What is Telnet?

Telnet is an Internet facility which allows you to execute
commands on remote computers as though you were logged in
locally. In order to establish a telnet connection, you need to
know the name of the computer site you want to access and have a
valid user name and password for that site.

Some telnet sites allow for guest logins. Guest accounts
typically are restricted in the types of actions they can perform
during a telnet session. Although your telnet session is actually
running software directly on the site's telnet computer, you will
be running a program that prevents you from accessing the general
capabilities of that computer. Once you are connected to a telnet
site, you will often see a menu-driven system which is under the
control of the telnet site, and guides you through the actions
you may perform at that site.

Another common use of telnet is for users to be able to log into
their computers from remote locations. In this case, users enter
their own user names and passwords and, therefore, have the same
user privileges they would have when logged in without using
telnet.


What type of software is recommended for using the CompuServe
telnet service?

Telnet sites generally expect that you will be running terminal
emulation software that can emulate a VT100 terminal. While VT100
is supported in WinCIM 1.4, WinCIM 1.3.1 or below may not meet
your needs. MacCIM 2.4.1 (as well as earlier versions) supports a
subset of VT100 capabilities but it is not fully VT100 compliant.
Version 3.0 will have full VT100 support. Other terminal emulators
that have been used successfully with the CompuServe telnet
gateway include Windows Terminal, Procomm, Dynacomm, and PC3.
To order or download the latest version of the CompuServe
Information Manager Software, GO CIMSOFT.


How do I ensure that WinCIM 1.4 is in VT100 terminal emulation
mode?

When using WinCIM 1.4 to access the telnet service, you will
automatically be placed in full VT100 terminal emulation mode.
You may notice that your screen changes color as VT100 is turned
on. Upon exiting the telnet application, your default terminal
emulation settings will be restored.


How do I access the telnet service on CompuServe?

To access the telnet service on CompuServe, GO TELNET.


What do I do if I do not know the login name and password to enter
at a site?

Many telnet sites allow people who do not have an account on
their computer to login as a guest. Just type "guest" at the login
prompt. In most circumstances you do not have to enter a password
if you are a guest. Sometimes, user names and passwords are case
sensitive. Also, make sure you read the descriptive text issued
when logging onto a telnet site. Often, this text indicates the
login name and password to be used by visitors. Keep in mind that
not all telnet sites allow guest access. You may run across some
sites for which a legitimate login name and password are required
for access.


What type of performance can I expect when I connect to a telnet
site?

Performance at telnet sites is subject not only to usage on the
Internet, but also to local demand for resources. If many people
access a site at the same time, performance can and will
deteriorate quickly. Be prepared to wait for the remote site to
respond to your requests if you are using it during periods of
peak demand.


How do I disconnect from a site?

Typically, a telnet site will provide menu prompts and
instructions on how to "quit" or "exit" the site. Once you leave
a telnet site, you will be returned to CompuServe.

If you have difficulty exiting the site, press the {CONTROL} + {]}
keys to return to CompuServe.


What are the advantages of using the CompuServe telnet interface?

CompuServe presents a controlled view of the Internet. Access is
gained through a menu system that provides information about
many sites, as well as seamless menu driven access to a site. In
addition, members have the ability to telnet to any site of
their choice, even if it is not listed on the menu.


How do I telnet to a site not on the menu?

CompuServe members may telnet to any site they desire (even if it
isn't on the menu) by selecting "Access a Specific Site" and
then entering the site name.

The site name is the fully qualified domain name. For example, to
telnet to CompuServe, at the "Site Name:" prompt you would enter:

   bigcorp.com