Procomm Plus 4.8

Even for all its functionality, Procomm Plus isn't for the faint of heart. Its interface, consisting of pull-down menus and unlabeled icons with commands that are identified only by mouse-over tips, is a throwback to the days when user-friendliness was a rarity. Its terminal emulation, mail, FTP, Usenet, and other functions reside in different executables, yet you can make system-wide setup changes from most of them. ASPECT, its scripting language, is powerful, and a handful of sample scripts are included--but manually editing scripts is akin to full-on programming.

Even with its daunting interface, Procomm Plus is a diesel-powered machine for businesses and power users alike. Its fax applet is surprisingly robust, and even includes a number of cover sheets. Its Internet e-mail module is sparse compared to Outlook or Eudora, but it gets the job done with simple grace. Likewise, its FTP applet won't threaten to put CuteFTP out of business, but it allows you to move files easily to and from servers.

Mainframe-based businesses will love its boisterous terminal emulation capabilities. It emulates dozens of terminals, including popular WYSE 50, 60, and 100; VT 220 and 230; IBM 3101, 3160, and 3270; and more. It allows users to determine how the terminal is displayed, scrolled, and otherwise used. The terminal emulation applet also allows power modem users to punch in manual AT commands.

Merging high-performance business applications with a robust suite of Internet functions, Procomm Plus 4.8 draws its strength from its range of abilities. Its outstanding terminal emulation and big bundle of applets make it a terrific utility--for the right users. --Joel Durham, Jr.

A special note to Windows XP users: Procomm Plus 4.8 is advertised for Windows 9x, NT, and 2000; XP is not included on this list. We only experienced one problem under XP: it crashed while downloading newsgroups. However, check with Symantec before you purchase Procomm Plus 4.8 for XP.

Amazon.com Product Description
Procomm Plus version 4.8 gives you versatility and reliability for terminal emulation and file transfers. By supporting over 30 different terminals, it lets you access almost any host system. You can transfer files with the assurance of optimum data integrity, and run full-screen host applications for easy viewing. Procomm Plus allows you to log on to a corporate host system, transfer a file safely, reach a fax machine across town, or e-mail an Internet address around the world. Simply click on a directory entry--Procomm Plus automatically adjusts your system's settings, and makes the connection.