> From: "Raimund Sacherer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Date: Tue, 4 May 1999 09:42:05 +0200
>I explain the Cashdesk now how it works on the PC�s
>
>There is a PC for every Cashdesk, mostly 1-3, and one PC for the Office
>Work. These Computers are connected over Ethernet via RG58 or
>PatchPanel/Hubs. The CashDesk consist of a Computer with a CashBox. The
>CashBox is connected over a COMPort to the PC. The work is done over this
>CashBox and the normal PC-Keyboard is very rarly used.
But what is kind of communication between these computers?
One of possibilities is Mars on Linux machine to work as
file server, and workstations accessing files from the server
using Novell Netware client (NCP over IPX protocol).
Disadvantages: it is a bit slow for heavy database use,
every machine must be capable to run the CashDesk software.
>Now the Linux Situation how i want it that it works:
>
>I want now create a Server using Linux and DosEmu which is also used as
>office working place.
>There is the first problem, but i think this don�t belong to you: I need an
>AutoLogon.
>Connected to this Server are 1,2 or 3 Terminals, i think over a ethernet.
>This Terminals should be the Cash Desks.
>Now the Problem is: I have to connect the CashBox to the Terminal via COM.
I have similar problem: I have database on central server,
and I want to run programs in DosEmu on the server, for
speed reason (database search over ethernet is too slow).
I plan writing some program to give access to remote COM
port (on the terminal from program on the server).
My idea is to use IPX protocol for communication between
Linux and terminal, on terminal side it needs some TSR to
send data between COM port and the net, on Linux side it
needs a program which allocates pseudo-tty, assigns it as
COM port for DosEmu and starts DosEmu, and later sending
data between pseudo-tty and the net: in DosEmu the pseudo-
-tty is seen as COM port, and any data written to it gets
to COM port on terminal, any data received by COM port on
the terminal can be read from emulated COM port in DosEmu.
Problems: 1. need some time to write the program;
2. need know IPX address of the terminal (I don't know
how to - seems Linux will not tell it, maybe need identify
it by sending unique data using IPX in one direction and
using TCP/IP in another, e.g. Linux side to terminal "send
me keystrokes abcdef", then terminal does it, then on Linux
they are read from stdin and identified - no, wrong, if
another terminal receives Linux will get unexpected input,
better write controlling tty name to known position on
screen and ask terminals for text from the position - one
should reply with the text just written);
3. need ideas: what command would be useful (com_write,
com_listen, read_screen, what more? file access? maybe it
would be nice to be able to access disks on terminals?).
>How does DOSEMU like this? If i run DosEmu on this Terminal, is the Comport
>of the Terminal used or that from the Server? I have to turn on the
Unfortunately, Linux machine has access to its local ports
only - this is a reason for which I want to write the program.
>Terminal, then automaticaly the Logon to the Server have to bee made AND the
>CashBox Program has to be Started AND after working the connection has to be
>closed.
In principle it is possible, and even not so hard: run telnet
from autoexec.bat on the terminal, and - if really autologon
is needed - put the few keypresses into keyboard buffer (there
are a few programs simulating keypresses in DOS available on
Simtel, try them - all you need is to send login name - but
maybe it is better to allow operators to login themselves?
unless you want to have computers without keyboards...).
Jerzy Tarasiuk
