A new version of the popular INFONET suite of PC to Unix networking software has been released by INFONETICS. The new INFONET-LX suite brings the following enhancements to PC connectivity. The new software suite, based on an open software implementation of the terminal emulator known as “PuTTY”, by Simon Tatham, has been extensively rewritten and enhanced by INFONETICS’s own Greg Sidelinger.
INFONET-LX features a new, dramatically simpler installation procedure. It comes bundled as a normal Windows “Install” file, which can be downloaded from www.infonetx.com, sent via e-mail, or even copied to your INFONETICS server and shared to all PC’s via a diskette or the networked I: drive. Even a novice can be walked through the installation process, by simply clicking “next” and entering an appropriate Serial Number, in ten minutes or less.
Three significant enhancements have been included that address the use of “local” ports on an INFOTERM(PC).
This new version now supports a wider variety of physical connections for “local” printing. While INFONET/TTP (TinyTERM) had been limited to traditional DOS serial and parallel ports, the new INFONET-LX (PuTTY) version supports those standard connections plus virtually any Windows Print Spooler port, including USB, WIFI, network and Infrared just to mention a few. Please note; this does not guarantee that all models of printers will function correctly with INFONETICS software. However, it does dramatically extend the variety of ways that compatible printers can be connected to the INFOTERM(PC).
INFOPAGE imaging to compatible laser printers connected via a “local” connection is fully supported by INFONET-LX. This means that you can print your INFOPAGE invoices, rent bills and statements, including custom graphic forms/images, on inexpensive laser printers attached directly to your INFOTERM(PC) without deploying a full-blown print server.
Uploading of Panasonic and/or Symbol handhelds thru the local serial ports on an INFOTERM(PC) is another new feature the enhanced INFONET-LX suite offers. This significantly advances the flexibility of handheld uploading suiting a much wider number of scenarios.
Security in the form of encrypted communications is another dramatic advantage of the new INFONET-LX software suite.
Utilizing the “ssh” protocol, all communications between the INFOTERM(PC) and the INFONETICS Linux server are encrypted thus ensuring the safe transmission of keystrokes and data between the devices. This factor has become increasingly more important as more and more remote, Internet based connections are put into use. The traditional “telnet” protocol, while not as secure as “ssh” is also supported by INFONET-LX, and necessary for communications to our older line of SCO Unix servers.
INFONET-LX runs on all versions of Windows, including Windows ’95, ’98, ’98SE, Millennium, 2000 and XP. There is even a version for RedHat Linux for those of you who’ve made the jump to Linux as your desktop Operating System.
It is important to note that the INFONET-LX suite no longer contains the Network File System (NFS) client that had been part of the earlier INFONET/TTP suite. This NFS client was responsible for providing network (I: drive) file access to our older SCO Unix line of servers. Similarly, the ability to communicate via a serial connections, rather than TCP/IP network connections, is not available in the newer INFONET-LX suite. INFONETICS will continue to support Windows ’98 and INFONET/TTP (TinyTERM) as long as possible to maintain compatibility with these older servers.
Upgrades from existing INFONET/TTP licenses to INFONET-LX are available at no cost. Simply call INFONETICS for replacement serial numbers and assistance with download/installation.