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Version 3.1 of FutureSoft's highly regarded DynaComm is here.
Offering solid communications capabilities and extensive modem support, DynaComm also takes full advantage of the Windows interface with a package that is a breeze to pick up and put to work.
To some extent, FutureSoft's midrange product. Terminal Plus, gives us a glimpse into the world of DynaComm. Unlike Terminal Plus, however, DynaComm is designed to be a high-end product, and it includes the features necessary to be part of that class, including a wide range of modem support, network support, and flexible terminal emulation.
This review is based on criteria established in our last product comparison of Windows communication software (July 20, page 64).
FEATURES:
DynaComm 3.1 will allow most users to conduct asynchronous communications with nearly any service they're likely to need, with the exception of most IBM mainframe terminal emulations. Users can access services through directly connected modems and through modems available on local area networks.
As is the case with other Windows communications packages, DynaComm supports Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) with other Windows packages, such as Microsoft Excel. DDE can be invoked by DynaComm's powerful scripting language to perform automatic downloading of formatted data, followed by automatic insertion of the data into a spreadsheet or a database. Likewise, the scripting language is sufficiently powerful to support functions far beyond basic communications. In fact, DynaComm comes with a wide selection of sample and demonstration scripts, allowing users to automate their log-ons, take a tutorial, keep track of names and addresses, and handle multimedia and speech synthesis.
DynaComm makes fantastic use of the Windows interface. A customizable button bar across the bottom provides access to a variety of scripts. You can move backward and forward through your communications session and scroll right and left with the standard scroll bars, and you can cut and paste text using the mouse. Most operations take place through point-and-click menus and dialog boxes, although some functions are accessed by double-clicking on an icon, and you can custom configure which icons you want to be available. Overall, DynaComm 3.1 is one of the most "Windows-like" of the packages in this genre.
PERFORMANCE:
Scripting: DynaComm has one of the most powerful scripting languages available. It is, in effect, a...