Telnet contemplations

Telnet is based on the DOS operating system. Ghitis and Statti(2001) indicate that
"DOS was (and still is) a non-graphical line-oriented command- or menu-driven operating system, with a relatively simple interface but not overly "friendly" user interface."

With this in mind I think use of the telnet type presentation (or DOS type input) should be restricted to instances where the user requires simple direct programming that has a single purpose and does not require complex interaction with other programs.

Programming of a graphics calculator to extend the uses of, or more efficiently use, the given functions would provide a simple example. Donnelly (1995)gives examples of using the HP 38G Calculator to efficiently use data in calculation programs.

Chips are being programmed into a variety of devices (refrigerators, car engines, etc.) to control the function and efficiency of their operation. These do not require complex interaction of users and hence do not need a graphical interface.

It is tempting to include mobile phones and hand held devices that require significant menu interaction. However, with the complexity of these in recent times, more complex HTML programming seems indicated.

The StarWars telnet task produced by Jansen (n.d.) was very entertaining and an interesting use of DOS. However I feel that, with the availability of Java Script, such graphic presentations can be created far more efficiently.

Was the latter reference specifically included to make us reference this site? If so, I can tell you that it required a great deal of repeat starts and stops to access the required information.

Donnelly, J. (1995) Creating HP 38G Aplets. Retrieved March 8, 2009, from http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/abouthp/histnfacts/museum/personalsystems/0026/index.html

Ghitis,J, Statti,A. (2001) DOS. Referenced March 8, 2009, from http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid14_gci213911,00.html/

Jansen, S. (n.d.) 20th Century Text. Retrieved March 8, 2009 using telnet from towel.blinkenlights.nl