An issue more basic than control characters is[is] whether you’re using synchronous or asynchronous communications. The former is a staple among the big mainframes; the latter, among micros.
In synchronous communications, the two computers or modems employ timing signals to separate characters sent in one stream.
Synchronous has a big advantage. You can send at 4,800 baud[baud] over regular phone lines; you can’t with the asynchronous method, or at least not with late 1984 technology.
But “synch” is more expensive—the needed modems typically cost well over $1,000. Asynchronous, moreover, doesn’t require timing signals. It’s the simplest form of communications between computers; and more and more data-processing departments have added asynchronous ports for micros to dial up.
John Fuller himself was communicating not with a giant computer but a dedicated word processor in his office, which, like most, talked ASCII asynchronously. He solved other problems on his own. You may need a consultant to do what Fuller did. But take heart. It could well be worth it, what with the time and money your telecommuting may spare you and your employer.
“I’m saving gas, dressing in comfortable grubbies when I write,” Fuller said in an article about his experiences, “and with the direct connection I can prove that I’m working. I turn out my reports faster. My computer is really paying off. Now,” said the self-deprecating Fuller, “if you’ll excuse me, I have to repel invaders from space.”
BACKUP XII
MODEM7: An Almost-Free and Fairly Easy Way to Talk to Other Computers
MODEM7 may be free, but it works. With it you can talk to computers thousands of miles away if they’re running MODEM7 or compatible software. Normally, your only real expense is for the modem and maybe cables; you might spend as little as $100.