In message <[log in to unmask]>,
Jonathan Kay <[log in to unmask]> writes
>This is quite a common topic, and I think it should be included in the
>putative FAQ for the mailgroup.
>
Thanks Jonathan,
>1 This point's a platitude that may not be immediately helpful. Access
>by a Web browser should be a mandatory requirement for all information
>systems.
Unfortunately we are limited by the LMS as to the method of connection
and APEX is actually rather old technology.
>2 Ignoring 1, how is the problem from home different from the problem
>at work? Unless you are using physical terminals at work (as opposed
>to terminal emulation on a personal computer) you should use the same
>terminal emulation program on your home computer as you do on your
>work
>computer...
>
Because of the need to dial in. Terminal emulator we have for hospital
use (teraterm) does not have a dialler and although it probably can be
linked to a windows dialler, that's a bit cumbersome for non-techies
like me.
Hyperterm works fine for Telepath but won't send function key codes
which are required for APEX (I know that's old technology, Jonathan, but
unfortunately we have taken this great leap backwards in order to have a
common pathology computer system).
>3 I don't know the details of terminal emulation packages for Windows
>because, as a matter of policy, we don't use Windows. (Some of the
>reasons are appended below. ) I'm sure you could get advice from the
>following:
>* iSoft
Not helpful.
>* The Apex user group
Not accessible if one exists
>* This list
Lots of replies:
1 We use PowerTerm a product from Ericom. It emulates many
different terminals, including the VT 320. Their web address is
www.ericom.com
2 ProComm Plus from Symantec is a terminal emulation program for
all sorts of terminals (including the VT 320). It works both by dial-up
and telnet over direct links. I've found it useful for years.
3 We use Teemtalk TT320W to drive APEX over the network, but Mr
McCarthy in IT won't currently allow dial-in. However, Teemtalk does
allow serial connectivity, so should go through a serial modem
4 I have used Reflection for years (recommended by ACT now iSoft)
And glory is it supports IP as well as dial, so now I dial in securely
(using dial up networking) , and use IP rather than direct dial to
access APEX (now i.Laboratory)
5 It's not freeware, I'm afraid, but we found it worth investing
in a product called 'Reflection'. This is an emulator with much more
besides. It does have a dialler capability although I haven't tried it
yet
6 We have used Apex for several years, although not many staff
need to log on from home at the moment. All of our access is via PCs,
using Teamtalk as the Terminal emulation package (Trust standard).
To log on remotely we have to dial into the Trust network using
SecurId, and then we just use Teamtalk in the same way.
6 One person suggested using PCanywhere but that takes forever and
a day over a dial up modem, and although I will shortly have broadband
and VPN for linking to the University, it will be a little while till
the NHS catches up.
Many thanks to all who replied. I will send all this to our local
experts to let them sort it out.
>* Your hospital "IT Department"
Very friendly but no experience of this problem
>* Your University Computing Support team
NHS - no way
>* Google, with something like:
>http://www.google.com/search?q=vt320+full+Windows+emulation&ie=UTF
>-
Yes, I did try that and came up with Hyperterm private edition which
does work.
>8&oe=UTF-8
>
>4 The usual reason for raising this question is to do with security and
>restrictions imposed by NHS organisations...
Not a problem as we already dial in and have secure access privileges.
>
>Happy New Year
And to you Jonathan.
The accumulated wisdom of many brains in 24hours - Ah - the miracle of
the mailbase!
Trevor
--
Trevor Gray
Dept. of Clinical Chemistry,
Northern General Hospital,
Sheffield S5 7AU
0114 271 4309
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