K e r m i t   9 5   2 . 1
Columbia University and Barnard College, NYC, photo courtesy of morningside-heights.net.

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The Crown of King George II
Version: 2.1.2
Released: 25 November 2002
Announcement:  CLICK HERE
Platforms: Microsoft Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP and IBM OS/2.
Buzzwords: GUI, SSH, FTP, SSL, TLS, PKI, HTTP, SOCKS, TAPI, LAT, SRP, COTS, Unicode, Kerberos, Secure Scriptable Telnet and FTP

This page last updated: Mon Dec 9 13:17:50 2002

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Export of the cryptographic version of Kermit 95 to most countries is permitted as of 24 July 2002. See the Export Permission section below for details.

Kermit 95: Internet and serial communications for Microsoft Windows® 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows NT (4.0 and later), Windows 2000, and Windows XP from the Kermit Project at Columbia University, offers you text-based terminal connections to Unix, VMS, and many other kinds of hosts, allowing you to interact directly with their shells and applications, to transfer files, and, if desired, to automate interactions and file transfers with its built-in platform- and transport-independent scripting language.

  HIGHLIGHTS

AND . . .   Super-responsive technical support: we stand behind our products and support them vigorously. We don't ignore your e-mail; TRY IT and see for yourself. CLICK HERE to see what users say about our technical support.

What sets Kermit 95 apart from other Windows communications packages? Its unique combination of security options, connection methods, protocols, character-sets, customizability, and scriptability, plus the sheer number and accuracy of its terminal emulations. And we don't only "do Windows" -- we also provide compatible software for Linux, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Solaris, AIX, HP-UX, VMS, and lots of other platforms. Learn the Kermit command and scripting language once, use it on many kinds of connections and on many kinds of computers and operating systems: past, present, and future.

How does K95 compare with other Windows-based SSH clients? K95 has more features -- connection methods, security methods, emulations, protocols, character sets, scripting -- than free ones such as PuTTY and TeraTerm. It also has more features than many of the commercial ones such as SecureCRT, SecureNetTerm, and SSHWinClient, yet costs less than most of them in single quantity, and far less then all of them in higher quantities. CLICK HERE for a comparison table.

Kermit 95 is used all over the world in the academic, government, corporate, and nonprofit sectors. In academia, K95 allows students, faculty, and staff to access central and departmental text-based services and applications on Unix, VMS, IBM, and other platforms:

In the private sector, K95 is a favorite of consultants, system integrators, and makers of high-tech equipment, who bundle it with their products or services. In the health-care industry, it's widely used for insurance claim submission as well as in hospital information systems and laboratories; in the retail market, it's used for inventory, POS, and EDI applications; in libraries for catalog access and back-office work; in any large organization, it's a handy network monitoring and management tool. It's popular internationally for its comprehensive character-set support. In every sector, its security features make it ideal for remote maintenance of secure websites and for any critical or sensitive text-based applications -- as well as for such simple tasks as reading your e-mail without catching a virus.

  FEATURES

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K95 Screen Shot
(Click for detail)

Kermit 95 is Year-2000 ready and Euro compatible. It has two major components:

THE DIALER
The graphical Dialer configures and launches all your connections (dialed or network, secure or clear-text, terminal or FTP) by means of menus, buttons, and dialog boxes so you don't have to deal with complicated initialization files, macro definitions, commands, or "syntax" of any kind. The Dialer can configure as many different connections as you want, and can manage multiple simultaneous active connections. For added convenience, the Dialer can create desktop or Start-menu shortcuts for your most frequently used connections.

THE CONNECTION ENGINE
The actual work -- communications, file transfer, scripting, etc -- is done by the K95.EXE program, similar to its cousins on UNIX, VMS, and MS-DOS, which is normally (but need not be) launched from the Dialer pushbutton-style to make each of your connections automatically with all the appropriate settings and desired customizations. The graphical Dialer removes the need to interact directly with the command prompt in most cases. Yet all the commands are there in case you need them . . . or if you want to script them.

Beginning with Version 2.0, the connection engine comes in two forms: Graphical User Interface (GUI) (Windows only, not OS/2) and Console. Previous releases were available only in a Console version. For a detailed description of the new GUI version, CLICK HERE. Thus the Dialer configures, organizes, launches, and manages your connections, and K95 does all the real work.

