HyperTerminal is a program that is included with every version of the Microsoft Windows operating system and allows your PC to function as a computer terminal to connect with other systems remotely. The remote systems are mainframe computers that provide programs that accept a terminal on the other end of the connection.
How HyperTerminal Works
HyperTerminal allows you PC to function as a terminal so you can connect to an intranet which is an internal network such as a library network or an Internet access server.
* HyperTerminal Connections: With HyperTerminal you can define the type of connection you want to establish through a modem, TCP/IP connection, or direct cable connection. If you have a cable or DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) HyperTerminal will allow you to gain telnet access to your Internet Service Provider to communicate with other servers on the network. Although Windows also includes a Telnet application program, the HyperTerminal program is easier to use for sending and receiving files.
HyperTerminal PE: There is also a HyperTerminal upgrade program which is called HyperTerminal Private Edition which is available for free to individual users and for a license fee to large organizations. It is also capable of repairing any security flaws in HyperTerminal as well as some other problems that are known to Microsoft.
How to Use HyperTerminal
HyperTerminal is part of the Windows Me which is shipped by Microsoft. If your computer has WinMe already installed than the HyperTerminal program should be activated. If your computer has recently been upgraded then you may not have HyperTerminal.
If HyperTerminal is installed on your computer operating system you can activate it by clicking Start on your main toolbar and choosing “Programs” from the menu. Click on “Accessories” on the submenu and then choose “Communications.” If HyperTerminal is installed you will see it listed on the
“Communications” menu and you can simply click on it to start the program.
If HyperTerminal is not installed on your computer you can define a connection for it by clicking on “Start” on your main toolbar and then choosing “Settings” and clicking on “Control Panel.” Find “Add/Remove Programs” in the list and double click on it. In the new Window click on “Windows Setup”, choose “Communications” from the Components list, and then click on “Details.” Choose the checkbox that is located next to “HyperTerminal” and then click “OK.”
When HyperTerminal opens enter a name for the connection you want to establish by choosing the icon and then click on “OK.” When the new dialog box appears type in a phone number and then choose the type of connection you want from the pull down menu. If the connection is direct, there are no further steps that you have to take.