If your goal is simply to connect to a serial device or a modern SSH server, you may not need this 16-bit classic. However, if you need the look and feel of a retro terminal, here is the comparison:
| Software | Pros | Cons | Best For | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Procomm Plus 4.8 | Authentic ASPECT scripting, ZMODEM, Nostalgia | 16-bit, requires emulation | BBS nostalgia, legacy script automation | | Tera Term | Modern, open source, Supports SSH/Serial | No ANSI music or BBS art | Modern serial debugging | | PuTTY | Industry standard, lightweight | Ugly interface, no scripting | Quick SSH/Serial connections | | SyncTERM | Built for BBSes, Supports telnet/SSH/RLogin | Less professional scripting | Modern BBS surfing with ANSI color | | mTelnet | Excellent font rendering | Windows only | Viewing old ANSI art |
Before Slack, before SSH, and even before the World Wide Web, there was the Bulletin Board System (BBS). To access a BBS, you needed a terminal emulator. While early options like Qmodem and Telix were popular, Procomm Plus set the gold standard.
Originally developed by Datastorm Technologies in 1985, Procomm gained a cult following. In 1995, software giant Symantec (famous for Norton Utilities) acquired the rights and released subsequent versions, culminating in the 4.8 release.
| Action | Keys |
|--------|------|
| Dialing Directory | Alt+D |
| Manual Connect | Alt+Q |
| Hang Up / Reset | Alt+H |
| Send File | Alt+P |
| Receive File | Alt+R |
| Terminal Settings | Alt+S |
| Capture Text On/Off | Alt+F1 |
| Run Script | Alt+F2 |
| Edit Script | Alt+F3 |
| View Log | Alt+L |
| Quit Procomm | Alt+X |
C:\PCPLUSC:\PCPLUS to your PATH and set COMSPEC if needed.
If your goal is simply to connect to a serial device or a modern SSH server, you may not need this 16-bit classic. However, if you need the look and feel of a retro terminal, here is the comparison:
| Software | Pros | Cons | Best For | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Procomm Plus 4.8 | Authentic ASPECT scripting, ZMODEM, Nostalgia | 16-bit, requires emulation | BBS nostalgia, legacy script automation | | Tera Term | Modern, open source, Supports SSH/Serial | No ANSI music or BBS art | Modern serial debugging | | PuTTY | Industry standard, lightweight | Ugly interface, no scripting | Quick SSH/Serial connections | | SyncTERM | Built for BBSes, Supports telnet/SSH/RLogin | Less professional scripting | Modern BBS surfing with ANSI color | | mTelnet | Excellent font rendering | Windows only | Viewing old ANSI art | Symantec Procomm Plus 4.8.zip
Before Slack, before SSH, and even before the World Wide Web, there was the Bulletin Board System (BBS). To access a BBS, you needed a terminal emulator. While early options like Qmodem and Telix were popular, Procomm Plus set the gold standard. Compare to trusted source (if available) before running
Originally developed by Datastorm Technologies in 1985, Procomm gained a cult following. In 1995, software giant Symantec (famous for Norton Utilities) acquired the rights and released subsequent versions, culminating in the 4.8 release. If your goal is simply to connect to
| Action | Keys |
|--------|------|
| Dialing Directory | Alt+D |
| Manual Connect | Alt+Q |
| Hang Up / Reset | Alt+H |
| Send File | Alt+P |
| Receive File | Alt+R |
| Terminal Settings | Alt+S |
| Capture Text On/Off | Alt+F1 |
| Run Script | Alt+F2 |
| Edit Script | Alt+F3 |
| View Log | Alt+L |
| Quit Procomm | Alt+X |
C:\PCPLUSC:\PCPLUS to your PATH and set COMSPEC if needed.