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.
No comments:
Post a Comment