SCOUG OS/2 For You - February 1997

This report has been plagued by events not the fault of the product. At first, I was beset with modem problems that I was sure were due to COM and IRQ conflicts since the modem would work under some conditions, but not reliably. A $26 replacement now works better than the more expensive unit it replaced. The modem I bought was not among the multitude of possible choices provided, but by typing in its name and saying that it was a Hayes type, it configured the product to be compatible with the modem.

Since this is a communications device, it requires two to tango. Tango we did not. It seemed that my host had hardware problems of his own. He finally traced it to a faulty video card. At last, replacements in place, we were able to talk to each other via computer and phone line. Back to the beginning! The installation went smoothly and quickly. I installed the HyperACCESS Pro program which contains HyperHost, and Charles installed the separate HyperHost program with its own serial number included in the package. Fortunately, it was a local call as we typed messages back and forth on the 'chat' mode for long periods of time.

After some use of the help function and more reading, we were able to transfer files both ways, make and erase directories and files and access different drives on the host computer. There is a scroll back feature so that you can reread the commands and messages that are transmitted. The customizable tool bar includes upload, download and notepad. I liked this last feature since you can compose your 'chat' message ahead of time and transmit with blazing speed while using the terminal screen to transfer files or control the remote host.

Our impression of the product is that it is very fast in transferring files using Hyperprotocal and, like OS/2, can be custom set up for each party being called. You can make as many different phone directories as one might desire. I made one for regular calls, such as bulletin boards and friends, and another one for HyperHost users, of which there is now only one listing. Each listing can have its own icon from the library included or from imported ones. With each listing you can write a bio or contact information, directions to his address, etc. The device can be programmed to call sequentially different phone numbers for the same person if no response is achieved from the original call. You can select the number of retries, the time of day to call, and it allows for callback so that someone else can pay the phone bill or to insure that file access is actually going to an approved recipient. All manner of protocols can be selected but HyperACCESS Pro has one of its own which they claim is superior even to Z-Modem.

The manual is very extensive and completely redundant. If you look up a topic you will get the full story without having to refer to other sections of the book to get the idea. I find this a useful feature but I think it makes for boring reading. One does not read this book. I hoped to find a much abbreviated check list for getting started; there is none.

To be continued

Part two of this review will discuss our success or failure at visualizing the host`s desktop on my computer. I get the impression that this is possible. There is so much that can be done to customize the product that we are overwhelmed. Most of this flexibility is for networking, mainframes, business applications and much more than I need as new user, but that others will find valuable.

If you are interested...

Product Requirements: OS/2X or OS/2 Warp, 386 or above, 6MB memory, 3.5MB free hard disk space, 3.5" floppy disk drive. HyperACCESS Pro for OS/2 with HyperHost is a product of Hilgraeve Inc. and retails for $199. Hilgraeve can be reached at Genesis Centre, 111 Conant Avenue, Suite A, Monroe, MI 48161; phone (313) 243-0576; FAX: (313) 243-0645; on the Web at www.hilgraeve.com

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