NAME
kermit - C‐Kermit 8.0: transport‐ and platform‐independent interactive
and scriptable communications software.
This document is intended to give the beginner sufficient
information to make basic (if not advanced) use of C‐Kermit 8.0.
Although it might be rather long for a Unix manual page, it’s
still far shorter than the C‐Kermit manual, which should be
consulted for advanced topics such as customization,
character‐sets, scripting, etc. We also attempt to provide a
clear structural overview of C‐Kermit’s many capabilities,
functional areas, states, and modes and their interrelation,
that should be helpful to beginners and veterans alike, as well
as to those upgrading to version 8.0 from earlier releases.
This document is also available as a Web page at:
http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/ckututor.html
DESCRIPTION
C‐Kermit is an all‐purpose communications software package from the
Kermit Project at Columbia University that:
· Is portable to many platforms, Unix and non‐Unix alike.
· Can make both serial and network connections.
· Can conduct interactive terminal sessions over its connection.
· Can transfer text or binary files over the same connection.
· Can convert character sets in the terminal session.
· Can convert character sets during text‐file file transfer.
· Is customizable in every aspect of its operation.
C‐Kermit is a modem program, a Telnet client, an Rlogin client, an FTP
client, an HTTP client, and on selected platforms, also an X.25 client.
It can make its own secure Internet connections using IETF‐approved
security methods including Kerberos IV, Kerberos V, SSL/TLS, and SRP
and it can also make SSH connections through your external SSH client
application. It can be the far‐end file‐transfer or client/server
partner of your desktop Kermit client. It can also accept incoming
dialed and network connections. It can even be installed as an
Internet service on its own standard TCP socket, 1649 [RFC2839,
RFC2840].
And perhaps most important, everything you can do "by hand"
(interactively) with C‐Kermit, can be "scripted" (automated) using its
built‐in cross‐platform transport‐independent script programming
language, which happens to be identical to its interactive command
language.
This manual page offers an overview of C‐Kermit 8.0 for Unix ("Unix" is
an operating system family that includes AIX, DG/UX, FreeBSD, HP‐UX,
IRIX, Linux, Mac OS X, NetBSD, OpenBSD, Open Server, Open Unix, QNX,
Solaris, SunOS, System V R3, System V R4, Tru64 Unix, Unixware, Xenix,
and many others). For thorough coverage, please consult the published
C‐Kermit manual and supplements (see DOCUMENTATION below). For further
information about C‐Kermit, Kermit software for other platforms, and
Kermit manuals, visit the Kermit Project website:
http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/
This is a longer‐than‐average manual page, and yet it barely scratches
the surface. Don’t be daunted. C‐Kermit is a large and complex package,
evolving over decades of practice and experience, but that doesn’t mean
it’s hard to learn or use. Its most commonly used functions are
explained here with pointers to additional information elsewhere.
SYNOPSIS
kermit [ filename ] [ options ] [ {=,--,+} text ] ]
or:
kermit URL
If the first command‐line argument is the name of a file,
interactive‐mode commands are executed from the file. The ’=’ (or "--")
argument tells Kermit not to parse the remainder of the command line,
but to make the words following ’=’ available as \%1, \%2, ... \%9. The
"+" argument is like "=" but for use in "kerbang scripts" (explained
below). A second command‐line format allows the one and only argument
to be a Telnet, FTP, HTTP, or IKSD URL.
Order of execution:
1. The command file (if any).
2. The initialization file, if any, unless suppressed with -Y.
3. The customization file (if it is executed by the initialization
file).
4. The command‐line URL (if any, and if so, execution stops here).
5. Command‐line options (if any).
6. Interactive commands.
Some command‐line options can cause actions (such as -s to send a
file); others just set parameters. If any action options are included
on the command line, Kermit exits when finished unless also given the
-S ("stay") option. If no action options are given, no initialization
or command files contained an EXIT or QUIT command, and no fatal errors
occurred, Kermit issues its prompt and waits for you to type commands.
Bear in mind that C‐Kermit can be built with selected features
disabled, and also that certain features are not available on
all platforms. For example, C‐Kermit can’t be built with TCP/IP
support on a platform that does not have TCP/IP header files and
libraries (and even if Kermit does include TCP/IP support, it
can’t be used to make TCP/IP connections on a computer that does
not have a TCP/IP stack installed). If your version of lacks
C‐Kermit a feature mentioned here, use its SHOW FEATURES command
to see what might have been excluded.
C‐Kermit has three kinds of commands: regular single‐letter
command‐line options, extended‐format command‐line options, and
interactive commands.
Like most Unix commands, C‐Kermit can be be given options on the
command line. But C‐Kermit also can be used interactively by giving it
commands composed of words, which are more intuitive than cryptic
command‐line options, and more flexible too. In other words, you don’t
have to use C‐Kermit’s command‐line options, but they are available if
you want to. (By the same token, you don’t have to use its interactive
commands either ‐‐ you can use either or both in any combination.)
C‐Kermit is generally installed in the PATH as "kermit", and therefore
is invoked by typing the word "kermit" (lowercase) at the shell prompt,
and then pressing the Return or Enter key. If you wish to include
command‐line options, put them after the word "kermit" but before
pressing Return or Enter, separated by spaces, for example:
$ kermit -s ckermit.tar.gz
(’$’ is the shell prompt; "kermit -s ckermit.tar.gz" is what you type,
followed by Return or Enter.)
OPTIONS
Here is a list of C‐Kermit’s single‐letter command‐line options, which
start with a single dash (-), in ASCII ("alphabetical") order.
Alphabetic case is significant (-A is not the same as -a). Action
options are tagged "ACTION".
-0 (digit zero) 100% transparent Connect state for "in‐the‐middle"
operation: 8 bits, no parity, no escape character, everything
passes through.
-8 (digit eight) Connection is 8‐bit clean (this is the default in
C‐Kermit 8.0). Equivalent to the EIGHTBIT command, which in turn
is a shortcut for SET TERMINAL BYTESIZE 8, SET COMMAND BYTESIZE
8, SET PARITY NONE.
-9 arg (digit nine) Make a connection to an FTP server. Equivalent to
the FTP OPEN command. Argument:
IP‐address‐or‐hostname[:optional‐TCP‐port]. NOTE: C‐Kermit also
has a separate FTP command‐line personality, with regular
FTP‐like command‐line syntax. More about this below.
-A Kermit is to be started as an Internet service (IKSD) (only from
inetd.conf).
-B Kermit is running in Batch or Background (no controlling
terminal). To be used in case Kermit doesn’t automatically sense
its background status. Equivalent to the SET BACKGROUND ON
command.
-C arg Interactive‐mode Commands to be executed. Argument: Commands
separated by commas, list in doublequotes.
-D arg Delay before starting to send in Remote mode. Equivalent to the
SET DELAY command. Argument: Number of seconds.
-E Exit automatically when connection closes. Equivalent to SET
EXIT ON-DISCONNECT ON.
-F arg Use an open TCP connection. Argument: Numeric file descriptor
of open TCP connection. Also see: -j, -J.
