Telnet is one of the most powerful client/server services on the Internet. With telnet it is just as easy to use a computer on the other side of the world as it is to use a computer on your network.
Telnet allows you to log onto other networks around the world. You must first have an account on the other network you want to log onto, although there are many computer networks on the Internet which have set up a public account.
Because the traffic on the Internet is very high, you will often get a "busy signal" when trying to telnet to a remote computer. Often the remote computer only allows one remote user at a time to log in. Be patient when using telnet.
Telnet Addresses
A telnet address is the address on the Internet of a computer running the telnet server software. Just as people have addresses on the Internet, computers also have addresses. If you know the address of a computer, you can log onto that computer.
In addition to the telnet address, you must know the login name and a password (if a password is required). It is also important to know how to log off the remote computer. Just as you always log out of your local network, you will want to log out of the remote network so other users can log in.
The University of Maryland has a large information database. Its address is info.umd.edu. This database is set up so anyone on the Internet can attach to the network and access the database. The login name is info. Thus, if you wanted to access the University of Maryland, you would type at the UNIX prompt:
telnet info.umd.edu
(You may also use rlogin instead of the telnet command on many systems.) You usually press Ctrl-] to log out of a telnet session. If the log out procedure is different, the remote host will usually have instructions when you log in.
Terminal Types
Occasionally when you telnet to a remote computer, you may be asked your terminal type. It is usually safe to type VT100. If you are trying to telnet to an IBM mainframe, you may need to use tn3270 instead of telnet. In this case, your terminal type is 3270.
Ports
Sometimes the address for the remote telnet site has a number after it which represents the port on the remote computer. Let's assume you have an address
selway.umt.edu 700
This is the address of the Healthline Gopher Service (a service containing suggestions for improving your study habits and relieving the stress of college life.) To telnet to this service, type:
telnet selway.umt.edu 700
The following list is not all inclusive but will give you a start in using telnet.
The Health Sciences Libraries Consortium contains listings of PC-compatible and Macintosh programs used in health sciences education. Note that the software is commercial and is not available at this site, merely a list of recommended software.
Address: shrsys.hslc.org
Login: cbl
The Higher Education Resources and Opportunities (HERO) service is a database that contains information about scholarships, grants, fellowships, conferences, and other college/university opportunities.
Address: fedix.fie.com
Login: new
The IBM Kiosk for Education offers information for IBM users in the higher education community.
Address: isaac.engr.washington.edu
Login: register
LIBS is the Internet Access Software which allows you access to many libraries. This software was written by Mark Resmer, Sonoma State University. To access university libraries:
Address: cc.utah.edu
Login: LIBS
To exit: Control-C Q <return>
MicroMUSE is an educational multiuser simulated environment.
Address: michael.ai.mit.edu
Login: guest
The National Education BBS is open to NESP members but has limited access to non-members. This is a very informative database of educational information.
Address: nebbs.nersc.gov
Login: guest
The National Referral Center Master File provides lists of organizations qualified and willing to answer questions about science, technology, and social sciences.
Address: locis.loc.gov
Login: Organizations
Newton is a BBS for anyone teaching or studying science, math, or computer science.
Address: newton.dep.anl.gov
Login: bbs
QUERRI (Questions on University Extension Regional Resource Information) is a database containing information and thousands of North Central Region Extension resources.
Address: isn.rdns.iastate.edu
Login: querri
Spacenet BBS is for use by schools interested in science, computers, and engineering.
Address: spacemet.phast.umass.edu
Login: Press <Enter>
Virginia Public Education Network contains many education resources including math, science, and physics.
Address: vdoe386.vak12ed.edu
Login: guest
Password: guest
