Using Telnet on a Unix Computer

Telnet programs are available for many different types of computers, from PC's to mainframes. This takeout describes the use of the Telnet program that is available on UNIX computers only. That is, you must first login to a UNIX account to use the Telnet command described in this document. If you wish to use Telnet on a PC, please see telnet pc.

Telnet is the standard communications program in use on the Internet. It allows you to login to remote host computers, be they at VCU or at other national and international sites.

Most of these computers require you to have an account before you can gain access. However some allow non-restricted public access to many of their facilities. Among these you will find a variety of special-interest news groups, large archives of programs, data files and news articles, and other computing resources.

First, login to your UNIX account. If your account is set up to use the system menu, exit the menu so that you get to the UNIX command prompt.

Launch Telnet by entering the following command at the UNIX command prompt:

telnet address

where address is the Internet address of the host computer to which you want to connect. Be sure to type telnet in lower case letters. After issuing the telnet command, you will be presented with a login prompt for the host system. You may now login to the host system.

When you are finished with your remote session, logout as usual. If you are unfamiliar with the remote host computer and do not know how to logout, check the menus, help screens, and welcome screens to determine the appropriate logout procedures. If you are unsure of the logout procedure, try the commands logout, logoff, quit, end, exit, or stop.

Logging out of the remote system may exit you completely out of Telnet. If not, at the telnet> prompt, enter the command quit.

If you cannot exit the remote system normally, press <Ctrl-]> (the <Ctrl> key and the right bracket key "]" simultaneously). This should return you to the telnet> prompt where you can enter the command close, then enter the command quit.

This takeout is not a complete guide to Telnet. If you need additional information, issue the command man telnet at the UNIX command prompt. Or, contact the TS Help Desk for assistance.