Xshell 8.0 Build 0063

Overview

Xshell is a terminal emulation application which is a different option to the standard and basic Terminal application that comes installed with the Windows operating system.

This emulator supports secure communication and file transmission via both SFTP protocol and SSH. The software also supports Serial, Telnet, Rlogin, LINUX, VT100, VT220, VT320, XTERM, SCOANSI and ANSI.

There is a tabbed interface that makes it easier to have several tabs open at the same time, keep them open and utilize them only when needed. This can help maintain a history of relevant commands previously entered within a certain tab which can help when entering more commands later. Multi-tasking is therefore much easier when using a powerful terminal emulator with this kind of support.

Ports can be dynamically forwarded. Keys can be re-mapped to use custom key selection. There is support for Visual Basic scripting too which will please some of the coders out there. Buttons can also be defined by the user rather than be stuck with a specific button configuration that doesn't suit the user. There is also Zmodem which can be used to download or upload files.

Installation

The installation completed without any issues.

There was no adware, toolbars, spyware or malware included with the setup package.

Xshell requires Windows XP SP3, Vista SP1, 7, 8, 8.1, Windows Server 2003/2008 SP 1, or Windows Server 2012.

Interface

The top of the interface has a menu system with top-level options for File, Edit, View, Tools, Tab, Window, and Help. There is a pretty toolbar below with attractive icons showing.

The interface is full of muted grays, dark grays and black colors. Connected tabs are shown with a green LED and those unconnected with a red one.

There is a shortcut list above the tab list which can deliver faster access to frequently used bookmarks.

The background of each tabbed window is pretty dark with white text and other text highlighted in different colors to stand out.

Pros

• Terminal emulator for secure SFTP and SSH protocols. The software also supports Serial, Telnet, Rlogin, LINUX, VT100, VT220, VT320, XTERM, SCOANSI and ANSI
• IPv6 support
• Authentication of client via MIT Kerberos
• Multi-tabbed interface
• Dynamic port forwarding
• VB scripting
• Map keys using custom layout
• Redirect Key Input to Multiple Terminals
• User-define buttons

Cons

• Kind of plain interface but with that said it still has some nice attractive elements to it

Alternatives

PuTTY is a client to be used for Telnet, SSH and Rlogin communications. This application is advanced and an improvement over software alternatives. Another similar software is ZOC Terminal V7.

Conclusion

Xshell is a good terminal emulator that adds a tabbed navigation, a more attractive view, and support for multi-tasking.