Honeywell GCOS Kermit Version 1.1 January 1985 This writeup describes the features and use of Kermit-GCOS, a program for Kermit protocol file transfers. Kermit-GCOS runs under the Honeywell GCOS time sharing system (TSS) and should normally be in- stalled on the TSS command library as file CMDLIB/KERM to run as the TSS command KERMIT. It can, however, be placed on any user catalog and run as a TSS user program. Kermit-GCOS was written by John Huxtable, University of Kansas Academic Computing Services. On first reading, you may want to skip many of the sections which provide detailed information and look at only the overview and example sections. Before using Kermit-GCOS, however, you should go back and read the full writeup. 1.1.1. What is Kermit?______________________ Kermit is a protocol designed for reliable file transfer between computers. The transfer takes place through a standard RS-232 com- munications port, allowing implementation of Kermit transfer programs on most computers. Although Kermit is technically the name of the transfer protocol, it is common practice to refer to both the protocol and programs which use the protocol as Kermits; this will be done through the remainder of this writeup. Kermit development started at the Columbia University Center for Computing Activities in 1981. The primary developers were Bill Catchings and Frank da Cruz. Since that time the protocol has been ex- tended and implemented for many systems. Persons interested in how the protocol works should read articles in the June and July 1984 issues of Byte____ magazine which describe it in some detail. In order to transfer a file with Kermit, Kermit must be running on both the sending and receiving computers. One Kermit (called "local Kermit") must be able to establish the connection with the other Kermit (called "remote Kermit"). In the case of transfer between a microcom- puter and a mainframe this is generally done by the microcomputer Kermit acting as a terminal as well as providing file transfer capability. Microcomputer versions of Kermit are available from many bulletin board systems. A tape containing all "known" versions of Kermit can be obtained from Columbia University. For current ordering information contact: KERMIT Distribution Columbia University Center for Computing Activities 7th Floor, Watson Laboratory 612 West 115th Street New York, N.Y. 10025 - 1 - 1.1.2. Syntax Conventions_________________________ To show the syntax of commands and responses this writeup uses the following conventions: Angle brackets surround a description of what should be typed. For example,