Kermit is another telnet product. It, too, is used for logging in to the campus VAX. Kermit also has telephone dial-in capability. So a user may use Kermit to dial in to the VAX from his or her home computer using a modem. The phone number for dialing in the College VAX is 544-8034 or 544-8035. If you have difficulty reaching this number please contact Computing Services at extension 604.
Installing Kermit
Kermit is not very difficult to install. However, you should request College Computing Services to perform the installation on your office PC should you need Kermit. Kermit's flexibility to support various environments adds some level of difficulty to the installation process. For example, installing Kermit to run via a modem from your home computer is somewhat different than installing Kermit to run in a Novell network environment on campus. Some configuration is required to install Kermit but it is a well-documented, reliable and free program. For those who wish to install Kermit themselves, the Kermit directory on the server, G:\PUBLIC\PUBNET\NETAPPS\KERMIT contains files which may be used (almost) as-is to install Kermit in a Telnet (network) environment. A subdirectory, G:\PUBLIC\PUBNET\NETAPPS\KERMIT\SERIAL contains files which may be used (almost) as-is to install Kermit in a modem/phone environment.
Kermit is freeware and therefore, can be legally copied and taken home with you to use. To obtain a copy of Kermit and instructions for installation and use, contact Campus Computing at extension 604 or the Computer Help Desk at extension 319.
Additional Information on Kermit
Additional information on Kermit is available through several sources such as the following:
Kermit HELP
Kermit has very limited built-in HELP. To access Kermit HELP one must exit the terminal session, run the Kermit program and type ? at the MS-Kermit prompt. MSKERM.DOC, READTHIS.1ST, README.312 and READ.ME all contain Kermit documentation and can be found in the Kermit directories mentioned above.
