ZTERM for Windows 2.0 BETA

Updated October 11, 1999

Introduction

When ZTERM was first developed, the Windows 3.1 operating system was still heavily in use and as a result, we made the decision to not support some of the more advanced features present in Windows 95. If we had decided to use TAPI for example (used when dialing calls - the preferred method for Windows 95), ZTERM would have required two dialing routines internally - one for TAPI on Windows 95 and another for Windows 3.1 since Windows 3.1 has no standard like TAPI.

Since Windows 3.1 is now a really dead operating system, we pledged to ZTERM users that a new version of ZTERM would take full advantage of the services provided by operating systems like Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0. The start of this effort is the beta release of ZTERM 2.0.

Please note that this version of ZTERM is not feature complete by a long way - we've made so many internal changes as a result of the port to Windows CE, that we figured it's time to release an update so that avid ZTERM fans can see what's been brewing. There are still a huge number of features to be added before ZTERM 2.0 is released later this year.

What's in the Current Beta

Here's a brief list of major new features already in 2.0:

• Full support for True-Type fonts. With this option turned on, the ZTERM window can be sized to any dimension with proper line-drawing graphics display and correct 80/132 column switching. Bitmap fonts are also supported for use on low resolution monitors (less than 800x600 resolution).
• User definable function keys. Function keys can now have any key sequence assigned using a new dialog.
• Better Telnet and LPD compatibility with Linux systems.
• A Profile Configurator that makes managing different ZTERM profiles much simpler.
• TAPI dialing for modem connections.

What's Missing from the Current Beta

We're not done yet! Prior to release, ZTERM 2.0 should also include these features:

• Much improved serial protocol support, including XMODEM, YMODEM etc.
• Support of serial ports > COM4:
• Improved LPD compatibility, especially with AIX systems.
• Correctly operating Upgrade Wizard.
• Ability to publish ZTERM profiles on a central server allowing much simpler site installations.

Notes About this Beta

This beta does not require a registration code. It will not affect registration codes for ZTERM 1.2 in any way. This version will not operate after the end of October 1999; you must return to our website before then to obtain an updated beta or to purchase ZTERM 2.0 when released.

When this version installs, it installs to the same default folder as ZTERM 1.2. If you want to keep both versions of ZTERM on your system, simply change the destination folder when installing this beta.

For a really nice display in True-Type operation, we recommend installing Microsoft's free Andale Mono font (pronounced On-Da-Ley). You can get it from Microsoft .

As always, we're interested in hearing from you about ZTERM - feel free to send your comments to [email protected]