Pathworks for DOS SETHOST Terminal Emulation Guide V4.1 Jul91

This document is the "PATHWORKS for DOS - SETHOST Terminal Emulation Guide" (Order Number: AA-PAFCC-TK, August 1991, Version 4.1), published by Digital Equipment Corporation.

The guide explains how to use the SETHOST utility to connect a personal computer (PC) running DOS to a host node over a network, enabling the PC to function as a terminal. It is primarily aimed at users familiar with PCs, DOS, terminal emulation, and PATHWORKS software.

Key functionalities and topics covered include:

1. Overview of SETHOST: Introduction to the utility, its ability to create "virtual terminals," and support for various network transports (DECnet, TCP/IP, Token Ring, Local Area Transport (LAT)) and terminal emulations (VT320, VT220, VT100, VT52). It also supports up to four simultaneous sessions.
2. Getting Started: Instructions on prerequisites like selecting a network service, ensuring transport drivers are installed (with specific considerations for TCP/IP and Microsoft Windows environments), choosing appropriate keyboard maps and character sets, and setting up printing and monitor display (including 132-column mode).
3. Using SETHOST for the First Time: Details on starting SETHOST sessions either from the command line or using interactive "Set-Up screens." It covers initial configuration of keymaps, keyboard dialects, character sets, network communication ports, and preferred services. It also provides guidance on adding LAT services or defining DECnet nodes and TELNET host names, and saving user-defined settings in a Set-Up file (SETHOST.DAT).
4. Customizing Your SETHOST Session: Extensive details on personalizing the emulation environment through eight distinct Set-Up screens (Actions, Communications, Display, General, Keyboard, Printer, Tabs, Telephone). This includes:
   • Managing sessions, display, and communications.
   • Configuring display characteristics (columns, colors, cursor).
   • Setting general operating characteristics (local echo, terminal type emulation, user-defined keys).
   • Customizing keyboard operations (keypad, cursor keys, keymap files, keyboard dialects).
   • Defining printer operations and tab settings.
   • Configuring telephone dialing for modems.
   • Using environment variables to tailor SETHOST operations.
5. Performing Functions Using SETHOST Scripts: A comprehensive section on SETHOST's built-in scripting language, which allows for automating terminal sessions. It explains script file creation, syntax, command types (communication, control, data, display/print, file, miscellaneous), handling special characters, setting variables, and robust error processing (including timeout and error handlers). Sample scripts are provided for common tasks like logging in and reading mail.
6. Appendices: Provide reference information on default SETHOST settings, a list of error messages and codes for LAT, CTERM, and TELNET connections, and detailed information on supported character sets and code pages.