To develop software that properly emulates all the nuances and quirks of a hardware terminal can be a complicated business, but it doesn't have to be that way for our end users. On of the key strengths of Apple's iPad is it's attractive, simplistic and intuitive interface – and that's something we've kept in mind when creating our new terminal emulation for iPad, TTerm. Let's take a tour through TTerm for iPad and see how you can get connected to your host system in just three simple steps.
This article applies to all TTerm for iPad Apps.
There are a number of apps in the TTerm for iPad range and the only difference between any of them is the range of terminals supported, otherwise feature sets are identical.
For this demonstration, we're using TTerm Pro which includes support for our widest range of terminals including IBM 3270, IBM 5250, Wyse, ANSI, IBM3151, DEC VT series and many, many more.
When developing TTerm for iPad we recognized from the outset that many of our users have a wealth of experience and expertise with host systems and a need to customize their connection to meet the needs of a particular host or piece of host software. We also acknowledged that there are just as many others who simply wanted to enter a couple of settings and get connected.
So, for those users TTerm is designed to get you up and connected to your host system quickly and easily but if you need to dig deeper and really tweak your configuration you can do that too.
To get connected quickly, there are just three settings required. Here's what you'll need to get started:
When you first run TTerm you'll see an empty Connections screen. Tap the Create a New Connection button to configure a new host connection.
Step 1. The Emulation type.
Leave the General Settings items as the default and skip straight to the Emulation item. The range of choices will depend entirely on the version of TTerm you are using.
If you're unsure of which one to pick ask your system administrator or help desk.
For most users the default settings on your chosen terminal will suffice, for those needing to tweak the settings to match a particular host configuration or piece of host software you'll find there are extensive options under the emulation item. We'll assume your host settings are fairly standard and we'll tap to Emulation item to select a DEC VT220 for our example.
Step 2. Host Comms.
There are three choices here, Telnet and SSH and HPNS VT. Again, if you're not sure, your systems administrator or help desk will be able to supply you with detail. Just like the emulation set up there are advanced options for those users who need to do something a little out of the ordinary but, for the majority of us, the standard settings are suitable. Let's select SSH.
Step 3. The Remote Host address.
Either the host name or IP address will do. By default TTerm supports IPv4 addressing, but IPv6 is available too. Because most networks are still using IPv4, for our purposes we'll assume you are too.
And that's it! Just three settings are you are ready to go. You might like to go back and enter a Connection Name, something more memorable than 'New Connection 1' so that when you launch TTerm a familiar name appears in your list of saved connections, but it's not compulsory.
Tap Done and you'll see your new connection shown in the list of saved connections.
Now tap the Connect button and the terminal screen will appear, prompting you for a username and password.
And that's it! You're up and running.
TTerm for iPad® is a range of comprehensive enterprise grade terminal emulation apps for iPad device.
Built with the robust and proven emulations that our Windows products are renowned for, TTerm for iPad is a cost-effective investment for businesses looking for an iPad-compatible terminal emulator.
For product information and technical specifications, visit the TTerm for iPad product page or find us on the App Store!
