing controls to avoid overruns and lost data.
Dialing directory
Multiple dialing directories, each of which can hold any number of entries, are supported. Each directory records phone numbers, communication parameters, and logon procedures for any computer you want to call. The date and time of the last connection and the total number of calls are also recorded. You can select a list of numbers to be called automatically.
Terminal emulation
All standard VT102 features that can be emulated reasonably on a PC are supported. Some features of the more advanced VT220 series of terminals are also supported. This includes emulation of the older VT52 series as well. Using protocol converters allows 3270 emulation with IBM mainframes. Flexible keyboard mapping helps overcome differences betweeen the PC and 3270 keyboards.
Powerful scripting functions
Both commands and REXX-callable functions are provided to match multiple strings, set delays and timeouts, wait for a particular time of day, handle linedrops, and monitor status information. All of the standard capabilities of REXX for arithmetic, string manipulation, and pattern matching are also available.
Flexible user interface
All major program functions are available through your choice of menus, a command line, and user-definable shortcut keys. The user-defined menu capability is also very helpful for tailoring REXXTERM.
Elapsed time clock
The clock shows the elapsed time for each call on screen.
DOS commands
You can execute DOS commands or request the DOS command line shell without leaving the program.
Screen attribute/color control
Screen attributes for each major type of screen display are fully under your control.
Large screen support
If your display and adapter support some number of screen lines other than 25, REXXTERM will automatically use all lines offered by the display at the time it is started. It will also support up to 132 columns.

REXXTERM for DOS is $75. The OS/2 version (which includes the DOS version) is $100.

For further information, contact:

Quercus Systems
P. O. Box 2157
Saratoga, CA 95070

(408) 257-3697

Contents

Below is a listing of the contents of the standard REXXTERM 2.2 and above OS/2 distribution diskette(s) furnished to give an additional idea of the capabilities of REXXTERM

Files on this disk:

RXT.EXE - the REXXTERM program (DOS)
RXT2.EXE - REXXTERM (OS/2) - located on second disk if 5.25" (present only for the OS/2 version)
README.DOC - recent information not in the User's Guide
WHATSNEW.22 - changes since version 2.0 of REXXTERM
HOST.DOC - notes on host mode operation
LEARN.RXT - the LEARN command (REXX)
COLOR.RXT - the COLOR command (REXX)
HOST.RXT - the HOST command (REXX)
PROFILE.RXT - sample REXXTERM profile
REXXTERM.DIR - sample dialing directory
DIR_TO_A.REX - REXX program to convert a dialing directory to ASCII file
A_TO_DIR.REX - REXX program to convert ASCII file to a dialing directory
UMENDEMO.RXT - sample script to demonstrate user menus
MODEMREG.RXT - sample script to display Hayes modem registers
BIX.RXT - sample script to logon to BIX
COMPUSERV.RXT - sample script to logon to CompuServe
BIXAUTO.RXT - sample script to automate a whole BIX session
CISAUTO.RXT - sample script to automate a whole CompuServe session
VT100KEY.RXT - sample script to set up standard VT100 key definitions using the numeric keypad
VT100S1.RXT - sample script to set up keys for IBM Series 1 or 7171 protocol converter
VT100SIM.RXT - sample script to set up keys for Simware SIM3278 3270 emulator software