In client/server computing, you need to be able to send data to and receive data
from a host. To do this, a general terminal or a
terminal emulator
is normally used. Naturally, the terminal or the PC that is running a terminal
emulator must be connected to the server or mainframe computer, because otherwise
data transmission would not be possible.
To connect the terminal to the server, there are various different methods that
can be used. Among these methods are serial cables, modems and existing networks.
For a long time, the most common network connection method was Telnet, a standard
protocol for connecting two different computers. With Telnet, you can connect to
the server, input commands, and run programs. Nevertheless, Telnet has one major
drawback: all data is exchanged without any form of encryption.
In a corporate environment where LAN cables and infrastructure are controlled
by the owners, Telnet may well be sufficient. However, it can present a serious
security risk when you are transmitting over a wide area or using public lines.
When you're using Telnet, anybody with some network knowledge and tools can
monitor the data exchange, even gaining access to details like usernames and
passwords. For this reason, SSH
(Secure Shell)
is usually a better alternative nowadays.
SSH on a Terminal Emulator?
ZOC
is the telnet client that can handle all the basic terminal functions as
well as a wealth of additional, useful features. This telnet client takes
advantage of the computing power of a PC to allow you to automate tasks
(such as logging on or retrieving data automatically), log sessions on
screen or file (for documentation or later review), copy data between a
text processor and the remote server, and much more.
(C) EmTec Innovative Software - Home of ZOC, The Professional
Terminal Emulator, Telnet and SSH Client
for Power Users