COMMUNICATION SOFTWARE

COMMUNICATION SOFTWARE

When first introduced, it was a hard task just to get the

communication software to talk to the modem and get everything

worked out just right. As with all computer programs and software,

over the years, communication software has leaped forward

dramatically in the last couple of years.

There have been several things added to the features available with

communication software; but, fortunately, the price has remained

stable.

Features-- There are a lot of features that you should look for in

software for communications. You should try to get auto-dial, screen

capture, phone directories, and macros. In this section, I will tell you

a little about each of them and how they work.

NOTE: Do not go out right now and try to get your hands on the most

fascinating piece of software you can find. You will be wasting your

money.

There are several programs out there that will do just as well, and will

cost you half as much.

You will find that a lot of the programs that come with your computer

will already have communication software installed in them.

Microsoft Windows has a program that comes with it called

Terminal. GeoWorks has a program that comes with it called

GeoComm. And there are many others.

The first thing you should look for in software is compatibility. You

need to make sure that the software you buy is able to run with both

your computer and your modem. If your computer has a built-in

communications program, then all you will have to do is make sure

that the modem is compatible. It probably will be.

You will also want to make sure that your software is compatible with

different BBSes and on-line services. Some software will only run

with one kind of on-line service such as CompuServe. It will do you

some good to look for a broad-based, general-purpose

communications program. If you wish, you may have as many

communications programs as you have room for on your computer;

there is no limit.

Choosing Your Software

Shareware

You will want to look over a lot of different programs that are

available. You will definitely want to look at shareware. Shareware is

a program where you can use the program, and then pay for it later it

you like it. You should check with people who use BBSes and find

out what kind of software they use and why they use it. If you can't

figure out what software to use, go with shareware.

DOS vs. Windows

In the past, if you wanted a high quality and fast program, you bought

DOS. Now, new Windows programs are appearing that have all the

features of their DOS counterparts but are easier to learn. Windows

programs also boast an ability to take directly from the modem and

into your word processor-- without even saving it first. Keep in

mind,though, that by nature Windows programs require a faster

machine than DOS programs do.