-G arg (ACTION) Get file(s) from server, send contents to standard
output, which normally would be piped to another process.
Argument: Remote file specification, in quotes if it contains
metacharacters. Also see: -g, -k.
-H Suppress program startup Herald and greeting.
-I Tell Kermit it has a reliable connection, to force streaming to
be used where it normally would not be. Equivalent to the SET
RELIABLE ON command.
-J arg (ACTION) "Be like Telnet." Like -j but implies -E. Argument: IP
hostname/address optionally followed by service. NOTE: C‐Kermit
also has a separate Telnet command‐line personality, with
regular Telnet‐like command‐line syntax. More about this below.
-L Recursive directory descent for files in -s option.
-M arg My user name (for use with Telnet, Rlogin, FTP, etc).
Equivalent to the SET LOGIN USER command. Argument: Username
string.
-O (ACTION) (Uppercase letter O) Be a server for One command only.
Also see: -x.
-P Don’t convert file (Path) names of transferred files.
Equivalent to SET FILE NAMES LITERAL.
-Q Quick Kermit protocol settings. Equivalent to the FAST command.
This is the default in C‐Kermit 7.0 and later.
-R Remote‐only (this just makes IF REMOTE true).
-S Stay (enter command parser after action options).
-T Force Text mode for file transfer; implies -V. Equivalent to
SET TRANSFER MODE MANUAL, SET FILE TYPE TEXT.
-V Disable automatic per‐file text/binary switching. Equivalent to
SET TRANSFER MODE MANUAL.
-Y Skip (don’t execute) the initialization file.
-a arg As‐name for file(s) in -s, -r, or -g. Argument: As‐name string
(alternative filename). When receiving files, this can be a
directory name.
-b arg Speed for serial device. Equivalent to SET SPEED. Argument:
Numeric Bits per second for serial connections.
-c (ACTION) Enter Connect state before transferring files.
-d Create a debug.log file with detailed debugging information (a
second -d adds timestamps). Equivalent to LOG DEBUG but takes
effect sooner.
-e arg Maximum length for incoming Kermit file‐transfer packets.
Equivalent to SET RECEIVE PACKET-LENGTH. Argument: Length in
bytes.
-f (ACTION) Send a FINISH command to a Kermit server.
-g arg Get file(s) from a Kermit server. Argument: File specification
on other computer, in quotes if it contains metacharacters.
Equivalent to GET. Also see: -a, -G, -r.
-h (ACTION) Print Help text for single‐letter command‐line options
(pipe thru ’more’ to prevent scrolling).
-i Force binary (Image) mode for file transfer; implies -V.
Equivalent to SET TRANSFER MODE MANUAL, SET FILE TYPE BINARY.
-j arg Make a TCP/IP connection. Argument: IP host name/address and
optional service name or number. Equivalent to the TELNET
command. Also see: -J, -F.
-k (ACTION) Receive file(s) to standard output, which normally
would be piped to another process. Also see: -r, -G.
-l arg (Lowercase letter L) Make a connection on the given serial
communications device. Equivalent to the SET LINE (SET PORT)
command. Argument: Serial device name, e.g. /dev/ttyS0.
-m arg Modem type for use with the -l device. Equivalent to the SET
MODEM TYPE command. Argument: Modem name as in SET MODEM TYPE
command, e.g. "usrobotics".
-n (ACTION) Enter Connect state after transferring files
(historical).
-p arg Parity. Equivalent to the SET PARITY command. Argument: One of
the following: e(ven), o(dd), m(ark), n(one), s(pace).
-q Quiet (suppress most messages). Equivalent to SET QUIET ON.
-r (ACTION) Receive file(s). Equivalent to the RECEIVE command.
Argument: (none, but see -a)
-s arg Send file(s). Argument: One or more local file specifications.
Equivalent to the SEND command. Also see: -a.
-t (Historical) Xon (Ctrl-Q) Turnaround character for half‐duplex
connections (used on serial linemode connections to old
mainframes). Equivalent to SET DUPLEX HALF, SET HANDSHAKE XON.
-v arg Window size for Kermit protocol (ignored when streaming).
Equivalanet to SET WINDOW-SIZE. Argument: Number, 1 to 32.
-w Incoming files Write over existing files. Equivalent to SET FILE
COLLISION OVERWRITE.
-x (ACTION) Enter server mode. Equivalent to the SERVER command.
Also see: -O.
-y arg Alternative initialization file. Argument: Filename.
-z Force foreground behavior. To be used in case Kermit doesn’t
automatically sense its foreground status. Equivalent to the
SET BACKGROUND OFF command.
Extended command‐line options (necessary because single‐letter ones are
about used up) start with two dashes (--), with words rather than
single letters as option names. If an extended option takes an
argument, it is separated from the option word by a colon (:). Extended
options include:
--bannerfile:filename
File to display upon startup or IKSD login.
--cdfile:filename
File to be sent for display to the client when server changes
directory (filename is relative to the changed‐to directory).
--cdmessage:{on,off}
Enable/disable the server CD message feature.
--help
Prints usage message for extended options.
--helpfile:filename
Designates a file containing custom text to replace the
top‐level HELP command.
--nointerrupts
Disables keyboard interrupts.
--noperms
Disables the Kermit protocol file Permissions attribute, to
prevent transmission of file permissions (protection) from
sender to receiver.
--version
(ACTION) C‐Kermit prints its version number.
Plus several other IKSD‐Only options described at:
http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/iksd.html
See the file‐transfer section for examples of command‐line invocation.
COMMAND LANGUAGE
C‐Kermit’s interactive command language is the subject of a 622‐page
book and another several hundred pages of updates, far too much for a
manual page. But it’s not hard to get started. At the shell prompt,
just type "kermit" to get C‐Kermit’s interactive command prompt:
$ kermit
(/current/directory) C-Kermit>
Begin by typing "help" (and then press the Return or Enter key) for a
top‐level overview, read it, and go from there. Your second command
should probably be "intro" (introduction). Note the prompt shows your
current directory (unless you tell Kermit to prompt you with something
else).
Interactive commands are composed mainly of regular English words,
usually in the form of imperative sentences, such as:
send oofa.txt
which tells Kermit to send (transfer) the file whose name is oofa.txt,
or:
set transfer mode automatic
which sets Kermit’s "transfer mode" to "automatic" (whatever that
means).
While typing commands, you can abbreviate, ask for help (by pressing
the "?" key anywhere in a command), complete keywords or filenames
(with the Tab or Esc key), and edit your typing with Backspace or
Delete, Ctrl-W, Ctrl-U, etc. You can also recall previous commands,
save your command history, and who knows what else. Give the INTRO
command for details.
C‐Kermit has hundreds of commands, and they can be issued in infinite
variety and combinations, including commands for:
· Making connections (SET LINE, DIAL, TELNET, SSH, FTP, ...)
· Breaking connections (HANGUP, CLOSE)
· Transferring files (SEND, GET, RECEIVE, MOVE, RESEND, ...)
· Establishing preferences (SET)
· Displaying preferences (SHOW)
· Managing local files (CD, DELETE, MKDIR, DIR, RENAME, TYPE, ...)
