I'm looking for software that would allow me to access my computer remotely
over the modem.  Since all I really want to do is set it up such that I can
log in and grab a file that I forgot to take with me I don't need full fledged
BBS software.  All I need is something that allows downloading and would
give me access to DOS.  I'd also like something with good security, since I've
got a lot of stuff on my computer that I wouldn't want others to have access
to.  Does anybody have suggestions on what software to use for this?

10 responses total.

 I've used Telix host with pretty good results. There is a password feature
as well. Perhaps the best way to use it is to set your DOS machine up as a
bbs just for you, and once logged into the computer, shell out to DOS,
retrieve your file and log off. If put on a telephone that has a private
number there is little chance that it would be found and broken into.

   The Telix bbs software is very minimal, offering 8 options or something
like that.
Just my opinion.

ProComm would let you do this. I use it that way to down/up load
files on a Zenith to a Mac, but it can be configured for modem use.
It has "Host Mode", and allows an ID and Password. You can enter
DOS, and move files around, and change the up/download file. You
cannot do anything that would cause a direct write to the screen,
so you can't run DOS programs.

NCSA Telnet will also let you do this via ftp, though I'm not sure it
would allow access to DOS.  It does use encrypted passwords for ftp.
 
Telemate is another comm program that has a passworded host mode.

re 2:
        I was playing around with the PCPlus host mode last night, and while
it did claim to have a password function, it seemed to accept just about 
anything as the password (I'm not sure if this is a program bug or a
configuration problem.
        I ftp'd renegade last night so I could play around with it, but I 
haven't had time to do that yet.  I'll also check out telex (I've got plenty
of time to mess with this stuff, since I don't have the money for the line
yet).

There are various commercial programs for this.  Where I work we've used
Closeup (a while ago) and Carbon Copy. CC works very well for the most part.
It certainly allows password protection.  It occupies a certain amount of
memory, limiting the size of the programs you can run on top of it.

One point to remember about most of the shareware "host mode" software
is that it doesn't support DOS applications very well.  If the
application uses direct screen writes, as many do, it won't work
over the modem.

If you just want a simple host mode, Renegade is definate overkill.
Many popular PD/shareware comm pkgs have a host mode (Telix is a good one).

As for direct screen writes, try to locate a copy of DOORWAY.  It's a magical
program that will translate almost ANYTHING (that's non graphical, that is)
into ANSI.

Yes, renegade is overkill.  I played around with it a bit and decided I
didn't like it.  I have now gotten a copy of telix, and am playing around
with that a bit.

I use a program called commute.  It is a remote control program with zmodem
built in.  You use it at both ends.  It is great.  I can even play 320x200
games remotely.  (Asteroids).  I use it from work sometimes.  Great stuff.

Is Carbon Copy still around?  for awhile I thought it was the first choice.
It even had the ability, with an optional power adapter, to power up your home
computer remotely when you want to access it rather than leaving it fully
powered all the time.

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