Networking Old Dumb Terminals

[michaelp1982]

Hi all, im trying desperately to find out exactly how i would go about liking dumb terminals up to a central computer to operate a database for 3 users.

Im am very much a beginner with networking at all and can remember many years ago with old dos a command ctty com1: used to activate the serial port for the dumb terminal and dos commands could be carried out on the terminal.

Can anyone tell me which my best path is now to run these? i keep trying to find out more info, never used linux before but read in a article that is whats needed, downloaded a linux server but couldnt work out how to get programs onto the server (is this what i need to do or is there a simpler option??) Im used to running windows xp and familiar with old dos commands, the terminals i want to use are old fashioned wyse green screens, can i use a old pentium 3 pc as a server for this or do i need to buy a proper server machine??

Any help/instructions on this would be GREATLY appreciated, bare in mind im a beginner :-)

Many Thanks!!

Michael

[johnwill]

Well, dumb terminals won't directly network to the computer, so we need to know exact details.

I think you need to be exact about the database you are using, the O/S you're planning on using, and how the terminals will be linked, I'm assuming serial connections.

[michaelp1982]

Many thanks for your reply, presently the database is not running, i will be purchasing a new one and loading all data onto it manually, with regards to the os, i really want to know whats best for this set up, im used to using windows and dos so if either of these can host the terminals i would rather stick with them, however if only linux will host the terminals i will research more into this.

The terminals will be linked via serial connections, if you can recommend the best o/s to run these. Im also not familiar with which databases work best with this sort of setup so again any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Basically im after an idiots guide to setting it up, what i need, whether it will be beyond my comprehension as a beginner or whether with help and instructions it wont be too difficult?

Once again thank you for your time.

[johnwill]

I suspect that Linux is going to be the weapon of choice. I suspect you'll also need a custom application to manage the serial terminals. Truthfully, I'd forget about the old serial terminals and look into thin Ethernet clients. The actual cost to deploy them will probably end up being less than trying to recycle those old terminals.

[michaelp1982]

thats great i will do thanks very much for your help

[johnwill]

No problem, that's what we're here for.