CONNECTIONS
Internet: SSH v1/v2 (Windows only)
Internet: TELNET (incoming too)
Internet: FTP
Internet: RLOGIN
Internet: HTTP
Internet: Internet Kermit Serice
Modem dial-out and dial-in: Direct serial connections
DECnet and LAT: TES32 (Windows only): (InterConnections Inc TES32 required, which is no longer a product)
NETBIOS (OS/2 only)
IBM OS/2 Named Pipes (OS/2 only)
IBM OS/2 Warp Server Redirected Communication Ports (OS/2 only)

SECURITY
SSH v1 and v2 connections (next item) as well as Secure Telnet and FTP connections using Kerberos IV, Kerberos V, SRP, SSL/TLS, or public/private key-pair protocols for authentication and encryption when the host is equipped with compatible servers. (Export to certain countries restricted; SSH and Kerberos not available for OS/2.) (CLICK HERE for a survey of secure Telnet and FTP servers.) K95 2.1 is compatible with all the latest OpenSSH, OpenSSL, Kerberos, and SRP libraries and interfaces, and supports Telnet Forwarding of Authorized X Windows System session data over secure connections

THE NEW SSH CLIENT
Based on OpenSSH 3.0.2p1, K95's built-in SSH client (for Windows only, not OS/2) supports SSH versions 1.3, 1.5, and 2.0 and with a full range of authentication methods including password, public/private key pairs, Kerberos 4, Kerberos 5 GSSAPI, and SRP, as well as with external SSH agents. Like all K95's other connection methods, it is fully scriptable. It supports all the same terminal emulations and features as K95's Telnet, Rlogin, and modem clients: character sets, key mapping, scrollback, mouse actions, etc, and is fully integrated into the K95 Dialer as well as K95 itself. CLICK HERE to read about Kermit 95's new SSH client.

THE NEW FTP AND HTTP CLIENTS
A highly functional FTP client implementation including: The HTTP 1.1 implemenation includes: Both HTTP and FTP are fully scriptable, allowing (for example) automated secure updating of (or from) remote Web or file archive sites.

MODEM DIALING
An intelligent phone-list that understands the difference between international, long-distance, local, toll-free, and internal PBX calls, and adjusts itself according to your location; that allows multiple phone numbers for a single service; and that can be told how many times and how frequently to redial if the connection is not made. North American 10-digit dialing is supported. Numeric and alphanumeric paging too.

REMOTE ACCESS
Kermit 95 allows remote text-mode or client/server access to your PC in several different ways:

Pictures of terminals
What's a Terminal??? Click here to find out.

TERMINAL EMULATION
Emulation of 40 different types of terminals including ADM-3A; Ann Arbor Ambassador (partial); ANSI-BBS; Avatar/0+; AT386; BeBox ANSI; Data General DASHER D200, D210; Data General DASHER D217 in native and Unix modes; DEC VT52; DEC VT100, VT102, VT220, VT320 with color extensions; Hazeltine 1500; Heath/Zenith 19; Hewlett Packard 2621A; HPTERM; IBM HFT and AIXTERM; IBM 3151; Linux console; Microsoft VTNT; QNX ANSI and QNX Console; SCOANSI; Siemens Nixdorf BA80 and 97801-5xx; Sun Console; Televideo TVI910+, TVI925, TVI950; Volker Craig VC404; Wyse 30, 50, 60, 160, and 370. Tektronix, Sixel, ReGIS, and other graphics emulations are not presently included. CLICK HERE for a gallery of K95 terminal screens. Terminal emulation features include:

FILE TRANSFER
In addition to its new built-in FTP and HTTP clients, Kermit 95 includes the following file-transfer protocols and features for use within terminal sessions over any of its connection methods -- serial or network, secure or clear-text:

FILE MANAGEMENT
Kermit 95's command screen is similar to a Windows Command Window, allowing you to obtain directory listings; copy, rename, and delete files; create and remove directories; search for text in files; display files on the screen, and so forth, but with more commands and options than Windows, a friendlier interface (file and keyword lists on demand, file and keyword completion, built-in help) and full scriptability. The same file management features are also available for managing remote files over a Kermit (or, to some extent, an FTP) client/server connection, and many of them are tied into the file transfer process itself; for example, providing the ability to atomically "move" a file from one computer to another.

