MEMORANDUM TO: Taro Terashi, Hakuto Co. Ltd. Fax to tel. 011-81-3-354-8608 FROM: Keith M. Corbett DATE: 28-Jan-88 SUBJ: Software Problems at SECOM COPY: R. Greenblatt, R. Genest, D. Lee I will attempt to answer most of the questions you have relayed from SECOM regarding TCP/IP. However, it will not be possible to duplicate every problem they may encounter; we do not have a Sun or Apollo workstation with TCP. 1. In regard to TCP/TELNET: A) To "open a file on the Lambda system" - this can be done within a Telnet server process in the normal fashion. However, certain functions such as ED (edit), DIRED (directory edit), etc., will not work. This is because the Telnet server can only provide basic "dumb terminal" capability, not full window graphics (such as menus). B) To "open at least our window" - if this means to bring up a Lambda window or menu, no, this is not possible; it is not supported by TCP generally, and cannot be accomplished even when using TCP/Telnet between two Lambdas, for the reason stated above. C) To "Input normal functions to the Lambda system" - within the constraints already mentioned, this should be possible. I don't see any reason why (FS:EXPUNGE-DIRECTORY) would not work. Two questions: 1. How are they using it? ...Do they get an error? 2. Have they tried the identical calling sequence directly on the Lambda? D) To the best of my knowledge, several sites are using Sun's Telnet to log onto a Lambda, and are operating within the constraints I have described. In release 2 and 3, the only rubout capability that is supported by our Telnet Server is "Rubout All", which means to rubout (erase) the entire input line. This is initiated in a manner that is specified by TCP/Telnet, and may work differently on various terminals. For example, in Excelan's Telnet on a VAX/VMS system, the "DELETE" key initiates a rubout (deleting the entire line), but the "BACKSPACE" key does not (it is received by our Telnet as an OVERSTRIKE character). The customer may need to get further information from their TCP and/or terminal vendors on what keystroke(s) generates a rubout. In release 4, our Telnet server will support fuller rubout handling, so that "RUBOUT" will erase a single character. On the VAX/VMS system as described above, "DELETE" will delete a single character, and "CONTROL-U" will rubout the entire line. We are in the process of beta testing the release 4 software, and will inform you of its general availability in the future. If they want an advance copy, before the beta testing is completed, please advise and I will try to provide the necessary materials. If they are using PICON, they should continue to use release 3.1 until such time as a PICON update is distributed. 2. We do not have a dial-up/electronic mail system. The best way for SECOM to contact me, and GigaMos Customer Service generally, is to use the TeleFax as you do. 3. It is certainly possible to have their USA-based person contact me directly on technical issues. This should be set up in advance, by your advising me prior to the initial contact; therefore I will be expecting their call. I do hope, however, that they keep Hakuto "in the loop" -- as we have always done, and as in this circumstance. When it then becomes necessary for direct contact, I will be happy to assist. 4. By design, the Lambda operating system has a single address and symbol/name space, and in that sense it is not a multi-user system. However, the difference is not otherwise very significant. Multiple users can access the Lambda through remote logons, but they must be aware of the potential for interfering with each other. Well-designed programs can anticipate this and behave accordingly. 5. Ron Genest informs me that the VCMEM boards have been received, and will be replaced shortly. The Iris board should be sent today; there was a delay in preparing the shipping papers. Please let me know if there are any further software issues that I can assist you with. Please feel free to encourage SECOM to contact me directly in regard to their TCP questions. KMC