
  Qmodem Pro for Windows 95                               A Product Review:


                   Test Driving Qmodem Pro for Windows '95

                     copyright 1995 by John M. Campbell

 Mustang Software claims to have the first full-feature communications
 program for Windows 95. That may well be true, since QmodemPro
 for Windows 95 became available in a timed edition during late July of 1995.  This edition will expire on September 15, but the regular edition of the program became available in late August.

 This is not a comparison of features review, since I haven't used any
 other Windows communication program.  Qmodem Pro (for DOS) served me well
 in the past, even under Windows 3.1.  But that situation is about to
 change, thanks to QMPro 95's Telnet performance.

 I have seldom used Telnet utilities because most such programs lack the
 standard BBS file transfer protocols, making it impossible to easily
 transfer files without firing up a FTP utility.  But QmPro 95 makes its
 full arsenal of protocols available for Telnet connections.  These
 include ASCII, Zmodem, Kermit, CIS B, and the usual assortment of both
 Xmodem and Ymodem flavors.  Also in its favor, the program makes setting
 up a Telnet connection easy.  Since it was it's Telnet capability that
 drew me to try the program, I'll start with this feature.

 Settings for each BBS are made from the Phonebook window.  Right-clicking
 an entry, then Properties, brings up a Connection dialog.  Using Channel 1
 BBS as an example, one would enter Channel 1 Telnet under System Name,
 BBS.Channel1.com for the Primary Number, and Connect Using Telnet.
 That's all there is to it.

 Now, start a PPP connection to your Internet provider, and dial the
 Channel 1 Telnet entry.  On one attempt, I was able to establish a 24000
 PPP connect to Compu-serve, then Telnet to Channel 1 and down-load a QWK
 message packet from the Qmail Door at a through put of better than 1700
 cps.  This was using QmPro's Zmodem protocol.  (I had set my default
 Qmail Door protocol to Telnet Zmodem.)  But on a later attempt, the
 throughput dropped  to 600 cps.  BBS Telnet transfers aren't yet as
 dependable as those obtained via a direct modem connection.

 QmPro 95 has all of the bells and whistles one would expect from a
 full-featured communications package.  There are no fewer than 33
 Terminal emulations.  These should cover just about every possible
 connection.  In case they don't, as many as 256 key  reassignments are
 possible for each emulation.  The program features a powerful scripting
 language and a macro system that can be used to perform many functions.
 QmPro 95 supports both the messaging application program interface
 (MAPI), and TAPI.  The former allows the user to send mail, text or
 graphics from the terminal window directly to mail applications such as
 Microsoft Exchange.  The TAPI feature allows controlled sharing of
 application access  to the modem so that it is not necessary to close one
 communication application be-fore opening another. The package also
 supports OLE 2.0, so phone-book entries can be dragged from the phonebook
 to the Win95 desktop for instant access.

 QmPro 95 also has a neat feature that makes it easier to download
 files from a BBS listing. A file clipboard has been added, to which you
 can simply drag filenames - right from the terminal window listing!
 Then, after you have captured everything you want to retrieve, and have
 the BBS prompt to enter filenames for download, just click on a Send Now
 button.  The selected file names will be returned to the terminal screen.
 And, for uploads, filenames can be dragged from Windows Explorer into the
 clipboard.  No more typing filenames!

 There are still more features. The program supports RIP graphics for
 those BBSes that use this interface; there is a free-standing text
 editor; and there is even a GIF/BMP/JPG file viewer, so you can view
 images while they down load. Users of other popular comm programs will
 have an easy time converting their phone-books.  QmPro 95 has a utility
 that automates the conversion of entries from a variety of popular
 competing programs, and from other Mustang packages, such as QmPro for
 DOS and Windows.  Of course, there is a script learn feature, and a Host
 mode.  In addition, a MD5 feature has been added to permit sending
 encrypted passwords to Internet sites that support this RSA Data
 Security, Inc. algorithm.

 All in all, Qmodem Pro for Windows 95 appears to be a well thought-out
 general communications program.  But for me, the selling feature is the
 ability to easily Telnet to services that until now meant a long-distance
 call.



           Qmodem Pro for Windows 95    ($69 + $10 s&h: after 9/95 $129.)
           Mustang Software, Inc.       (Upgrade from earlier version $49+s&h)
           P.O. Box 2264
           Bakersfield, CA  93303-2264
           800-663-7512 (inside the U.S.)  805-873-2599 (Fax)

 John M. Campbell is a WindoWatch regular bringing his wit and skill to a
 variety of computer related subjects. He is the manager of the Elkins,WV
 unemployment office.

                                     ww



