Practical Linux

Using the telnet Command

The telnet command is used to log on to remote computers on the Internet. Use telnet to log on, usually with a user name and password, and run programs, view files, or download data. The telnet command is used on the command line, followed by a hostname, or remote computer system's name to start a telnet session.

For example, to connect to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (which runs open information services on several remote computer systems), use the telnet command, like this:

# telnet ttnbbs.rtpnc.epa.gov

This command connects you to the EPA's remote computer, and you receive a logon prompt (as shown in Figure 20.1).

Figure 20.1. Log on to remote federal government or other computer systems by using the ...