INTERNET KERMIT SERVICE
Internet Kermit Service (IKS) is an Internet file-transfer and management client/server protocol similar to FTP but with more features, security, and automatability. It is described in Internet RFCs 2839 and 2840. Kermit 95 can act as both an IKS client and (in Windows NT/2000/XP only) an IKS server, allowing controlled and manageable remote access to your PC from the Internet. For further information see the Windows IKS User Guide, the Windows IKS Administrator Guide, and the Unix IKS User Guide, Unix IKS Administrator Guide.

AUTOMATION
K95's command and script language allows not only for the automation of routine or complicated tasks, but also an unparalleled degree of customizability so you can tailor it to fit into any setting. The same intuitive and portable language is in widespread use on hundreds of other platforms: Automatic programmed interactions with other computers, services, or devices: wait for strings or patterns (one or more simultaneously), respond with other strings; make decisions based on the success or failure of any command, host input, or other criteria. Macros, block structure, built-in and scoped user-defined variables and arrays, associative arrays, string manipulation and arithmetic functions, date-time arithmetic, user-defined functions, file manipulation and access, IF-ELSE, FOR, WHILE, SWITCH, GOTO, and much more. You can even have Kermit write scripts for you by watching and recording your interactions with the host. CLICK HERE for an introduction.

Portion of a K95 terminal screen

CHARACTER SETS
Character-set conversion during both terminal emulation and (a unique feature of the Kermit protocol) file transfer: All major West European, East European, Greek, Cyrillic, and Hebrew character sets are supported, plus Unicode UCS-2 and UTF-8. And, for file transfer only, also various Japanese Katakana and Kanji character sets (JIS, Shift-JIS, EUC). CLICK HERE for a list and HERE for some screen shots.

DOCUMENTATION AND SUPPORT
A user-friendly online manual manual plus (with shrinkwrapped retail copies only) a comprehensive technical reference manual, also available separately. Technical support via telephone and e-mail plus a public newsgroup, patches, and updates, available free of charge to registered users.

  HOW TO GET IT

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(Click for a larger view)

Kermit 95 2.1 is available for Windows 95, 98, ME, NT 4.0, 2000, and XP on Intel and compatible PC platforms only, and for IBM OS/2 3.0 and later.

The Windows NT PowerPC edition of K95 was frozen at version 1.1.16 after Windows NT itself was discontinued for the PowerPC. The Alpha/NT edition was frozen at version 1.1.20 after Alpha/NT was discontinued by Compaq and Microsoft. The Windows NT 3.5x version is also frozen at 1.1.20. Kermit 95 is not available for Windows CE or Pocket PC.

Kermit 95 2.1 is available in the following ways:

  1. In a free downloadable full-featured TRIAL VERSION from e-academy.com.

  2. Electronically purchased and delivered from e-academy.com. Academic discounts available for university affiliates.

  3. In single or small quantities as a shrinkwrapped retail package. Shrinkwrapped copies of the new release will become available in late December. You may PREORDER THEM NOW AT THE OLD PRICE (the price will increase on 1 January 2003). In the meantime, you can choose electronically delivered copies from e-academy.com or bulk or site licenses (next items).

  4. Low-cost Bulk Right-to-Copy licenses of 100 seats or more. All new bulk license orders will be filled by the latest release, no upgrading required. CLICK HERE for the Bulk Right-to-Copy License order form.

  5. Omnibus Licenses, a new form of the bulk license that allows mixing and matching of K95 with other Kermit programs such as C-Kermit or MS-DOS Kermit for commercial redistribution to customers or clients where a mixed-platform solution is required. 100 seats minimum. CLICK HERE for the Omnibus License order form.

  6. Super-low-cost Academic Site Licenses. All new academic site orders will be filled by the latest release, no upgrading required. CLICK HERE for the Academic Site License order form.

  7. As a downloadable no-cost version upgrade (free of charge) to current Kermit 95 owners, which may be applied to:

    CLICK HERE to access the K95 2.1 upgrade.

Export Permission

Export of cryptographic software is restricted by United States of America Export Administration Regulations. This is a matter of USA law, which governs the New York based Kermit Project.

The United States Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), via CCATS # G025631 dated 07/16/2002, has granted to Kermit 95:

This allows export of the cryptographic version of Kermit 95 to all countries except Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Libya, Sudan, and Syria. Of course the non-cryptographic version can be exported to any country at all. (If you disagree with the composition of the list of embargoed countries or any other facet of US export law, please direct your comments to the appropriate government or international bodies.)