· Managing remote files (RCD, RDEL, RMKDIR, RDIR, ...)
· Using local files (FOPEN, FCLOSE, FREAD, FWRITE)
· Programming (TAKE, DEFINE, IF, FOR, WHILE, SWITCH, DECLARE, ...)
· Interacting with the user (ECHO, ASK, ...)
· Interacting with a remote computer (INPUT, OUTPUT, ...)
· Interacting with local programs (RUN, EXEC, PTY, ...)
· Logging things (LOG SESSION, LOG PACKETS, LOG DEBUG, ...)
And of course QUIT or EXIT to get out and HELP to get help, and for
programmers: loops, decision making, variables, arrays, associative
arrays, integer and floating point arithmetic, macros, built‐in and
user‐defined functions, string manipulation, pattern matching, block
structure, scoping, recursion, and all the rest. To get a list of all
C‐Kermit’s commands, type a question mark (?) at the prompt. To get a
description of any command, type HELP followed by the name of the
command, for example:
help send
The command interruption character is Ctrl-C (hold down the Ctrl key
and press the C key).
The command language "escape character", used to introduce variable
names, function invocations, and so on, is backslash (. If you need to
include a literal backslash in a command, type two of them, e.g.:
get c:\k95\k95custom.ini
Command Files, Macros, and Scripts
A file containing Kermit commands is called a Kermit command file or
Kermit script. It can be executed with Kermit’s TAKE command:
(/current/dir) C-Kermit> take commandfile
(where "commandfile" is the name of the command file). Please don’t
pipe a command file into Kermit’s standard input (which might or might
not work); if you have Kermit commands in a file, tell Kermit to TAKE
the file.
In Unix only, a Kermit command file can also be executed directly by
including a "kerbang" line as the first line of the file:
#!/usr/local/bin/kermit +
That is, a top line that starts with "#!", followed immediately by the
full path of the Kermit executable, and then, if the Kermit script is
to be given arguments on the command line, a space and a plus sign. The
script file must also have execute permission:
chmod +x commandfile
Except for the " +" part, this is exactly the same as you would do for
a shell script, a Perl script, etc. Here’s a simple but useless example
script that regurgitates its arguments (up to three of them):
#!/usr/local/bin/kermit +
if defined \%1 echo "Argument 1: \%1"
if defined \%2 echo "Argument 2: \%2"
if defined \%3 echo "Argument 3: \%3"
if defined \%4 echo "etc..."
exit
If this file is stored in your current directory as "commandfile",
then:
./commandfile one two three four five
prints:
Argument 1: one
Argument 2: two
Argument 3: three
etc...
This illustrates the basic structure of a standalone Kermit script: the
"kerbang line", then some commands. It should end with "exit" unless
you want the Kermit prompt to appear when it is finished. \%1 is the
first argument, \%2 the second, and so on.
You can also create your own commands by defining named macros composed
of other Kermit commands (or macros). For example:
define mydelete {
local trash
assign trash \v(home)trashcan/
if not defined \%1 end 1 "Delete what?"
if wild \%1 {
end 1 "Deleting multiple files is too scary"
}
if not exist \%1 end 1 "I can’t find \%1"
if not directory \m(trash) {
mkdir \m(trash)
if fail end 1 "No trash can"
}
rename /list \%1 \m(trash)
}
define myundelete {
local trash
assign trash \v(home)trashcan/
if not defined \%1 end 1 "Undelete what?"
if wild \%1 {
end 1 "Undeleting multiple files is too hard"
}
if not directory \m(trash) end 1 "No trash can"
if not exist \m(trash)\%1 {
end 1 "I can’t find \%1 in trash can"
}
rename /list \m(trash)\%1 .
}
These sample macros are not exactly production quality (they don’t
handle filenames that include path segments, they don’t handle multiple
files, etc), but you get the idea: you can pass arguments to macros,
and they can check them and make other kinds of decisions. If you put
the above lines into your initialization or customization file
(explained below), you’ll have MYDELETE and MYUNDELETE commands
available every time you start Kermit, at least as long as you don’t
suppress execution of the initialization file. (Exercise for the
reader: Make these macros generally useful: remove limitations, add
trashcan display, browsing, emptying, etc.)
Kerbang scripts execute without the initialization file. This to keep
them portable and also to make them start faster. If you want to write
Kerbang scripts that depend on the initialization file, include the
command
take \v(home).kermrc
at the desired spot in the script. By the way, \v(xxx) is a built‐in
variable (xxx is the variable name, "home" in this case). To see what
built‐in variables are available, type "show variables" at the C‐Kermit
prompt. To see what else you can show, type "show ?". \m(xxx) is a user
defined variable (strictly speaking, it is a macro used as a variable).
Command List
C‐Kermit has more than 200 top‐level commands, and some of these, such
as SET, branch off into hundreds of subcommands of their own, so it’s
not practical to describe them all here. Instead, here’s a concise list
of the most commonly used top‐level commands, grouped by category. To
learn about each command, type "help" followed by the command name,
e.g. "help set". Terms such as Command state and Connect state are
explained in subsequent sections.
Optional fields are shown in [ brackets ]. "filename" means the name
of a single file. filespec means a file specification that is allowed
to contain wildcard characters like ’*’ to match groups of files.
options are (optional) switches like /PAGE, /NOPAGE, /QUIET, etc,
listed in the HELP text for each command. Example:
send /recursive /larger:10000 /after:-1week /except:*.txt *
which can be read as "send all the files in this directory and all the
ones underneath it that are larger than 10000 bytes, no more than one
week old, and whose names don’t end with ".txt".
Basic Commands
HELP Requests top‐level help.
HELP command
Requests help about the given command.
INTRODUCTION
Requests a brief introduction to C‐Kermit.
LICENSE
Displays the C‐Kermit software copyright and license.
VERSION
Displays C‐Kermit’s version number.
EXIT [ number ]
Exits from Kermit with the given status code. Synonyms:
QUIT, E, Q.
TAKE filename [ parameters... ]
Executes commands from the given
LOG item [ filename ]
Keeps a log of the given item in the given file.
[ DO ] macro [ parameters... ]
Executes commands from the given macro.
SET parameter value
Sets the given parameter to the given value.
SHOW category
Shows settings in a given category.
STATUS Tells whether previous command succeeded or failed.
DATE [ date‐and/or‐time ]
Shows current date‐time or interprets given date‐time.
RUN [ extern‐command [ parameters... ]
Runs the given external command. Synonym: !.
EXEC [ extern‐command [ params... ]
Kermit overlays itself with the given command.
SUSPEND
Stops Kermit and puts it in the background. Synonym: Z.
Local File Management
TYPE [ options ] filename
Displays the contents of the given file.
MORE [ options ] filename
Equivalent to TYPE /PAGE (pause after each screenful).
CAT [ options ] filename
Equivalent to TYPE /NOPAGE.
HEAD [ options ] filename
Displays the first few lines of a given file.
TAIL [ options ] filename
Displays the last few lines of a given file.
GREP [ options ] pattern filespec
Displays lines from files that match the pattern.
Synonym: FIND.
