This FAQ is designed to answer some of the most common questions people have when they are first learning about FacetTerm. If you still have unanswered questions, please contact FacetCorp.

On what kind of hardware and software platforms does FacetTerm run?

FacetTerm runs on almost all UNIX platforms. See the Supported Platforms list.

What kind of terminals are supported by FacetTerm?

FacetTerm supports the vast majority of character-based ("dumb") terminals available today. See the Supported Terminals list for more details. Even if your terminal is not on the list, there is a good chance that FacetTerm can be modified to operate with it. Contact our technical support department for assistance.

What about PCs?

Most PCs can also get the full advantages of FacetTerm when using a terminal emulator. FacetTerm will provide multiple UNIX sessions with complete FacetTerm functionality to the user. Also, unlike TCP/IP sessions, FacetTerm will only use up one UNIX login per user -- no matter how many sessions are run!

What UNIX applications will work with FacetTerm?

FacetTerm runs well with virtually all UNIX character-based applications.

Do UNIX sessions invoked through FacetTerm continue to run when the session is not currently displayed?

All UNIX sessions which are started with FacetTerm do continue to execute as they would if the screen were being displayed. Of course, an application may pause if it is waiting for keyboard input.

How much overhead does FacetTerm require on the UNIX system?

FacetTerm requires about 225KB of memory plus about 275KB per user (not session). The actual memory required per user is dependent upon their specific terminal type. For most standard terminals, the average memory requirements listed above are correct. However, some graphics terminals (e.g. WYSE 370) will require more memory per user, due to the graphics and buffers associated with this kind of terminal.

How are users counted, for example on an 8-user license?

FacetTerm uses a floating license management system. In the case of an 8-user license, up to 8 concurrent users are enabled. In this example, if 8 users are logged into FacetTerm, and a 9th user tries to login, FacetTerm will reject that request.

Does FacetTerm use the terminal page memory for managing windows?

FacetTerm does utilize the terminal's built-in memory for storing window information. This makes switching between screens faster. However, FacetTerm does not require the terminal to have any extra page memory in order to work.

Will FacetTerm work through a network or terminal server?

FacetTerm works well through a network or terminal server. FacetTerm simply runs between the terminal and the application programs. In fact, many people use FacetTerm to switch between systems on a network. For example, Window #1 can be logged into System "A", and Window #2 can "rlogin" or "telnet" into System "B".

Does FacetTerm keep track of function key programming between windows?

FacetTerm keeps a complete session description for each active application window. Important aspects such as function key programming, character attribute processing, special key remapping, terminal mode settings and font downloading are remembered and restored every time a window switched.