You can order Kermit 95 direct from Columbia University (other sources are listed below).

The Kermit Project
Columbia University
612 West 115th Street
New York NY   10025-7799
USA
Fax: +1 (212) 662 6442
Voice: +1 (212) 854 3703
Email:   kermit@columbia.edu

You may order shrinkwrapped copies in any quantity; the quantity discount schedule is shown on the printed order form. Retailers or resellers should order direct from the publisher (next section) to obtain the reseller discount. For larger quantities, consider the bulk and academic licenses, which have a much lower per-unit cost.

Contact us if you have questions. E-mail works best.

OTHER SOURCES

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Discounted Electronic Ordering and Delivery:


e-academy.com

The publisher: 


Manning Publications Co.
209 Bruce Park Avenue
Greenwich CT  06830  USA
Fax:   +1 (203) 661 9018
Voice: +1 (203) 629 2078
Email: orders@manning.com
Web:   http://www.manning.com/kermit/index.html

Major Web-based retailers:

Amazon.Com
Barnes & Noble
Buy.Com
FatBrain

Other North American retailers

Include selected branches of Micro Center, Datatrac, Computer Market Place, CS Business Systems, NDS, Softmart, Software Spectrum, Software Connections, Sunbelt Computers.

Serving the United Kingdom: 
Software Paradise
Avenue House
King Edward Avenue
Caerphilly CF83 1HE
UNITED KINGDOM
Voice: +44 (0) 2920 887521
Fax:   +44 (0) 2920 862209
Email: info@softwareparadise.co.uk
Web:   http://www.softwareparadise.co.uk

Serving Australia and New Zealand: 

Corinthian Internet Services
PO Box 71
Artarmon, NSW 2064
AUSTRALIA
Voice:  +61 2 99064333
Fax:    +61 2 99061556
E-mail: sales@cis.net.au
Web:    http://www.cis.net.au

Also serving Australia: 
On-Line Computing Pty Ltd
Level 2
14-16 Rowland Street
Subiaco, WA 6008
AUSTRALIA
Voice:  +61 8 9381 3000
Fax:    +61 8 9388 1746
E-mail: rod@olc.com.au
Web:    http://www.olc.com.au/products/kermit95.htm

Serving Germany and Austria: 
Georg Fischer
Amselweg 7
D-89281 Herrenstetten
GERMANY
Telefon: +49-8337-8646
Telefax: +49-8337-9118
Email:   G-F-I@T-Online.de (E-mail works best)
Web:    (coming soon...)

Serving Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Russia, Belarus, Lithuania, Estonia, Bulgaria, and Slovakia: 
CLICO Centrum Oprogramowania, Sp. z o.o.
Al. 3-go Maja 7
PL-30-063 Krakow
POLAND
Voice: +48 12 6325166
Fax:   +48 12 6323698
Email: support@clico.pl
Web:   http://www.clico.pl/software/kermit/k95.html
Brochure: clico.pdf

Serving Israel: 
ThinkCom Ltd. - Thinking of Communications Solutions.
P.O.B 1350 (29 Hauman Street)
Jerusalem 91013
ISRAEL
Voice: +972 (2) 6788800
Fax:   +972 (2) 6788500
Email: oren@thinkcom.com - Oren Yehezkely, General Manager
       oren@isdn.co.il
Web:   http://www.ThinkCom.com/ (English)
       http://www.isdn.co.il (Hebrew)

If your software outlet does not carry Kermit 95, ask them to order it. Stores may order the Kermit 95 shrink-wrapped package from the publisher, Manning Software, directly.

THE FUTURE

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We continue to develop Kermit 95 actively to meet your needs. Lots of changes and features are on tap for future releases. NOTE: The features listed below are not in the current Kermit 95 release.

Items under consideration for future releases include:

Feel free to let us know your priorities and to send us additional suggestions and comments.

Jeffrey Altman, Max Evarts, Christine Gianone, Frank da Cruz
The Kermit Project, Columbia University

Member, Software Information Industry Association.

OpenSSL Logo SIIA Logo

Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Windows NT is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. OS/2, Warp, and Merlin are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation. Kerberos is a trademark of Massachusetts Institute of Technology. SRP is a trademark of Stanford University.

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Kermit 95 / Columbia University / kermit@columbia.edu / 9 December 2002