DIRECTORY [ options ] [filespec ]
Lists files (built‐in, many options).
LS [ options ] [ filespec ]
Lists files (runs external "ls" command).
DELETE [ options ] [ filespec ]
Deletes files. Synonym: RM.
PURGE [ options ] [ filespec ]
Removes backup (*.~n~) files.
COPY [ options ] [ filespecs... ]
Copies files. Synonym: CP.
RENAME [ options ] [ filespecs... ]
Renames files. Synonym: MV.
CHMOD [ options ] [ filespecs... ]
Changes permissions of files.
TRANSLATE filename charsets [ filename ]
Converts file’s character set. Synonym: XLATE.
CD Changes your working directory to your home directory.
CD directory
Changes your working directory to the one given.
CDUP Changes your working directory one level up.
PWD Displays your working directory.
BACK Returns to your previous working directory.
MKDIR [ directory ]
Creates a directory.
RMDIR [ directory ]
Removes a directory.
Making Connections
SET LINE [ options ] devicename
Opens the named serial port. Synonym: SET PORT.
OPEN LINE [ options ] devicename
Same as SET LINE. Synonym: OPEN PORT.
SET MODEM TYPE [ name ]
Tells Kermit what kind of modem is on the port.
DIAL [ number ]
Tells Kermit to dial the given phone number with the
modem.
REDIAL Redials the most recently dialed phone number.
ANSWER Waits for and answers an incoming call on the modem.
AUTHENTICATE [ parameters... ]
Performs secure authentication on a TCP/IP connection.
SET NETWORK TYPE { TCP/IP, X.25, ... }
Selects network type for subsequent SET HOST commands.
SET HOST [ options ] host [ port ]
Opens a network connection to the given host and port.
SET HOST * port
Waits for an incoming TCP/IP connection on the given
port.
TELNET [ options ] host
Opens a Telnet connection to the host and enters Connect
state.
RLOGIN [ options ] host
Opens an Rlogin connection to the host and enters Connect
state.
IKSD [ options ] host
Opens a connection to an Internet Kermit Service.
SSH [ options ] host
Opens an SSH connection to the host and enters Connect
state.
FTP OPEN host [ options ]
Opens an FTP connection to the host.
HTTP [ options ] OPEN host
Opens an HTTP connection to the host.
PTY external‐command
Runs the command on a pseudoterminal as if it were a
connection.
PIPE external‐command
Runs the command through a pipe as if it were a
connection.
Using Connections
CONNECT [ options ]
Enters Connect (terminal) state. Synonym: C.
REDIRECT command
Redirects the given external command over the connection.
TELOPT command
Sends a Telnet protocol command (Telnet connections
only).
Ctrl-\C
"Escapes back" from Connect state to Command state.
Ctrl-\B
(In Connect state) Sends a BREAK signal (serial or
Telnet).
Ctrl-\!
(In Connect state) Enters inferior shell; "exit" to
return.
Ctrl-\?
(In Connect state) Shows a menu of other escape‐level
options.
Ctrl-\Ctrl-\
(In Connect state) Type two Ctrl-Backslashes to send one
of them.
SET ESCAPE [ character ]
Changes Kermit’s Connect‐state escape character.
Closing Connections
HANGUP Hangs up the currently open serial‐port or network
connection.
CLOSE Closes the currently open serial‐port or network
connection.
SET LINE (with no devicename)
Closes the currently open serial‐port or network
connection.
SET HOST (with no hostname)
Closes the currently open serial‐port or network
connection.
FTP CLOSE
Closes the currently open FTP connection.
HTTP CLOSE
Closes the currently open HTTP connection.
EXIT Also closes all connections. Synonym: QUIT.
SET EXIT WARNING OFF
Suppresses warning about open connections on exit or
close.
File Transfer
SEND [ options ] filename [ as‐name ]
Sends the given file. Synonym: S.
SEND [ options ] filespec
Sends all files that match.
RESEND [ options ] filespec
Resumes an interrupted SEND from the point of failure.
RECEIVE [ options ] [ as‐name ]
Waits passively for files to arrive. Synonym: R.
LOG TRANSACTIONS [ filename ]
Keeps a record of file transfers.
FAST Use fast file‐transfer settings (default).
CAUTIOUS
Use cautious and less fast file‐transfer settings.
ROBUST Use ultra‐conservative and slow file‐transfer settings.
STATISTICS [ options ]
Gives statistics about the most recent file transfer.
WHERE After transfer: "Where did my files go?".
TRANSMIT [ options ] [ofilename ]
Sends file without protocol. Synonym: XMIT.
LOG SESSION [ filename ]
Captures remote text or files without protocol.
SET PROTOCOL [ name... ]
Tells Kermit to use an external file‐transfer protocol.
FTP { PUT, MPUT, GET, MGET, ... }
FTP client commands.
HTTP { PUT, GET, HEAD, POST, ... }
HTTP client commands.
Kermit Server
ENABLE, DISABLE
Controls which server features can be used by clients.
SET SERVER
Sets parameters prior to entering Server state.
SERVER Enters Server state.
Client of Kermit or FTP Server
[ REMOTE ] LOGIN [ user password ]
Logs in to a Kermit server or IKSD that requires it.
[ REMOTE ] LOGOUT
Logs out from a Kermit server or IKSD.
SEND [ options ] filename [ as‐name ]
Sends the given file to the server. Synonyms: S, PUT.
SEND [ options ] filespec
Sends all files that match.
RESEND [ options ] filespec
Resumes an interrupted SEND from the point of failure.
GET [ options ] remote‐filespec
Asks the server to send the given files. Synonym: G.
REGET [ options ] remote‐filespec
Resumes an interrupted GET from the point of failure.
REMOTE CD [ directory ]
Asks server to change its working directory. Synonym:
RCD.
REMOTE PWD [ directory ]
Asks server to display its working directory. Synonym:
RPWD.
REMOTE DIRECTORY [ filespec... ]
Asks server to send a directory listing. Synonym: RDIR.
REMOTE DELETE [ filespec... ]
Asks server to delete files. Synonym: RDEL.
REMOTE [ command... ]
(Many other commands: "remote ?" for a list).
MAIL [ options ] filespec
Sends file(s) to be delivered as e‐mail (Kermit only).
FINISH Asks the server to exit server state (Kermit only).
BYE Asks the server to log out and close the connection.
Script Programming
DEFINE, DECLARE, UNDEFINE, UNDECLARE, ASSIGN, EVALUATE,
SEXPRESSION, ARRAY, SORT, INPUT, OUTPUT, IF, FOR, WHILE, SWITCH,
GOTO, ECHO, ASK, GETC, GETOK, ASSERT, WAIT, SLEEP, FOPEN, FREAD,
FWRITE, FCLOSE, STOP, END, RETURN, LEARN, SHIFT, TRACE, VOID,
INCREMENT, DECREMENT, ... For these and many more you’ll need to
consult the manual and supplements, and/or visit the Kermit
Script Library, which also includes a brief tutorial. Hint: HELP
LEARN to find out how to get Kermit to write simple scripts for
you.
