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What is Telnet?

Telnet is the oldest and simplest Internet service. It is a direct text-only connection to another computer. Once a connection has been opened, text typed by the user will be sent to the remote host or network site and text sent from the site will be printed on the user's screen. Telnet, like all other Internet services, is available on many platforms. Versions for DOS, Windows, Mac, and UNIX can all be downloaded for free from the Internet. Good Telnet programs include NetTerm, QVT/Term, EWAN, and Unix's xterm.

There are a number of problems which one can encounter when using Telnet. Sometimes the Backspace key doesn't work (try using the Delete key or Ctrl-Backspace instead). Sometimes what you type doesn't appear on the screen (try toggling the local echo option in your Telnet program). Sometimes pressing Enter doesn't do anything (try changing what the enter key transmits - CR, LF or CR+LF). These problems, plus the lack of graphics, have relegated Telnet to the more technical corners of the Internet.

Today, Telnet is primarily used for logging into remote UNIX accounts, or where SLIP or PPP is unavailable, or when connecting to MUDs or MOOs.