HyperTerminal is a text-based program for Windows that connects remotely to other computers and provides diagnostic tools. Originally developed by Hilgraeve, it was included in Windows 3.1 to XP. HyperACCESS is a more robust version of HyperTerminal with more features and terminal emulation modes. However, using these programs for remote networking can lead to virus encounters.
HyperTerminal is a computer networking assistant program for the Microsoft Windows operating system from version 3.1 to Vista. From Windows versions 3.1 to XP, HyperTerminal was included for free. It was not included with Windows Vista and Windows 7, but was available for purchase separately from another company. HyperTerminal was designed to connect remotely to other computers and to provide diagnostic tools to the local computer system.
HyperTerminal is a text-based program, as opposed to a graphical one. Therefore, it uses text commands to perform functions. One of its most common functions is to connect to remote computers, including Telnet sites, online bulletin boards, file transfer protocol (FTP) sites, online services, and other computers. These connections are made through a modem or an Ethernet connection.
Connecting to remote computers is not the only use of HyperTerminal. It can also be used for modem diagnostics on the computer it is installed on. By entering specific strings of text commands, HyperTerminal can “talk” to the modem, which will deliver messages to the computer operator. HyperTerminal can also be used to dial telephone numbers on a dial-up modem. This is useful for diagnosing problems, connecting to an Internet Service Provider (ISP), or connecting to a BBS.
HyperTerminal was originally developed by a company called Hilgraeve and was originally called HyperACCESS. HyperACCESS is still manufactured by Hilgraeve and sold as a more robust and full-featured version of the “lighter” HyperTerminal. Hilgraeve also produces versions of HyperTerminal for Windows 7 and Vista. They are called HyperTerminal Private Edition to distinguish them from previous editions included with Windows.
HyperACCESS can perform many tasks and has more features than HyperTerminal. HyperACCESS offers more terminal emulation modes and can handle more FTP than HyperTerminal. HyperACCESS 9.0 can automatically log and execute commands and steps to streamline certain tasks.
There are some problems that can occur when using HyperACCESS or HyperTerminal. One of the biggest problems is the encounter with computer viruses. This is not a problem when using these programs for local computer diagnostics but, as with any remote network application, it becomes a serious problem when networking with other computers. The computer user should be careful when connecting to remote computers, especially when retrieving files from an FTP site.
HyperACCESS and HyperTerminal are useful tools for working with networked computers. Not only are they useful for connecting with remote systems, but they also provide diagnostic services when connections are malfunctioning. These types of services are likely to prove increasingly necessary as computers and computer use become more interconnected.
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