Telnet is a method to run software and perform tasks on another computer. I'll explain this by explaining one way I use it.
Unlike many web sites, this site is not just a set of static files on my web server. Each page is adjusted by a computer program to display best on your particular web browser. I wrote that program in a language called C++. In order for a C++ program to run on a computer, it must first be changed into a form that that computer understands. This is called "compiling" the program. However, to compile a program for a specific type of computer and operating system, you must do the compile on that type of computer.
At home, I have a Pentium computer that runs Windows 95. Since this web sever does not run Windows 95 (it runs an operating system called Unix), I can't compile my program on my home computer and expect it to work on this web server. I need to find a way to compile my program on the same type of machine, with the same operating system, as my web server.
Just like I can open a DOS window on my PC, I can use telnet to open a Unix window (session) on my web server. Once I open a telnet session, I can type commands and run software on the web server. So, I use FTP to put my original program onto the server, then I use telnet to run the command that compiles my program.
The telnet software that you use to open a telnet session is called a telnet client. The word client indicates that this software is designed to connect to a server, in this case, a telnet server. So, in order to use telnet, you will need a telnet client.
If you are running Windows 95, you already have a telnet client. Simply go to the Start menu and click on the Run item. In the dialog box that comes up, type:
telnetThat will start your telnet client. Then to connect to another computer, click on the Connect menu and choose the Remote System item.
If you are not using Windows 95, you may need to download a telnet client. Your best bet is to call your ISP (Internet Service Provider). Most ISPs provide a shareware telnet client, but usually you have to specifically ask for it.
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Copyright © 1995-1998 Carl P. E. dos Santos All rights reserved |
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