The Alert Timer controls the number of seconds PC Access waits before warning you to enter input to the Terminal window. This defends you from a host with a silent inactivity logout. (An MLS provider typically logs out users who have been inactive for several minutes. The exact period depends on the MLS.) Instead of having your host log you out with no warning when you are inactive for several minutes, PC Access reminds you to do something to maintain your online session. Setting the Alert Timer to 0 (zero) disables the inactivity warning.
PC Access records the time of the each character or keystroke it sends to the host and starts an internal timer. (Generally PC Access sends a character to the host whenever you type input in the Terminal window, click your mouse on a command field, or execute a script file command.) Periodically PC Access checks the time that has elapsed since it last sent a character to the host. When the elapsed time exceeds the value you entered in the Alert Timer field, PC Access beeps and flashes the Terminal window title bar once a second for fifteen seconds.
To stop the warning, press a key the host understands. This resets both the host's inactivity timer and the internal PC Access timer.
Normally, you should set the alert timer to be about 30 seconds shorter than the inactivity timer on your host. If you do not know the length of your host's inactivity timer, you can call your service provider and ask. If you prefer, you may simply time it yourself by the following these steps:
1. Call the host with PC Access.
2. Login normally.
3. Note the current time of day (to one second precision).
4. Do nothing on the host session! That is, do not type any keys or click your mouse.
5. Wait for the host to disconnect you.
6. Note the current time of day (to one second precision).
7. Subtract the time you recorded in step (3) from the time in step (6).
8. Convert to seconds and subtract 30.
9. Enter the result in the Alert Timer field.
Setup item classification:
· Parent window: MLS Setup
· Setup item type: Advanced
· Who specifies: MLS
· Importance: Optional