What is Hyperterminal for?

[John Corliss]

When I was using Millennium Edition, Hyperterminal was an optional
installation and I never put it on the hard drive. Now, in XP, I see
that it's installed by default and there's no way to remove it easily.
Can anybody tell me why this is so? Especially in light of this page:

http://www.trendmicro.com.au/consumer/vinfo/advisories.php?LYstr=VADVISORIES&VAdvisories=24

From what I've read, it's necessary for a "Telnet session", whatever
that is, and I don't remember every doing one. Seems to me that it's
just another hole for a hacker to crawl in through. Is it going to hurt
anything to remove Hyperterminal?

TIA

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

When I was using Millennium Edition, Hyperterminal was an optional
installation and I never put it on the hard drive. Now, in XP, I see
that it's installed by default and there's no way to remove it easily.
Can anybody tell me why this is so? Especially in light of this page:

http://www.trendmicro.com.au/consumer/vinfo/advisories.php?LYstr=VADVISORIES&VAdvisories=24

From what I've read, it's necessary for a "Telnet session", whatever
that is, and I don't remember every doing one. Seems to me that it's
just another hole for a hacker to crawl in through. Is it going to hurt
anything to remove Hyperterminal?

TIA

Hyperterminal is not active unless you activate it by clicking
its shortcut, so it is of no danger to you. Don't worry about it!

 

[John Corliss]

Hyperterminal is not active unless you activate it by clicking
its shortcut, so it is of no danger to you. Don't worry about it!

Thanks, but what do I need it installed for? Can you tell me what other
programs depend on it being installed or what use I would ever have for
it? I don't even have a fax/modem in my box because I connect via cable.

I tend to be a minimalist when it comes to installed stuff. For
instance, I intent to totally remove Windows Messenger.

 

[Martin]

Thanks, but what do I need it installed for? Can you tell me what other
programs depend on it being installed or what use I would ever have for
it? I don't even have a fax/modem in my box because I connect via cable.

I tend to be a minimalist when it comes to installed stuff. For instance,
I intent to totally remove Windows Messenger.

If you're intent on uninstalling as many Windows components as possible then
you may be interested in XPLite:
http://www.litepc.com/xplite.html

Gives you access to install or uninstall MANY of the Windows components that
you don't usually get a chance to.
A feature limited trial is available which doesn't give access to as many
components as the full (paid for) version.

Martin.

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

Thanks, but what do I need it installed for? Can you tell me what other
programs depend on it being installed or what use I would ever have for
it? I don't even have a fax/modem in my box because I connect via cable.

I tend to be a minimalist when it comes to installed stuff. For
instance, I intent to totally remove Windows Messenger.

AFAI, hyperterminal is a stand-alone program with no
dependencies. It uses 1/1000 of what's in the system32
folder, so deleting it is equivalent to shaving one dollar
off the price of a $1000 laptop. You'll have to do a lot
of shaving to make an impact!

 

[John Corliss]

AFAI, hyperterminal is a stand-alone program with no
dependencies. It uses 1/1000 of what's in the system32
folder, so deleting it is equivalent to shaving one dollar
off the price of a $1000 laptop. You'll have to do a lot
of shaving to make an impact!

Well, then so be it. I just don't like having programs on my computer
that I can't easily uninstall, and for which there seems to be no
purpose. This smacks to me of some kind of "loaded agenda" type deal.

For instance, why ...if I'm not on any kind of LAN... should I have
NetBIOS, File and Printer Sharing, Client for MS Networks, etc. etc.
etc. installed by default? Why isn't all of this stuff offered as
options during Windows setup?

I just don't like letting my soft underbelly show any more than is
necessary.

 

[Malke]

Well, then so be it. I just don't like having programs on my computer
that I can't easily uninstall, and for which there seems to be no
purpose. This smacks to me of some kind of "loaded agenda" type deal.

For instance, why ...if I'm not on any kind of LAN... should I have
NetBIOS, File and Printer Sharing, Client for MS Networks, etc. etc.
etc. installed by default? Why isn't all of this stuff offered as
options during Windows setup?

I just don't like letting my soft underbelly show any more than is
necessary.

