Serial HOWTO: Serial Communications Programs And Utilities

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## 14. Serial Communications Programs And Utilities

## 14.1 List of Software

Here is a list of some communication software you can choose from, available via FTP, if they didn't come with your Linux distribution.

- `ecu` - a communications program
- C-Kermit - portable, scriptable, serial and TCP/IP communications including file transfer, character-set translation, and zmodem support
- `gkermit` Tiny GPLed kermit run only from the command line. Can't connect to another computer
- `gtkterm` - a simple gtk terminal, X-based
- `minicom` - telix-like communications program
- `picocom` - like a small minicom but no automatic phone dialing
- `pppd` - establishes a ppp connection on the serial line
- `seyon` - X based communication program
- `xc` - xcomm communication package
- `term` and `SLiRP` offer TCP/IP functionality using a shell account.
- `screen` is another multi-session program. This one behaves like the virtual consoles.
- `callback` is where you dial out to a remote modem and then that modem hangs up and calls you back (to save on phone bills).
- `mgetty+fax` handles FAX stuff, and provides an alternate `ps_getty`.
- `ZyXEL` is a control program for ZyXEL U-1496 modems. It handles dialin, dialout, dial back security, FAXing, and voice mailbox functions.
- SLIP and PPP software (if not in your Linux distribution) can be found at `ftp://metalab.unc.edu/pub/Linux/system/network/serial`.

## 14.2 kermit and zmodem

For use of kermit with modems see the Modem-HOWTO. One can run zmodem within the kermit program. To do this (for ttyS3), add the following to your `.kermrc` file:

> `

>     define rz !rz < /dev/ttyS3 > /dev/ttyS3
>     define sz !sz \%0 > /dev/ttyS3 < /dev/ttyS3

> `

Be sure to put in the correct port your modem is on. Then, to use it, just type `rz` or `sz <filename>` at the `kermit` prompt.

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