Many of Kermit’s commands have synonyms, variants, relatives, and so
on. For example, MSEND is a version of SEND that accepts a list of
file specifications to be sent, rather than just one file
specification, and MPUT is a synonym of MSEND. MOVE means to SEND and
then DELETE the source file if successful. MMOVE is like MOVE, but
accepts a list of filespecs, and so on. These are described in the full
documentation.
Use question mark to feel your way through an unfamiliar command, as in
this example:
C-Kermit> remote ? One of the following:
assign directory kermit print rmdir
cd exit login pwd set
copy help logout query space
delete host mkdir rename type
C-Kermit> remote set ? One of the following:
attributes file retry transfer
block-check receive server window
C-Kermit> remote set file ? One of the following:
character-set incomplete record-length
collision names type
C-Kermit> remote set file names ? One of the following:
converted literal
C-Kermit> remote set file names literal
C-Kermit>
This is called menu on demand: you get a menu when you want one, but
menus are not forced on you even when know what you’re doing. Note that
you can also abbreviate most keywords, and you can complete them with
the Tab or Esc key. Also note that ? works for filenames too, and that
you can use it in the middle of a keyword or filename, not just at the
beginning. For example, "send x?" lists all the files in the current
directory whose names start with ’x’.
INITIALIZATION FILE
In its default configuration, C‐Kermit executes commands from a file
called .kermrc in your home directory when it starts, unless it is
given the -Y or -y command‐line option. Custom configurations might
substitute a shared system‐wide initialization file. The SHOW FILE
command tells what initialization file, if any, was used. The standard
initialization file "chains" to an individual customization file,
.mykermc, in the home directory, in which each user can establish
her/his own preferences, define macros, and so on.
Since execution of the initialization file (at least the standard one)
makes C‐Kermit take longer to start, it might be better not to have an
initialization file, especially now that Kermit’s default startup
configuration is well attuned to modern computing and networking ‐‐ in
other words, you no longer have do anything special to make Kermit
transfers go fast. So instead of having an initialization file that is
executed every time Kermit starts, you might consider making one or
more kerbang scripts (with names other that .kermrc) that do NOT
include an "exit" command, and invoke those when you need the settings,
macro definitions, and/or scripted actions they contain, and invoke
C‐Kermit directly when you don’t.
To put it another way... We still distribute the standard
initialization file since it’s featured in the manual and backwards
compatibility is important to us. But there’s no harm in not using it
if you don’t need the stuff that’s in it (services directory, dialing
directory, network directory, and associated macro definitions). On the
other hand, if there are settings or macros you want in effect EVERY
time you use Kermit, the initialization file (or the customization file
it chains to) is the place to put them, because that’s the only place
Kermit looks for them automatically each time you start it.
MODES OF OPERATION
Kermit is said to be in Local mode if it has made a connection to
another computer, e.g. by dialing it or establishing a Telnet
connection to it. The other computer is remote, so if you start another
copy of Kermit on the remote computer, it is said to be in Remote mode
(as long as it has not made any connections of its own). The local
Kermit communicates over the communications device or network
connection, acting as a conduit between the the remote computer and
your keyboard and screen. The remote Kermit is the file‐transfer
partner to the local Kermit and communicates only through its standard
input and output.
At any moment, a Kermit program can be in any of the following states.
It’s important to know what they are and how to change from one to the
other.
Command state
In this state, Kermit reads commands from:
· Your keyboard; or:
· A file, or:
· A macro definition.
You can exit from Command state back to Unix with the EXIT or
QUIT command (same thing). You can enter Connect state with any
of various commands (CONNECT, DIAL, TELNET, etc). You can enter
file transfer state with commands like SEND, RECEIVE, and GET.
You can enter Server state with the SERVER command. The TAKE
command tells Kermit to read and execute commands from a file.
The (perhaps implied) DO command tells Kermit to read and
execute commands from a macro definition. While in Command
state, you can interrupt any command, macro, or command file by
typing Ctrl-C (hold down the Ctrl key and press the C key); this
normally brings you back to the prompt.
Shell state
You can invoke an inferior shell or external command from the
Kermit command prompt by using the PUSH, RUN (!), EDIT, or
BROWSE command. While the inferior shell or command is active,
Kermit is suspended and does nothing. Return to Kermit Command
state by exiting from the inferior shell or application.
Connect state
In this state, which can be entered only when in Local mode
(i.e. when Kermit has made a connection to another computer),
Kermit is acting as a terminal to the remote computer. Your
keystrokes are sent to the remote computer and characters that
arrive over the communication connection are displayed on your
screen. This state is entered when you give a CONNECT, DIAL,
TELNET, RLOGIN, or IKSD command. You can return to command state
by logging out of the remote computer, or by typing:
Ctrl-\c
That is: Hold down the Ctrl key and press the backslash key,
then let go of the Ctrl key and press the C key. This is called
escaping back. Certain other escape‐level commands are also
provided; type Ctrl-\? for a list. For example, you can enter
Shell state with:
Ctrl-\!
To send a Ctrl-\ to the host while in Connect state, type two of
them in a row. See HELP CONNECT and HELP SET ESCAPE for more
info.
Local file‐transfer state
In this state, Kermit is sending packets back and forth with the
other computer in order to transfer a file or accomplish some
other file‐related task. And at the same time, it is displaying
its progress on your screen and watching your keyboard for
interruptions. In this state, the following single‐keystroke
commands are accepted:
X Interrupt the current file and go on to the next (if
any).
Z Interrupt the current file and skip all the rest.
E Like Z but uses a "stronger" protocol (use if X or Z
don’t work).
Ctrl-C Interrupt file‐transfer mode (use if Z or E don’t work).
Kermit returns to its previous state (Command or Connect) when the
transfer is complete or when interrupted successfully by X, Z, E, or
Ctrl-C (hold down the Ctrl key and press the C key).
Remote file‐transfer state
In this state, Kermit is exchanging file‐transfer packets with
its local partner over its standard i/o. It leaves this state
automatically when the transfer is complete. In case you find
your local Kermit in Connect state and the remote one in
File‐transfer state (in which it seems to ignore your
keystrokes), you can usually return it to command state by
typing three Ctrl-C’s in a row. If that doesn’t work, return
your local Kermit to Command state (Ctrl-\ C) and type
"e‐packet" and then press the Return or Enter key; this forces a
fatal Kermit protocol error.
Remote Server state
This is like Remote File‐transfer state, except it never returns
automatically to Command state. Rather, it awaits further
instructions from the client program; that is, from your Local
Kermit program. You can return the Remote Server to its previous
state by issuing a "finish" command to the client, or if you are
in Connect state, by typing three Ctrl-C’s in a row. You can
tell the server job to log out and break the connection by
issuing a "bye" command to the client.
Local Server state
Like Remote‐Server state, but in local mode, and therefore with
its file‐transfer display showing, and listening for single‐key
commands, as in Local File‐transfer state. Usually this state is
entered automatically when a remote Kermit program gives a GET
command.
C‐Kermit, Kermit 95, and MS‐DOS Kermit all can switch
automatically from Connect state to Local File‐transfer state
when you initiate a file transfer from the remote computer by
starting Kermit and telling it to send or get a file, in which
case, Connect state is automatically resumed after the file
transfer is finished.