To find out what something like Hyperterminal is, use Google. Here's a
link to the company's website:

http://www.hilgraeve.com/htpe/

A less-powerful version of Hyperterminal is installed with Windows. It
can be very useful when troubleshooting dialup modem issues. If you
don't want it, uninstall it.

To find out what other things are - like NetBIOS - use Google. For ex.:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=what+is+NetBIOS&btnG=Google+Search

If you want to control nearly every aspect of an operating system:

http://www.freeos.com/
http://distrowatch.com/

Malke

 

[George Forum]

Well, then so be it. I just don't like having programs on my computer
that I can't easily uninstall, and for which there seems to be no
purpose. This smacks to me of some kind of "loaded agenda" type deal.

For instance, why ...if I'm not on any kind of LAN... should I have
NetBIOS, File and Printer Sharing, Client for MS Networks, etc. etc.
etc. installed by default? Why isn't all of this stuff offered as
options during Windows setup?

I just don't like letting my soft underbelly show any more than is
necessary.

Windows is a tool/toy box that is full. Would you like to get one that is
empty then have to fill it any more than you already have to?

 

[Michael Stevens]

Well, then so be it. I just don't like having programs on my computer
that I can't easily uninstall, and for which there seems to be no
purpose. This smacks to me of some kind of "loaded agenda" type deal.

For instance, why ...if I'm not on any kind of LAN... should I have
NetBIOS, File and Printer Sharing, Client for MS Networks, etc. etc.
etc. installed by default? Why isn't all of this stuff offered as
options during Windows setup?

I just don't like letting my soft underbelly show any more than is
necessary.

Because many people need the above listed and it makes for a much more
seamless installation for the majority of the people using the product and
the overhead is minimal and easily uninstalled for the ones that can be
uninstalled.
It's the same with any OS today, even Linux distros that try to be user
friendly install things that not everyone needs. MAC is the same. Someone
buying a laptop for the first time really appreciates how easy it is to
login to a wireless network today as compared to a couple of years ago. Take
out the LAN capability and the ease is gone.
It makes more sense to include them for the people that need them than to
not for the few that are overly minimalist and a minority of the install
base.

Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

 

[John Corliss]

Windows is a tool/toy box that is full. Would you like to get one that is
empty then have to fill it any more than you already have to?

Your analogy is flawed. If the toys make me vulnerable or serve no
purpose, why put them in the box?

 

[John Corliss]

Because many people need the above listed and it makes for a much more
seamless installation for the majority of the people using the product and
the overhead is minimal and easily uninstalled for the ones that can be
uninstalled.
It's the same with any OS today, even Linux distros that try to be user
friendly install things that not everyone needs. MAC is the same. Someone
buying a laptop for the first time really appreciates how easy it is to
login to a wireless network today as compared to a couple of years ago. Take
out the LAN capability and the ease is gone.
It makes more sense to include them for the people that need them than to
not for the few that are overly minimalist and a minority of the install
base.

All right then, Michael, why then is Hyperterminal not listed in the
Add/Remove Programs Control Panel module? Why should it not be possible
to easily remove it if it's unneeded?

 

[George Forum]

Your analogy is flawed. If the toys make me vulnerable or serve no
purpose, why put them in the box?

IF is the key word here.

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

All right then, Michael, why then is Hyperterminal not listed in the
Add/Remove Programs Control Panel module? Why should it not be possible
to easily remove it if it's unneeded?

Because it is a stand-alone program that has no dependencies
or registry entries. It's the same with xcopy.exe, convert.exe,
chkdsk.exe. In fact, very few of the 300 or so .exe files located
in the System32 directory have an uninstall entry. Have a look
for yourself!

 

[no_one]

So delete it.

Because it is a stand-alone program that has no dependencies
or registry entries. It's the same with xcopy.exe, convert.exe,
chkdsk.exe. In fact, very few of the 300 or so .exe files located
in the System32 directory have an uninstall entry. Have a look
for yourself!

 

[Michael Stevens]

All right then, Michael, why then is Hyperterminal not listed in the
Add/Remove Programs Control Panel module? Why should it not be possible
to easily remove it if it's unneeded?

