vmsmit

This document is the VAX/VMS KERMIT-32 USER GUIDE, Version 3.3.126, published in July 1990 by Christine M. Gianone and Frank da Cruz of Columbia University.

The guide serves as a comprehensive manual for using and installing the Kermit file transfer protocol implementation on Digital Equipment Corporation VAX computers running the VAX/VMS operating system.

Key aspects covered include:

• Capabilities: A detailed overview of Kermit-32's features, such as local and remote operation, transferring text and binary files, wildcard sends, file transfer interruption, filename collision avoidance, various communication settings (e.g., 8th-bit prefixing, repeat character compression, alternate block check types), IBM mainframe communication, and different logging options.
• VAX/VMS File System Interaction: Explanations of VAX/VMS file specifications (NODE::DEVICE:[DIRECTORY]NAME.TYPE;VERSION), how Kermit-32 handles different file types (text vs. binary, including limitations for large records and the use of SET FILE TYPE BINARY), and tools like VMSHEX/VMSDEH for transferring complex binary files.
• Program Operation: Instructions on how to run Kermit-32, manage terminal settings, and handle potential interference during transfers.

• Kermit-32 Commands: A thorough listing and description of commands for:

  • File Transfer: SEND, RECEIVE, GET.
  • Server Operation: SERVER and REMOTE commands (e.g., COPY, CWD, DELETE, DIRECTORY, RENAME, TYPE, WHO) for managing files and information on a remote system.
  • Local File Management: LOCAL commands with similar functions to REMOTE but executed on the local VAX/VMS system.
  • Terminal Connection: CONNECT for establishing terminal sessions and special escape character commands.
  • Parameter Settings: SET and SHOW commands to configure various parameters like file type, block size, file naming conventions, parity, handshake, IBM mode, and debugging options.
  • Program Management: LOG for session, transaction, and debug logging; STATUS for transfer statistics; PUSH for DCL subprocesses; TAKE for command files; HELP; and EXIT/QUIT.

• Raw Upload/Download: The TRANSMIT command for raw file uploads and LOG SESSION for raw downloads without error checking.

• Installation: Detailed instructions for installing Kermit-32 on VAX/VMS systems (version 4.0 and later), including copying files, running the VMSINS.COM procedure, rebuilding from source code if necessary, defining the system-wide Kermit command, and configuring terminal line protection for multi-user access.