Note that C‐Kermit is not a terminal emulator. It is a
communications application that you run in a terminal window
(e.g. console or Xterm). The specific emulation, such as VT100,
VT220, Linux Console, or Xterm, is provided by the terminal
window in which you are running C‐Kermit. Kermit 95 and MS‐DOS
Kermit, on the other hand, are true terminal emulators. Why is
C‐Kermit not a terminal emulator? CLICK HERE to read about it.
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Here is how to make different kinds of connections using interactive
Kermit commands (as noted above, you can also make connections with
command‐line options). Note that you don’t have to make connections
with Kermit. It can also be used on the far end of a connection as the
remote file transfer and management partner of your local
communications software.
Making a Telnet Connection
At the C‐Kermit command prompt, simply type:
telnet foo.bar.com
(substituting desired hostname or address). You can also
include a port number:
telnet xyzcorp.com 3000 ;
If the connection is successful, Kermit automically enters
Connect state. When you logout from the remote host, Kermit
automatically returns to its prompt. More info: HELP TELNET,
HELP SET TELNET, HELP SET TELOPT. Also see the IKSD section
below.
Making an Rlogin connection
This is just like Telnet, except you have to be root to do it
because Rlogin uses a privileged TCP port:
rlogin foo.bar.com
More info: HELP RLOGIN.
Making an SSH Connection
Unlike Telnet and Rlogin, SSH connections are not built‐in, but
handled by running your external SSH client through a
pseudoterminal. Using C‐Kermit to control the SSH client gives
you all of Kermit’s features (file transfer, character‐set
conversion, scripting, etc) over SSH.
ssh foo.bar.com
More info: HELP SSH, HELP SET SSH.
Dialing with a Modem
If it’s an external modem, make sure it is connected to a usable
serial port on your computer with a regular (straight‐through)
modem cable, and to the telephone jack with a telephone cable,
and that it’s turned on. Then use these commands:
set modem type usrobotics ; Or other supported type
set line /dev/ttyS0 ; Specify device name
set speed 57600 ; Or other desired speed
set flow rts/cts ; Most modern modems support this
set dial method tone ; (or pulse)
dial 7654321 ; Dial the desired number
Type "set modem type ?" for a list of supported modem types. If
you omit the SET MODEM TYPE command, the default type is
"generic‐high‐speed", which should work for most modern
AT‐command‐set modems. If the line is busy, Kermit redials
automatically. If the call does not succeed, use "set dial
display on" and try it again to watch what happens. If the call
succeeds, Kermit enters Connect state automatically and returns
to its prompt automatically when you log out from the remote
computer or the connection is otherwise lost.
You can also dial from a modem that is accessible by Telnet,
e.g. to a reverse terminal server. In this case the command
sequence is:
set host ts.xxx.com 2000 ; Terminal‐server and port
set modem type usrobotics ; Or other supported type
set dial method tone ; (or pulse)
dial 7654321 ; Dial the desired number
If the terminal server supports the Telnet Com Port Option, RFC
2217, you can also give serial‐port related commands such as SET
SPEED, SET PARITY, and so on, and Kermit relays them to the
terminal server using the protocol specified in the RFC.
More info: HELP SET MODEM, HELP SET LINE, HELP SET SPEED, HELP
SET FLOW, HELP DIAL, HELP SET DIAL, HELP SET MODEM, HELP SET
CARRIER-WATCH, SHOW COMMUNICATIONS, SHOW MODEM, SHOW DIAL.
Direct Serial Port
Connect the two computers, A and B, with a null modem cable (or
two modem cables interconnected with a null‐modem adapter or
modem eliminator). From Computer A:
set modem type none ; There is no modem
set line /dev/ttyS0 ; Specify device name
set carrier-watch off ; If DTR CD are not cross‐connected
set speed 57600 ; Or other desired speed
set flow rts/cts ; If RTS and CTS are cross‐connected
set parity even ; (or "mark" or "space", if necessary)
set stop-bits 2 ; (rarely necessary)
set flow xon/xoff ; If you can’t use RTS/CTS
connect ; Enter Connect (terminal) state
This assumes Computer B is set up to let you log in. If it
isn’t, you can run a copy of Kermit on Computer B and follow
approximately the same directions. More info: As above plus HELP
CONNECT.
With modems or direct serial connections, you might also have to "set
parity even" (or "mark" or "space") if it’s a 7‐bit connection.
Of the connection types listed above, only one can be open at a time.
However, any one of these can be open concurrently with an FTP or HTTP
session. Each connection type can be customized to any desired degree,
scripted, logged, you name it. See the manual.
NOTE: On selected platforms, C‐Kermit also can make X.25 connections.
See the manual for details.
TRANSFERRING FILES WITH KERMIT
There is a widespread and persistent belief that Kermit is a slow
protocol. This is because, until recently, it used conservative tuning
by default to make sure file transfers succeeded, rather than failing
because they overloaded the connection. Some extra commands (or
command‐line options, like -Q) were needed to make it go fast, but
nobody bothered to find out about them. Also, it takes two to tango:
most non‐Kermit‐Project Kermit protocol implementations really ARE
slow. The best file‐transfer partners for C‐Kermit are: another copy of
C‐Kermit (7.0 or later) and Kermit 95. These combinations work well
and they work fast by default. MS‐DOS Kermit is good too, but you have
to tell it to go fast (by giving it the FAST command).
Furthermore, all three of these Kermit programs support "autodownload"
and "autoupload", meaning that when they are in Connect state and a
Kermit packet comes in from the remote, they automatically switch into
file transfer mode.
And plus, C‐Kermit and K95 also switch automatically between text and
binary mode for each file, so there is no need to "set file type
binary" or "set file type text", or to worry about files being
corrupted because they were transferred in the wrong mode.
What all of these words add up to is that now, when you use up‐to‐date
Kermit software from the Kermit Project, file transfer is not only
fast, it’s ridiculously easy. You barely have to give any commands at
all.
Downloading Files
Let’s say you have Kermit 95, C‐Kermit, or MS‐DOS Kermit on your
desktop computer, with a connection to a Unix computer that has
C‐Kermit installed as "kermit". To download a file (send it from
Unix to your desktop computer), just type the following command
at your Unix shell prompt:
kermit -s oofa.txt
(where oofa.txt is the filename). If you want to send more than
one file, you can put as many filenames as you want on the
command line, and they can be any combination of text and
binary:
kermit -s oofa.txt oofa.zip oofa.html oofa.tar.gz
and/or you can use wildcards to send groups of files:
kermit -s oofa.*
If you want to send a file under an assumed name, use:
kermit -s friday.txt -a today.txt
This sends the file friday.txt but tells the receiving Kermit
that its name is today.txt. In all cases, as noted, when the
file transfer is finished, your desktop Kermit returns
automatically to Connect state. No worries about escaping back,
re‐connecting, text/binary mode switching. Almost too easy,
right?
