How to Get a Telnet Account

The telnet protocol was developed in 1969.

Telnet was a widely used protocol designed for remote accessing of Web servers. Before the mass adoption of Web-based email programs, students would routinely use telnet to access their home computers. Once the home computer was accessed, the owner then could remotely control the computer, to check email accounts and other tasks. Telnet accounts still are available from Internet service providers (ISP), but easier and more secure options have largely replaced the telnet protocol for those seeking remote access to computers.

Instructions

1. Search for shell account providers such as freeshell.org. Many such providers offer a free download of an application that provides a "shell" that the user can "telnet" directly into servers to which they have access.

2. Check whether your ISP offers shell accounts. Most website hosting services also offer them. Such access is generally listed in the C-panel section of your hosting account.

3. Determine whether telnet comes with your computer's operating system. Windows 7 does, for example. Click "Control panel," "Programs." Click the "turn Windows features on or off" box. Select "Telnet client." Click "OK."

References

• PCMag.com: Definiton of Telnet
• Microsoft: Telnet: Frequently Asked Questions
• Happy Hacker: How to Get Telnet Accounts

Resources

• Free Shell Accounts
• Free Shell Accounts