asked on

Win cmd alternative

Hi Experts,

I don't mind using DOS, but I don't like the unflexibility (fonts, etc) of the cmd prompt (eg: for WinXP).
So:
1. Can I use PuTTY instead of Start, Run, cmd?
2. If so, how do I configure it?
3. Or if not, what are some other good (& free) alternatives?

Thanks

SOLUTION

naveedb

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RiDo78

Pressing ALT-Enter in an CMD-window will make it full-screen. Maybe that works better for you...
(to get back to normal screen, press ALT-Enter again)

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

isd503

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tel2

ASKER

Thanks guys!

That was helpful.

- I was familiar with the font option, but I seem to be limited to Raster Fonts and Lucida Console. How do I select other fonts?
- That color option was new for me (thanks), but I'm pretty happy with the default (white on black).
- I was familiar with Alt-Enter, but the fonts look really ugly when I go full screen.
- The small black "C:\" was a new one for me. A handy alternative to right-clicking the shortcut!
- At this point, PuTTY's cut & paste is the major reason why I prefer PuTTY to cmd. I didn't know about QuickEdit (thanks!), but it's not as good as PuTTY for copying wrapping text (it pastes as if it is multiple lines, instead of one long line). Any solutions to this?
- I'm keen to try telnet server. How do install/enable telnet server on Windows XP Home (SP2)?

I await your comments/answers to the above, and then I'll decide on which option (cmd or PuTTY) is best for me.

Thanks!

naveedb

Goto Control Pannel/Administrative Tools/Services.
Click Twice on Telnet.
If it is disabled, enable it, click Apply, and then click start.

You can then connect via Putty to localhost.

tel2

ASKER

Thanks naveedb,

Is that for XP Pro or Home?

In XP Home, I go to Control Panel, Administative Tools, Services, but the only services starting with "T" are:
- Task Manager
- TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
- Telephony
- Terminal Services
- Themes
- TrueVector Internet Monitor

Am I doing something wrong?

SOLUTION

RiDo78

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tel2

ASKER

Thanks RiDo78,

Does anyone know if/how I can get a service (eg: Telnet, SSH, etc) working on XP Home (SP2) which would allow me to run PuTTY to connect to localhost?

tel2

ASKER

Thanks for your efforts, guys. For now, I'll use the Win cmd prompt, with some of the options you've suggested.
Keep up the good work.