Uploading Files
To upload files (send them from your desktop computer to the
remote Unix computer) do the same thing, but use the -g (GET)
option instead of -s:
kermit -g oofa.txt
This causes your local Kermit to enter server mode; then the
remote Kermit program requests the named file and the local
Kermit sends it and returns automatically to Connect state when
done.
If you want to upload multiple files, you have have use shell
quoting rules, since these aren’t local files:
kermit -g "oofa.txt oofa.zip oofa.html oofa.tar.gz"
kermit -g "oofa.*"
If you want to upload a file but store it under a different
name, use:
kermit -g friday.txt -a today.txt
Kermit Transfers the Old‐Fashioned Way
If your desktop communications software does not support
autoupload or autodownload, or it does not include Kermit server
mode, the procedure requires more steps.
To download a file, type:
kermit -s filename
on the host as before, but if nothing happens automatically in
response to this command, you have to switch your desktop
communications software into Kermit Receive state. This might be
done by escaping back using keyboard characters or hot keys
(Alt-x is typical) and/or with a command (like RECEIVE) or a
menu. When the file transfer is complete, you have to go back to
Connect state, Terminal emulation, or whatever terminology
applies to your desktop communications software.
To upload a file, type:
kermit -r
on the host (rather than "kermit -g"). This tells C‐Kermit to
wait passively for a file to start arriving. Then regain the
attention of your desktop software (Alt-x or whatever) and
instruct it to send the desired file(s) with Kermit protocol.
When the transfer is finished, return to the Connect or Terminal
screen.
If File Transfer Fails
Although every aspect of Kermit’s operation can be finely tuned,
there are also three short and simple "omnibus tuning" commands
you can use for troubleshooting:
FAST Use fast file‐transfer settings. This has been the
default since C‐Kermit 7.0 now that most modern computers
and connections support it. If transfers fail with fast
settings, try . . .
CAUTIOUS
Use cautious but not paranoid settings. File transfers,
if they work, will go at medium speed. If not, try . . .
ROBUST Use the most robust, resilient, conservative, safe, and
reliable settings. File transfers will almost certainly
work, but they will be quite slow (of course this is a
classic tradeoff; ROBUST was C‐Kermit’s default tuning in
versions 6.0 and earlier, which made everybody think
Kermit protocol was slow). If ROBUST doesn’t do the
trick, try again with SET PARITY SPACE first in case it’s
not an 8‐bit connection.
Obviously the success and performance of a file transfer also depends
on C‐Kermit’s file transfer partner. Up‐to‐date, real Kermit Project
partners are recommended because they contain the best Kermit protocol
implementations and because we can support them in case of trouble.
If you still have trouble, consult Chapter 10 of Using C‐Kermit, or
send email to kermit‐support@columbia.edu.
Advanced Kermit File‐Transfer Features
Obviously there is a lot more to Kermit file transfer, including
all sorts of interactive commands, preferences, options,
logging, debugging, troubleshooting, and anything else you can
imagine but that’s what the manual and updates are for. Here are
a few topics you can explore if you’re interested by Typing HELP
for the listed commands:
Logging transfers:
LOG TRANSACTIONS (HELP LOG)
Automatic per‐file text/binary mode switching:
SET TRANSFER MODE { AUTOMATIC, MANUAL } (HELP SET
TRANSFER).
Cross‐platform recursive directory tree transfer:
SEND /RECURSIVE, GET /RECURSIVE (HELP SEND, HELP GET).
File collision options:
SET FILE COLLISION { OVERWRITE, BACKUP, DISCARD, ... }
(HELP SET FILE).
Update: Transfer only files that changed since last time:
SET FILE COLLISION UPDATE (HELP SET FILE).
Filename selection patterns:
(HELP WILDCARD).
Flexible file selection:
SEND (or GET) /BEFORE /AFTER /LARGER /SMALLER /TYPE
/EXCEPT, ...
Character‐set conversion:
SET { FILE, TRANSFER } CHARACTER-SET, ASSOCIATE, ...
File/Pathname control:
SET { SEND, RECEIVE } PATHNAMES, SET FILE NAMES.
Atomic file movement:
SEND (or GET) /DELETE /RENAME /MOVE-TO
Transferring to/from standard i/o of other commands:
SEND (or GET) /COMMAND
Recovery of interrupted transfer from point of failure:
RESEND, REGET (HELP RESEND, HELP REGET).
Non‐Kermit File Transfer
You can also use C‐Kermit to transfer files with FTP or HTTP
Internet protocols; see below.
On a regular serial or Telnet connection where the other
computer doesn’t support Kermit protocol at all, you have
several options. For example, if your desktop communications
software supports Zmodem, use "rz" and "sz" on the host rather
than Kermit. But if Kermit is your desktop software, and you are
using it to make calls or network connections to other computers
that don’t support Kermit protocol (or that don’t have a good
implementation of it), then if your computer also has external
X, Y, or Zmodem programs that are redirectable, Kermit can use
them as external protocols. HELP SET PROTOCOL for details.
You can also capture "raw" data streams from the other computer
with LOG SESSION (HELP LOG and HELP SET SESSION-LOG for
details), and you can upload files without any protocol at all
with TRANSMIT (HELP TRANSMIT, HELP SET TRANSMIT).
KERMIT’S BUILT‐IN FTP AND HTTP CLIENTS
Kermit’s FTP client is like the regular Unix FTP client that you’re
used to, but with some differences:
· It has lots more commands and features.
· Each FTP command must be prefixed with "ftp", for example "ftp
open", "ftp get", "ftp bye", etc (this is not strictly true, but
until you’re more familiar with it, it’s best to follow this
rule).
· Commands like "cd", "directory", etc, execute locally, not on
the server. Use "ftp cd", "ftp dir", etc, to have them act on
the server.
· You can have an FTP session and a regular Kermit serial or
Telnet session open at the same time.
· FTP sessions can be fully automated.
Pending publication of the next edition of the manual, the Kermit FTP
client is thoroughly documented at the Kermit Project website:
http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/ftpclient.html
You also can use HELP FTP and HELP SET FTP to get descriptions of
Kermit’s FTP‐related commands.
The HTTP client is similar to the FTP one, except you prefix each
command with HTTP instead of FTP: HTTP OPEN, HTTP GET, HTTP PUT, HTTP
CLOSE, etc. Type HELP HTTP for details, or visit the to view the
manual supplements. HTTP connections can be open at the same time as
regular serial or Telnet connections and FTP connections. So Kermit can
manage up to three types connections simultaneously.
INTERNET KERMIT SERVICE
C‐Kermit can be configured and run as an Internet service (called
IKSD), similar to an FTP server (FTPD) except you can (but need not)
interact with it directly, plus it does a lot more than an FTP server
can do. The TCP port for IKSD is 1649. It uses Telnet protocol.
