Transfer of files between the UNIXcluster and a computer that doesn't
support ftp can be done using Kermit. Kermit is a file
transfer protocol with implementations for many types of machines,
including the IBM PC. In addition to the dedicated Kermit implementations,
many of the popular communication programs for the IBM PC include
support for Kermit file transfer. To use Kermit from a remote computer
to upload or download files from your account, logon to your account
via one of the dialup lines and enter:
kermit -i> -e <packetsize> -x
The -i argument specifies that transfer will be of binary type.
The packetsize is usually set to 90. The -x argument
indicates that a Kermit server should be started at the remote
station, ready to accept commands.
A typical setup would be:
kermit -i -e 90 -x
To transfer files to and from your account, give the escape sequence
to return to your local Kermit (the specific sequence differs depending on
communication program that you are using). When you are back at your local
version of Kermit, issue the 'GET' or 'SEND' commands, specifying the files
you wish to transfer. After all files have been transferred, issue the
'FINISH' command to kill the Kermit server and return to your
UNIX account.
Simply typing kermit will put you into interactive kermit allowing
the above command line options, and other options to be set. You can also
specify most of the kermit options in a .kermrc file.
When downloading/uploading files from your account, keep in mind that
there are very few lines available for other users, and that tranfers
at 1200 or even 2400 bps can be extremely time-consuming for large
files. To determine the approximate time for transfer (in minutes) use
the following formula:
1.50 * (filesize)/((baud rate)/8*60)
Always transfer large files during the off-hours, when others
aren't likely to need access to the cluster.
Fair warning:
If you spend too much time on the dialup lines, you will be disconnected,
even if you are in the middle of a transfer. Also, if you remain inactive
after connecting to a host for more than ten minutes, you will be
disconnected. This action may seem harsh, but it is a necessary one for a
cluster with so few dialup lines and so many users.