*************************** * // /\ --+-- +-- | * * // //\\ | | | * * << << >> | +- | * * \\ \\// | | | * * \\ \/ | +-- +-- * *************************** * COM to telnet convertor * * designed for HP 200 LX * *************************** Introduction ------------ Many actions in Linux trivial, are in Windows nearly impossible. One of them is connecting VT100 terminal to remote server. Linux users just edit one configuration file and that is, Windows users need CoTel. CoTel is aimed to act as "man in middle" between COM terminal (in my case HP 200 LX palmtop) and ethernet card of desktop Windows computer. After connection is established, each byte recieved by CoTel from serial line is sent to open port somewhere on the net (and vice versa). Usage scenario -------------- (A is Windows user in overcrowded school/campus lab,B is CoTel aware HP LX user): B: Are you going to finish your work ? A: F*** ***, I am busy ... B: Could you be so kind and type into your exploder window an address ? A: I am not going to let you browse from MY comp ! B: Just type one URL, please ! A: OK, what is it B: palmtop.unas.cz/cotel.exe A: Should I download or execute ? B: Execute. That's all, thank you very much .. (B plugs in serial lapling and works ...) Commands -------- HELP -displays list of known commands TELNET address [port] - connects to address, if no port is specified, we are connecting to 23 (telnet) port SHUTDOWN - exits CoTel on Windows machine HIDEME - calls form.Hide method, program is invisible for windows user SHOWME - inverse function to HIDEME Release history --------------- 0.0.1 first working version (20.11.03) 1.0.1 first stable beta-release KNOWN BUGS ---------- * some Linux programs (e.g. pine,mc) are testing TERM variable. This is set to "network" when CoTel connects (I do not know when and why). So if you want to use them, just type "export TERM=vt100" on your linux console ... * CoTel does not (and prrbably never will) support SSH. It is just "port redirector" - but ssh COULD work in case you use  client which can use serial port instead of ethernet interface (anybody heard about such client ?) * FTP session cannot be established via CoTel * delete and arrow keys do not work in "promp mode" (eg. when typing telnet shell.myserver.com) * many terminal clients (HPLX DataCom,NC Terminal) have only 24 lines in contrast with vt100 (25 lines). Some TERM programs (eg. pine) do not work correctly with these clients. THIS IS NOT CoTel BUG ! * When you unplug serial cable/quit terminal client the connection to the remote host is NOT broken. THIS IS NOT A BUG, THIS IS A FEATURE ! (can be used in scripts) DEFAULT SETTINGS ---------------- CoTel is designed to work "unininteractively" for the Windows user. For this aim, the special version of CoTel is released on addres http://palmtop.unas.cz/cotel.exe, which is really "kick-start". Program runs totally hidden for the Windows user. The cost for this is the usage of the default settings: Port: COM1, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, 38400 baud TESTING ------- CoTel was tested in following enviroments: "man in the middle" ***************** WINDOWS 98 SE remote port *********** 23 - telnet on Slackware 8.0 NOTE:other ports do not work yet because of TELNET handshaking, but you can, of course, telnet from telnet ;) TODO ---- add some status messages throw away rarely used menu items online baud rate switching raw socket connection support (anyone needs it ?) built-in mail support (POP3) Feedback -------- This program is cardware, which means this: you caa use it for free, but if you like it yuu are strrngly encouraged tt send the author a postcrd from the plce you live (with something typical for that place, no dog postcards, please !). The snail-mail address will be sent to you after request on e-mail cotel@palmtop.unas.cz Note also project homepage http://palmtop.unas.cz/CoTel/en I DO APPRECIATE ANY FEEDBACK !