C‐Kermit can be an Internet Kermit Server, or it can be a client of an
IKSD. You can make connections from C‐Kermit to an IKSD with any of the
following commands:
telnet foo.bar.edu 1649
telnet foo.bar.edu kermit ; if "kermit" is listed in /etc/services
iksd foo.bar.edu
The IKSD command is equivalent to a TELNET command specifying port
1649. For more information about making and using connections to an
IKSD, see:
http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/cuiksd.html
You can run an Internet Kermit Service on your own computer too (if you
are the system administrator). For instructions, see:
http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/iksd.html
SECURITY
All of C‐Kermit’s built‐in TCP/IP networking methods (Telnet, Rlogin,
IKSD, FTP, and HTTP) can be secured by one or more of the following
IETF‐approved methods:
· MIT Kerberos IV
· MIT Kerberos V
· SSL/TLS
· Stanford SRP
For complete instructions see:
http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/security.html
And as noted previously, you can also make SSH connections with
C‐Kermit if you already have an SSH client installed.
ALTERNATIVE COMMAND‐LINE PERSONALITIES
When invoked as "kermit" or any other name besides "ftp" or "telnet",
C‐Kermit has the command‐line options described above in the OPTIONS
section. However, if you invoke C‐Kermit as "telnet" or "ftp", it
changes its command‐line personality to match. This can be done (among
other ways) with symbolic links (symlinks). For example, if you want
C‐Kermit to be your regular Telnet client, or the Telnet helper of your
Web browser, you can create a link like the following in a directory
that lies in your PATH ahead of the regular telnet program:
ln -s /usr/local/bin/kermit telnet
Now when you give a "telnet" command, you are invoking Kermit instead,
but with its Telnet command‐line personality so, for example:
telnet xyzcorp.com
Makes a Telnet connection to xyzcorp.com, and Kermit exits
automatically when the connection is closed (just like the regular
Telnet client). Type "telnet -h" to get a list of Kermit’s
Telnet‐personality command‐line options, which are intended to be as
compatible as possible with the regular Telnet client.
Similarly for FTP:
ln -s /usr/local/bin/kermit ftp
And now type "ftp -h" to see its command‐line options, and command
lines just like you would give your regular FTP client:
ftp xyzcorp.com
but with additional options allowing an entire session to be specified
on the command line. Finally, if Kermit’s first command‐line option is
a Telnet, FTP, IKSD, or HTTP URL, Kermit automatically makes the
appropriate kind of connection and, if indicated by the URL, takes the
desired action:
kermit telnet:xyzcorp.com
Opens a Telnet session
kermit telnet://olga@xyzcorp.com
Ditto for user olga
kermit ftp://olga@xyzcorp.com/public/oofa.zip
Downloads a file
kermit kermit://kermit.columbia.edu/kermit/f/READ.ME
Ditto for IKSD
kermit iksd://kermit.columbia.edu/kermit/f/READ.ME
(This works too)
kermit http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/index.html
Grabs a web page
LICENSE
C‐Kermit has an unusual license, but a fair and sensible one since the
Kermit Project must support itself out of revenue: it’s not a BSD
license, not GPL, not Artistic, not commercial, not shareware, not
freeware. It can be summed up like this: if you want C‐Kermit for your
own use, you can download and use it without cost or license (but we’d
appreciate it if you would purchase the manual). But if you want to
sell C‐Kermit or bundle it with a product or otherwise distribute it in
a commercial setting EXCEPT WITH AN OPEN‐SOURCE OPERATING SYSTEM
DISTRIBUTION such as Linux, FreeBSD, NetBSD, or OpenBSD, you must
license it. To see the complete license, give the LICENSE command at
the prompt, or see the COPYING.TXT file distributed with C‐Kermit 7.0
or later, or download it from
ftp://kermit.columbia.edu/kermit/c-kermit/COPYING.TXT
Send licensing inquiries to kermit@columbia.edu.
BUGS
See the following files for listings of known bugs, limitations,
workarounds, hints and tips:
ckcbwr.txt
General C‐Kermit bugs, hints, tips.
ckubwr.txt
Unix‐specific C‐Kermit bugs, hints, tips.
Report bugs and problems by email to:
kermit-support@columbia.edu.
Before requesting technical support, please read the hints here:
http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/support.html
and also read the C‐Kermit Frequently Asked Questions:
http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/ckfaq.html
OTHER TOPICS
There’s way more to C‐Kermit than we’ve touched on here ‐‐
troubleshooting, customization, character sets, dialing directories,
sending pages, script writing, and on and on, all of which are covered
in the manual and updates and supplements. For the most up‐to‐date
information on documentation (or updated documentation itself) visit
the Kermit Project website:
http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/
There you will also find Kermit software packages for other platforms:
different Unix varieties, Windows, DOS, VMS, IBM mainframes, and many
others: 20+ years’ worth.
DOCUMENTATION AND UPDATES
The manual for C‐Kermit is:
Using CKermit
Frank da Cruz and Christine M. Gianone, Second Edition, Digital
Press / Butterworth‐Heinemann, Woburn, MA, 1997, 622 pages, ISBN
1-55558-164-1. This is a printed book. It covers C‐Kermit 6.0.
The C‐Kermit 7.0 Supplement
http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/ckermi.html
The C‐Kermit 8.0 Supplement
http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/ckermi.html
Visit C‐Kermit home page:
http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/ckermit.html
to learn about new versions, Beta tests, and other news; to read case
studies and tutorials; to download source code, install packages, and
prebuilt binaries for many platforms. Also visit:
http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/scriptlib.html
The Kermit script library and tutorial
http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/newfaq.html
The Kermit FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions about Kermit)
http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/ckfaq.html
The C‐Kermit FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions about C‐Kermit)
http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/telnet.html
C‐Kermit Telnet client documentation
http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/security.html
C‐Kermit security documentation (Kerberos, SSL/TLS, etc)
http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/cuiksd.html
Internet Kermit Service user documentation
http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/iksd.html
Internet Kermit Service administrator documentation
http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/studies.html
Case studies.
http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/support.html
Technical support.
http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/k95tutorial.html
Kermit 95 tutorial.
comp.protocols.kermit.misc
The Kermit newsgroup (unmoderated).
FILES
COPYING.TXT
C‐Kermit license.
~/.kermrc
Initialization file.
~/.mykermrc
Customization file.
~/.kdd Kermit dialing directory (see manual).
~/.knd Kermit network directory (see manual).
~/.ksd Kermit services directory (see manual).
ca_certs.pem
Certificate Authority certifcates used for SSL connections.
ckuins.txt
Installation instructions for Unix. Also at
http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/ckuins.html.
ckcbwr.txt
General C‐Kermit bugs, hints, tips.
ckubwr.txt
Unix‐specific C‐Kermit bugs, hints, tips.
ckcplm.txt
C‐Kermit program logic manual.
ckccfg.txt
C‐Kermit compile‐time configuration options.
ssh (in your PATH) SSH connection helper.
rz, sz, etc.
(in your PATH) external protocols for XYZmodem.
/var/spool/locks (or whatever)
UUCP lockfile for dialing out (see installation instructions).
AUTHORS
Software
Frank da Cruz and Jeffrey E Altman,
1985‐present, with contributions from hundreds of others all
over the world.
Documentation
Frank da Cruz and Christine M Gianone
Address
The Kermit Project ‐ Columbia Univerity
612 West 115th Street
New York NY 10025-7799
USA
E‐Mail kermit@columbia.edu
Web http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/