Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

CoolTerm VS GNU Screen

Compare CoolTerm VS GNU Screen and see what are their differences

CoolTerm logo CoolTerm

CoolTerm is a simple serial port terminal application (no terminal emulation) that is geared...

GNU Screen logo GNU Screen

Screen is a full-screen window manager that multiplexes a physical terminal between several...
  • CoolTerm Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-06-03
  • GNU Screen Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-07-31

CoolTerm features and specs

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    CoolTerm is available for both Windows and macOS, allowing users to run it on different operating systems without platform-specific issues.
  • Simple User Interface
    The software features an intuitive and easy-to-use interface that makes it accessible for both beginners and experienced users.
  • Freeware
    CoolTerm is available as freeware, making it a cost-effective solution for users who need a terminal application without spending money.
  • Serial Port Communication
    CoolTerm offers robust support for serial port communication, making it ideal for interfacing with devices like microcontrollers and other hardware that utilize serial ports.
  • Data Logging
    The program supports data logging, which allows users to record incoming and outgoing data streams for further analysis.

Possible disadvantages of CoolTerm

  • Limited Advanced Features
    While CoolTerm offers essential features for serial communication, it may lack some advanced functionalities that power users or professionals might require.
  • No Built-in Scripting
    CoolTerm does not include built-in scripting capabilities, limiting automation or customization compared to other terminal applications with scripting support.
  • No Active Development
    As a freeware option, CoolTerm might not receive regular updates or new features, potentially leading to compatibility issues with newer systems or hardware.

GNU Screen features and specs

  • Session Management
    GNU Screen allows you to detach and reattach sessions, making it possible to keep applications running in the background even if you disconnect from a terminal session.
  • Multiple Windows
    It provides the ability to open multiple windows within a single terminal session, allowing you to manage different tasks concurrently without opening additional shell instances.
  • Terminal Sharing
    Screen supports terminal sharing, enabling multiple users to view and interact with the same terminal session, which is useful for collaborative work and troubleshooting.
  • Scrollback History
    You have access to scrollback history, allowing you to review command output and logs even after they've disappeared from view in the normal terminal.
  • Customizability
    GNU Screen provides extensive options for customization through its configuration file, enabling users to tailor keybindings, appearances, and functionalities to their preferences.
  • Resource Efficiency
    Being a text-based application, GNU Screen is extremely light on system resources, making it suitable for use on systems with limited computational power or memory.

Possible disadvantages of GNU Screen

  • Steep Learning Curve
    New users may find GNU Screen's interface and command syntax difficult to learn and use efficiently, especially without dedicated tutorials or documentation.
  • Outdated User Interface
    Compared to more modern terminal multiplexers like tmux, GNU Screen may feel outdated in terms of user interfaces and ease of use.
  • Limited Functionality
    While robust for basic session management, GNU Screen lacks some of the advanced functionalities and features found in newer tools, such as better scripting integrations and extended multi-pane support.
  • Configuration Complexity
    The process of configuring the .screenrc file to achieve certain custom setups can be cumbersome and unintuitive for some users.
  • Competition from Alternatives
    Alternatives like tmux offer similar functionalities with more modern features, resulting in a decline in the usage of GNU Screen among new users.

CoolTerm videos

Serial Port Terminal Application(Coolterm)

More videos:

  • Review - XBee setup, using Arduino and CoolTerm

GNU Screen videos

GNU Screen

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to CoolTerm and GNU Screen)
SSH
58 58%
42% 42
Server Management
100 100%
0% 0
Git
0 0%
100% 100
Server Configuration And Automation

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing CoolTerm and GNU Screen, you can also consider the following products

CuteCom - Features: easy to use GUI no cryptic keyboard shortcuts

tmux - tmux is a terminal multiplexer: it enables a number of terminals (or windows), each running a...

RealTerm - RealTerm is a terminal program specially designed for capturing, controlling and debugging binary...

Wemux - wemux - Multi-User Tmux Made Easy

YAT - Yet Another Terminal - Engineering, testing and debugging of serial communication.

byobu - Byobu is a GPLv3 open source text-based window manager and terminal multiplexer.