There are so many comms software packages already available for the BBC micro, it is surprising to discover that yet another one has been released. However, one has - in the shape of Termin from a company called Cyansoft Videotex.

Termin is available for all the BBC computer range (excluding the Archimedes), and is supplied on either a single 80 track disc or two 40 track discs. The documentation takes the form of a 105 page wire bound manual, and there are also three rather poorly produced cut- out keystrips. Although described as a viewdata terminal emulation package, Termin does also feature a scrolling ASCII text terminal, too.

Using Termin is relatively straightforward. The software is largely menu-driven when off-line, and selections may be made by number, cursor keys, or a mouse. An unusual feature is the use of speech for various prompts when on-line. Unfortunately, this only works with the original Acorn speech upgrade, and this can only be fitted to the model B and B+. It is a pity that the program cannot be configured to work with, say, the Superior Software Speech system.

Both manual and auto-dial modems are catered for by Termin, and there are three different auto- dialling modes supported. These are suitable for the Pace Nightingale, Hayes compatible modems (for example the Pace Linnet), and any modem that auto-dials by pulsing the Request to Send line on the serial port. This latter category includes the Demon, the Voyager and the many budget modems with an auto-dial facility. There doesn't appear to be anyway of adding other modem drivers, and therefore if your modem does not appear in the above list you will have to resort to manual dialling. Termin supports all standard baud rates up to 2400/2400 (V22 bis).

Before using Termin you must configure it to suit your own particular set-up and needs. Once done, these configuration options are saved to disc and become the default each time the package is used, unless manually overridden. The software will allow easy log-on to any database by single key press. You set up a list of your favourite databases in a directory, along with their telephone numbers and your ID and password to enter the system. When an entry is selected, the software will then auto-dial it and log you on automatically, even re-sending your ID and password automatically if requested because of corruption by line noise. Naturally, this does require an auto-dial modem to use this feature.

Like most other viewdata software around, Termin features telesoftware downloading and sends downloaded files straight to disc. An unusual facility offered by Termin however, is the ability to download several files automatically and then log-off. This sounds good in principle, but in practice involves knowing page numbers, routes and length of header frames. By the time you have sorted all that out you might just as well have done it all manually!

Another automatic facility in Termin is mailbox download. Once logged on to, say, Prestel, pressing f6 will cause the software to collect all your waiting mailboxes and send them to disc, after which it will log you off. The file of frames created on disc can then be viewed when offline or printed. A further option allows the complete file of frames to be stripped of colour and graphics codes, ready for loading into a word processor.

Still on the subject of mailboxing, yet another automatic option in Termin is 'mailbox mailshot'. This feature enables the user to send the same mailbox to any number of people on Prestel. The mailbox number list must first be created in a word processor or could be taken from the directory on Prestel. Then you create your mailbox frame, go online, and the software when requested will do the rest. Great for junk mailing, though unlike some auto-mailers, Termin will not automatically remove numbers which result in no response.

Termin enables both offline and online mailbox editing. Offline editing can utilise any mailbox frame, which once created, can then be uploaded onto Prestel with the frame-send function.

In common with even the most basic viewdata software, Termin allows the saving, loading and printing of any viewdata frame. The saved frames are stored in files which can hold up to ten frames. When using a Master, the files are automatically time and date stamped to aid in future reference. Termin also features a call charge recorder, a facility normally only found on dearer packages. I have already mentioned that the software has a mailbox editor. In addition, it also has a far more sophisticated viewdata frame editor. Why it needs two frame editors I don't know! Surely one would suffice to allow editing at any level of complexity by the user, depending on their needs. Nevertheless, a frame editor is provided and boasts quite a large number of features.

You may use it to cut, paste and copy blocks of text and graphics within a frame, or save and load blocks. For text processing, you can set up a window within a frame, and text within that window will be automatically formatted when entered. Word processor files can be imported into the frame and again they will be automatically formatted.

As mentioned at the start of this review, Termin is not just a viewdata terminal emulator. It also features a scrolling text terminal that is quite respectable. File transfer facilities are provided and it supports Xmodem as well as ASCII upload/download either to RAM buffer or direct to disc. As with the viewdata terminal, the text terminal can be configured to suit the user and enables the same single keypress auto-dial and logon facility.

The manual I would describe as reasonably good, but it could certainly do with more examples to illustrate the use of the various terminal features. Raw beginners to comms would definitely struggle in quite a few instances. It is written in an informal chatty style, and has the occasional somewhat witty comment thrown in. More amusing however, are the numerous misprints, for example you are quite often asked to press the 'APE' key!

Any heavy criticism of this package would be churlish when you consider its price. It has a large number of features, some of which are not found on more expensive comms software. Certain features are questionable as to their real value, but the package includes all of the basics required for a competent viewdata terminal with a scrolling text terminal thrown in, too.

I found Termin pleasant to use and would recommend it.