As in my reply, I said "the ones that can be uninstalled" Hyperterminal
falls outside that category. Pegasus answered your question and gave some
great insight on the reason.
I never understood the reasoning around removing code that takes up very
little space and increases compatibility and the ability to install
applications and hardware without jumping through hoops. That is the reason
for folders and applications not having add/remove listing. They are
essential for compatibility.
You see the consequences of customization in companies like Compaq,
eMachines, etc. where they do not have the ability to upgrade to newer
system, because they are missing certain bits of code, or the code was
altered.

Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

 

[Dennis Marks]

HyperTerminal gives you direct access to your modem. You can access any
modem commands. It was very useful just before the internet when many
bulletin boards were available. You would send and receive messages through
the terminal.

 

[Charlie Tame]

All right then, Michael, why then is Hyperterminal not listed in the
Add/Remove Programs Control Panel module? Why should it not be possible to
easily remove it if it's unneeded?

John, Hyperterminal is a useful little program that can be used to
communicate directly with a modem, a serial port, to link two PCs together
via serial ports etc. I use it to dial into our phone system at work and
change settings because it can emulate the "Proper" stand alone terminal
that's not accessible from home. Yes it will also do telnet but is not the
actual Windows "Component" used when Windows needs a telnet client.

To some people it IS a useful tool that carries so little overhead it may as
well be included. Some very old Fords used to come with a couple of
wrenches, a screwdriver and even a grease gun and tire irons I think, 99% of
owners probably never used any of them but they were there if needed. Your
car didn't stop running if you threw the tools away.

So you asked why it was there, it is there because to many people it's
handy, if you don't want it then no harm will result if you remove it, but
you don't need desktop wallpaper either and that probably takes up as much
space. When the gains are outweighed by the effort involved most people
don't bother.

I don't know of anything else that uses Hyperterminal, there are certainly
more advanced commercial programs out there to do the job "Easier", so any
hyperterminal "Exploits" are harmless unless you are using it.

Charlie.

 

[Steve N.]

John, Hyperterminal is a useful little program that can be used to
communicate directly with a modem, a serial port, to link two PCs together
via serial ports etc. I use it to dial into our phone system at work and
change settings because it can emulate the "Proper" stand alone terminal
that's not accessible from home. Yes it will also do telnet but is not the
actual Windows "Component" used when Windows needs a telnet client.

To some people it IS a useful tool that carries so little overhead it may as
well be included. Some very old Fords used to come with a couple of
wrenches, a screwdriver and even a grease gun and tire irons I think, 99% of
owners probably never used any of them but they were there if needed. Your
car didn't stop running if you threw the tools away.

So you asked why it was there, it is there because to many people it's
handy, if you don't want it then no harm will result if you remove it, but
you don't need desktop wallpaper either and that probably takes up as much
space. When the gains are outweighed by the effort involved most people
don't bother.

I don't know of anything else that uses Hyperterminal, there are certainly
more advanced commercial programs out there to do the job "Easier", so any
hyperterminal "Exploits" are harmless unless you are using it.

Charlie.

Hyperterminal is also able to telnet using TCP/IP, it is not limited to
serial communications. I use it frequently to communicate with,
configure and secure network printers, for example.

Hyperterminal is useful (often esssencial) for configuring routers,
managed switches and wireless APs. For example, an unconfigured router
often cannot be managed via TCP/IP until it is configured and a terminal
program must be used via serial port.

Also, FWIW, I've found that the versions of Hyperterminal that ship with
Win2K/XP do not properly support F# key inputs on some terminal sessions
(for example many HVAC systems I've dealt with), however the version
that ships with Win9x runs and works fine under 2K/XP and supports all
the F# key inputs.

Steve N.

 

[Charlie Tame]

Hyperterminal is also able to telnet using TCP/IP, it is not limited to
serial communications. I use it frequently to communicate with, configure
and secure network printers, for example.

Hyperterminal is useful (often esssencial) for configuring routers,
managed switches and wireless APs. For example, an unconfigured router
often cannot be managed via TCP/IP until it is configured and a terminal
program must be used via serial port.

Also, FWIW, I've found that the versions of Hyperterminal that ship with
Win2K/XP do not properly support F# key inputs on some terminal sessions
(for example many HVAC systems I've dealt with), however the version that
ships with Win9x runs and works fine under 2K/XP and supports all the F#
key inputs.

Steve N.

Interesting, I used to do a lot of RS232 stuff

Mind you QuickBasic was useful in those days too

Charlie