Connecting to WordStock

By using a terminal emulation program, such as Kermit or ZOC, WordStock users can connect to and work interactively with computers running under Microsoft and/or Macinotsh operating systems. This means that you can connect to WordStock either in your store—or anywhere you have secure, reliable Internet access. (In other words, you can create purchase orders in your kitchen at night, if you like.)


Kermit Terminal Emulator Software for PCs

Kermit is a full-featured communications software package from the Kermit Project at Columbia University that offers secure Telnet Connections. Kermit includes a graphical Dialer to configure and launch all your connections without complicated commands of any kind. Kermit is launched from the Dialer to make each of your connections automatically with all the appropriate settings.

• Kermit is not freeware or shareware; you must purchase a user license for $25.


Key features of Kermit:

  • Displays true 132-columns and a selection of screen heights;
  • Copy/paste, print, searching, and bookmarks in the scrollback buffer;
  • Integrated mouse functions: copy-and-paste, cursor steering, Web browser activation;
  • Auto-download for both Kermit and Zmodem, auto-upload for Kermit transfers, and uploads as well as downloads even on Telnet connections;
  • Windows long filenames;
  • Background as well as foreground file transfer;
  • An intelligent phone-list.


ZOC Terminal Emulator

ZOC is a well-established terminal emulator and telnet client, developed by EmTec Innovative Software; it's known for its configurability and is the only software we recommend to connect to WordStock from Macintosh® computers, though PCs can also use it.

ZOC features tabbed sessions and extensive functions like a typed command history, scrollback, multiple window support and others. ZOC is also highly configurable. As well as the standard terminal features such as keyboard redefinition and scroll back buffer it also offers some more advanced and unique features including a powerful scripting language, and automatic triggering of actions based on received or typed text or a line trace feature.

• ZOC is also not freeware or shareware; you must purchase a user license for $80.


Key ZOC features:

  • Tabbed sessions with thumbnails
  • Address book with folders and color coded hosts
  • Customizable to meet your preferences and needs
  • Scripting language with over 200 commands
  • Compatible with Windows 8 and OS X Yosemity
  • Administrator friendly (deployment, configuration)
  • Extensive logging, full keyboard remapping, scrollback
  • User defined buttons, automatic actions, macro recorder
  • Emulations: VT220, xterm, Wyse, QNX, TN3270, TN5250, etc.
  • Communication: SSH, Telnet, Rlogin, Modem, Serial Cable, etc.
  • File Transfer: SCP, Zmodem, Xmodem, Ymodem, Kermit, etc.


Specifics for connecting to WordStock

Ethernet Connection:

For maximum speed and stability, you want a permanent, Ethernet connection between your WordStock system and your Windows or Macintosh computer; you'll need:
Adding a new WordStock workstation:
1 WordStock Telnet Workstation License—supports 3 Virtual Terminals $25/month
Kermit Terminal Emulator [32-bit, for PCs only] or included
ZOC Terminal Emulator [required for Macs; optional for Windows] $80 one-time
• To export from WordStock to other computers, add Export software:
WordStock Export Software $10/month
   
Upgrading an existing WordStock workstation:  
1 WordStock Telnet Workstation License—supports 3 Virtual Terminals $15/month
Kermit Terminal Emulator [32-bit, for PCs only] or $25 one-time
ZOC Terminal Emulator [required for Macs; optional for Windows] $80 one-time
• To export from WordStock to other computers, add Export software:
WordStock Export Software $10/month
   

Hardware requirements:

• Ethernet cards: both your WordStock computer and the new workstation computer will need to have installed Ethernet cards; if they do not, you can purchase them from WordStock or source on your own.

• A multi-port Ethernet hub: WordStock sells and recommends Netgear 10/100 8-port Ethernet hubs;

• Category-5 Ethernet cables of adequate length; available from WordStock;

• Please contact Sales for recommended hardware models, specs, and pricing.

 

Definitions

Two programs that are used frequently to enable computers to exchange information are TCP/IP or Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol, and FTP, or File Transfer Protocol.

Both programs are simply sets of rules that tell the computers what to do under different circumstances:

TCP/IP is a way of connecting two computers, while FTP is a way of handling data exchange between computers that are already connected and that may be running under different operating systems.

Ethernet is a method of connecting two or more computers to create a network.

TCP/IP is a communications program used to connect two computers.

KERMIT is a program that enables a Windows® computer to function as a WordStock terminal.

ZOC is a program that enables a Macintosh® or Windows® computer to function as a WordStock terminal.