OpenText HostExplorer - Configuring and installing

Overview

Full instructions for using OpenText HostExplorer can be found on the Texas A&M System Office IT support site. 

Information about the change of platform hosting FAMIS can also be found on the TAMUS IT support site.

OpenText Host Explorer (formerly Hummingbird) is the terminal emulation software that allows users to connect their PC to FAMIS on the mainframe in a secure environment. Users are required to utilize a version of Open Text Host Explorer which allows for TLS 1.1 or higher. The current recommended version of this software is now version 15.0.5.385.

Instructions

Checking Your OpenText HostExplorer Version

To check your version of the Opentext HostExplorer (Hummingbird):

  1. Open OpenText HostExplorer and click Help.
  2. The version number will be displayed in the middle of the OpenText HostExplorer information window.
  3. If your version starts with 14, we recommend that you upgrade to version 15.

 

Obtaining Version 15

To get version 15 (Host Explorer 2015):

Texas A&M Technology Services Software Evaluation and Licensing Library (SELL) recommends you use the latest version of Open Text Host Explorer (formerly Hummingbird). If you don't already have this, you can request it here.

  1. Open the Services pull down menu near the top of the page.
  2. Select Order Software.
  3. Find "Hummingbird."
  4. Follow the login instructions to complete your order.

You may also obtain a copy by bringing a blank CD to the Software Evaluation and Licensing Library (SELL) which is located in room CS00 of the Computing Services Center building.

Installing OpenText 2015

To install the software:

  1. Click on the download file you obtained from SELL.
  2. Right-click the downloaded file.
  3. Select Extract All.
  4. Select a destination to extract the files.
  5. Press Extract.
  6. Double-click Open Text HostExplorer 15 after the extraction is complete.
  7. Click Personal Installation.
  8. Click Next.
  9. Select I accept the terms in the License Agreement.
  10. Click Next.
  11. Enter your username and organization. The organization will be The Texas A&M University System.
  12. Click Next.
  13. Click Next.
  14. Choose Typical setup type.
  15. Click Next.
  16. Click Next.
  17. Click Install.
  18. Click Finish after the installation has completed.

Configuring OpenText 2015

Using Host Explorer Connection:

  1. Click the Start menu.
  2. Select Opentext Host Explorer.
  3. Click on Connection Central
  4. Double-click New HostExplorer FTP icon.
  5. Enter the following information:
    • Profile Name: FAMIS
    • Host name: tammvs1.tamu.edu
    • Posrt: 992
  6. Click OK.

The software will attempt to connect to FAMIS. This connection will fail. Upon failure, proceed with the following steps.

  1. Click Options.
  2. Click Global.
  3. Select Prompt on Window Close.
  4. Select Prevent Automatic Shutdown by Windows.
  5. Click OK.
  6. Click the Options top-menu item.
  7. Click the Session Properties... pop-up menu item.
  8. Click the plus sign (+) beside the "Security" tree item to expand it.
  9. Click the General tree item.
  10. Select the SSL / TLS radio button.
  11. Click OK.
  12. Click the Options top-menu item.
  13. Click the Session Properties... pop-up menu item.
  14. Click the plus sign (+) icon beside the "Keyboard" tree item.
  15. Click the General tree item.
  16. Unselect Ignore NumLock state.
  17. Click OK. At this time all setting should be complete.
  18. Click the Toggle connection icon in the menu to connect to FAMIS. The ATM screen should appear allowing you to login to FAMIS.

Configure OpenText 2015 to use your keypad

  1. Click the Options top-menu item
  2. Click the Session Properties... pop-up menu item
  3. Click the plus sign (+) icon beside the "Keyboard" tree item
  4. Click the General tree item
  5. Deselect Ignore NumLock state TO UNcheck THE BOX.
  6. Click OK.

Original document located at http://assets.system.tamus.edu/files/famis/pdf/HostExplorerInstallandSetup.pdf

 

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