by Tony Messina
Many of you, I'm sure, read other computer publications and know for a fact that these periodicals have had issues dealing with telecommunications. Usually they contain reviews on modems, tips for effective telecommunicating, articles on available devices and reviews of commercial terminal software. Sounds like this issue of ANALOG Computing! One item which I know you have not seen (until now) is an overview of Public Domain Terminal Programs available for Atari computers. Here is what you have been waiting for.
The list is not all-inclusive, but it does contain all the programs which are commonly found on various Atari Bulletin Boards, user group libraries, or time sharing services such as Compuserve or The Source. Remember, this is an overview, not a review. The programs are ordered alphabetically and not by any order of preference. I shall try to discuss the main features of each program, any hardware requirernents needed to operate a particular program and, of course, give credit to the author(s) if known.
AMODEM 4.2 - Jim Steinbrecher
850 Interface/Disk drive required
There are many versions of AMODEM floating around amongst the Atari user community. The major versions 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. were written and released by the author. The .1 - .9 additions of any major version were modified by various users and released to the user community. Version 4.2 offers selection of Translation mode, Disk menus from multiple drives, Duplex operation selection, baud rate selection, and upload/download capability with or without error checking. Error-free protocol is via the Ward Christiansen format. Files may be captured and sent to your printer, disk drive, cassette, modem port or screen. This program is very reliable and will work on all AMIS BBS systems and time sharing networks. Some download/upload protocols (binary, for example) are not supported. It is rumored that there exists a compiled version of this program (4.83) as well as a Hayes Smartmodem/autodial version (4.9). The program is written in Atari BASIC with machine language I/O support routines.
COMM40/80 - Alex M. Stevens
850 Interface/Disk drive required
This is a nifty program. It can use 40 columns or an emulated (via software) 80-column format. The version I have supports uploading/downloading and is Vidtex compatible. This lets you call up weather maps or other information on Compuserve or another Vidtex system and see them displayed in all of their colorful glory. A status line at the bottom of the screen informs the user of the mode and the status of that mode (on/off.) Another feature allows the use of prestored phone numbers, logon ID's and passwords for use with the Hayes (or Hayes-compatible) Smartmodem. The feature is not fully implemented but is promised to be available soon. Semi-automatic storage to a specified device on buffer full conditions is also implemented. This helps prevent overwriting data when your computer memory is full. The program is written in machine language with the phone number creator/editor written in Atari BASIC.
JTERM - Frank Jones
850 Interface/Disk drive required
As with AMODEM, JTERM has many versions which have been modified by various users and released into the public mainstream. JTERM supports upload/download from/to the disk. Optional features allow selection of Parity, Translation, and Duplex modes. Memory can be dumped to printer, disk or cassette. There are versions around which support Smartmodems. Selective capture of incoming data is available via the select button, so that everything sent and received does not end up in memory unless you want it there. Captured buffers may be sent to any of the previously mentioned devices. All options within the program are selected via combinations of the START, OPTION and SELECT buttons. This program is written in a combination of Atari BASIC and machine language.
TSCOPE - Joe Miller
No 850 Interface needed. Disk Drive is required
TSCOPE is the only program in our list which does not need an 850 interface to operate, although it will not hurt anything if you do have one. All interface routines are integrated within the program. This program was originally designed for use by Atari*SIG members on Compuserve. TSCOPE is rapidly gaining in popularity. TSCOPE supports the Atari 835 and 1030 modems as well as all other non-Atari modems. It runs on all Atari machines, including the XL series. TSCOPE allows upload/download of ASCII and BINARY files on Compuserve SIG*Atari. Files may be saved to disk also. The format used for the up/downloading is semiautomatic and therefore will not work on anything other than the Compuserve system (at least not yet.) Don't despair: rumor has it that some clever folks have made modifications already, and that a few AMIS Bulletin Boards do in fact support the up/download format of TSCOPE. There are too many features of this program to mention. Let's just say that if you want it, TSCOPE has it. TSCOPE does support Vidtex formats on Compuserve. The program is written in machine language.
UP/DOWNLOAD TERMINAL - Bob Hartman
850 Interface/Disk
These programs originally appeared in ANALOG issues 2 and 3. Since then, rumor has it that they have been modified by a cast of thousands. They (in the original form) are simple terminal programs designed to allow logon to other systems/BBS's so that you can download more extensive terminal programs. They do allow a SAVE to disk and work very well in many applications. They are written in Atari BASIC with machine language I/O support.
There are other public domain terminal programs out there. Since I have not seen or used them, I'll just list the ones I have heard about. Maybe you'll recognize the name if you happen to run across them in the future. Other programs out there are:
The programs I discussed are available in XA2 database on Compuserve. Other places you should look are your local Atari user group library, friends or other time sharing systems, such as The Source. If you're struck in the Atari Telelink I/II syndrome (i.e., no way to dump programs to disk or cassette), then find a good friend, take him out to dinner and discuss the possibility of him getting some of these programs for you. It's worth the cost of a dinner -- believe me! If all else fails, use Charles Bachand's program from this issue and start calling the numbers on the BBS list (elsewhere in this issue.) You're bound to find some BBS that has at least one of the above mentioned programs.
I've tried to mention the major features of each program. Most have many more. If you do find one on a BBS (or wherever), make sure you get the documentation. Nothing is more frustrating than obtaining a great free program and not knowing how to use it. In addition, once you get one, pass it on to a friend! If you know of any other public domain terminal programs which I missed, please write us here with the information so that we can pass it on. Good luck in your search!