IBM Personal Communications Version 15.0 Readme
Read Me - Please!
First Edition
This document contains information supplementary to the online help and the publications, it includes newly added functions, hints, tips, restrictions, and corrections. Refer the Personal Communications Documentation for other considerations when using Version 15.0, and for complete product documentation.
For information on installing IBM Personal Communications, refer to the Installation Guide. Refer to Quick Beginnings for information about the new features and functionality of Version 15.0.
Names and license terms for third-party components are referenced in license.txt, which is located in the Personal Communications installation directory or in the product installation image.
Table of Contents
Personal Communications Information Center
- Installing or migrating Personal Communications with Communications Server
- Displaying Arabic data in the VBHLLAPI sample program
What's New in Personal Communications Version 15.0
Personal Communications Version 15.0 is based on the popular Personal Communications Version 5.9. If users are familiar with Personal Communications Version 5.9, they might want to review the following new functions and enhancements.
Personal Communications Information Center
You can find documentation and links to other resources at the IBM Documentation for
Support Considerations
To receive Personal Communications support news flashes, complete the following steps:
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Go to the Personal Communications support Web site, at the following address:
http://www.ibm.com/software/network/pcomm/support
- Under Personal Support, click My Support. If you already have an IBM Registration ID, you can sign in. If not, you must register.
- After you sign in, select Networking from the product family list.
- Select the products for which you would like to receive news flashes. Click Save and Return. Your support profile is listed on the next screen.
- For your mail preference, you can choose to receive e-mail flashes, downloadable files, or both. Click Submit. You will receive a message indicating that your profile has been updated.
- Click Sign out to end the session.
The IBM Support Assistant enables you to easily resolve software questions. The Support Assistant provides the following components:
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Search: Enable search of the software information database.
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Service: Assists customers who choose to submit a PMR by providing access to the Electronic Service Request Web site.
- Support Links: A consolidated list of IBM web links, organized by brand and product.
Help desk personnel and Personal Communications administrators might want to install Support Assistant in order to better support end users. The Support Assistant can be downloaded from the following address: http://www.ibm.com/software/support/isa/index.html
Other Considerations
If you have both Personal Communications and IBM Communications Server for Windows installed on a system, you should not use automatic migration when installing a newer version of Personal Communications. First, remove both Personal Communications and Communications Server for Windows from the system. You should then reinstall Communications Server, before installing the new version of Personal Communications.
For proper display of Arabic data in the VBHLLAPI sample program, you should do the following:
- Edit the VBHLLAPI sample program source code. For each form, change the default font property to a Windows True Type font that supports Arabic script (for example, Courier New).
- Recompile the VBHLLAPI sample program.
Refer to Emulator Programming for information about the API sample programs.
Personal Communications Version 15.0.0.0 Readme
Print Screen Feature Supports “.Doc” File Format
In this release “Print-Screen” feature provides the “.doc” file format support. Users can choose to print the collected print screens in either “.doc” or “.txt” file formats.
Additionally, a new option, "over-write" is introduced to overwrite collected screens to an already existing print file.
ActiveX Control Support for x64-bit PCOMM
In this release, PCOMM x64-bit packages a new ActiveX Control file, pcsctrX.ocx. OLE containers can host ActiveX controls. An OLE container control lets you add OLE objects to your applications. OLE objects include ActiveX Controls (.OCX files) and OLE objects created in other applications such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
This embeds the PCOMM session in the application. PCOMM session is inside an ActiveX support operation based on HACL Automation Objects and EHLLAPI emulator APIs.
For more details, please refer to PCOMM ActiveX Controls.
Support for HTTPS with TLS 1.3 Connectivity
PCOMM supports HTTPS connection over TLS 1.3 to connect to the IBM License Manager Server and HACP Server.
Menu Customization Utility
PCOMM x64-bit now supports the Menu Customization Utility. Using the utility, the user can customize the menu items of the emulator sessions.
Bundling EHLLAPI Libraries with a Sample
The PCOMM x64-bit package includes the EHLLAPI x64-bit libraries and required header files. It enables the static linking of the EHLLAPI libraries (pcscal32.lib, whlap32lib) for EHLLAPI automation. This package also includes a sample that uses libraries by static linking and a “readme” file with instructions to build and use the sample.
Scroll-Bar Functionality
Using the mouse wheel scroll option, users can scroll up and down on the session screen, in case the host data exceeds more than one screen.
Express Logon Feature support for VBScript Macro
The PCOMMVBScript playback macro is enhanced to support the “Express Logon Feature” while recording a macro.
Enhancement of initial configuration definition file (pcsinst.ws$)
The initial configuration definition file “pcsinst.ws$” template file has been improved to include the customized “Menu” items configuration support.
Support for Group Policy Template files in ADMX/ADML Formats
In addition to the ADM file formats, the "Doc_Admin_Aids.zip" package now includes the ADMX and ADML group policy templates.
Enhancement to File Transfer Policy
The file transfer policy restriction enforced in the "Data Transfer" utility disables the switch to send/receive buttons based on the policy settings set by the user.
Enhancing the HACL sendkeys () API
The "SendKeys ()" HACP API is enhanced to retrieve the return code and return the code to the calling application using HACL automation.
Password update for Bypass Sign-on using Password Substitute (5250)
In this release, it does not require entering the old or Expired Passwords to update the new password.
Support for Azure Virtual Desktop
Azure Virtual Desktop provides an application virtualization service that runs on the cloud to any device with an internet connection. PCOMM supports the Azure Virtual Desktop only on 64bit Windows Operating System. PCOMM application can be published in an Azure Virtual Desktop setup to access all of its features through the internet.
Fixes for APARs and Internal Defects
Release 15.0.0.0 contains fixes for APARs and internal defects.
Personal Communications Version 15.0.1.0 Readme
OneDrive Support
OneDrive allows to synchronize files and folders between your computer and the cloud.
With this release, users can store all PCOMM configuration files, customized Macro directory, and customized Toolbar icons in a local OneDrive path, which allows them to access those files through OneDrive cloud storage from anywhere.
This can be achieved by using %OneDrive% environment variable in a customised directory paths in the PCOMM configuration files.
Security Improvement for PCOMMService
A security defect has been fixed in PCOMM's Windows service program, "pcommservice".
Fixes for APARs and Internal defects
This Refresh Pack contains fixes for APARS and internal defects.
Personal Communications Version 15.0.2.0 Readme
New Code Signer Certificate
The code signer certificate used to sign the previous versions of IBM Personal Communications software will expire on April 20, 2024. In the current version, the IBM Personal Communications software is signed with a new code signer certificate that is valid up to February 25, 2026.
This certificate is issued to "International Business Machines Corporation" by "DigiCert Trusted G4 Code Signing RSA4096 SHA384 2021 CA1".
Provision to Disable Mouse Scroll-Bar Functionality
Users can disable the scroll-bar functionality by adding a new keyword "DisableScrollBar = Y" under [Session] section in “pcswin.ini” configuration file.
Security Improvement for PCOMMService
A security defect has been fixed in PCOMM's Windows service program, "pcommservice".
Discontinuation of SNA Support
From this release onwards, the IBM SNA stack support has been removed.
Fixes for APARs and Internal Defects
This Refresh Pack contains fixes for APARS and internal defects.
Personal Communications Version 15.0.3.0 Readme
Data Masking
The PCOMM Data Masking feature protects sensitive data displayed on the session screen. It can mask various primary account numbers, offers options for different delimiters, and supports multiple custom regular expressions.
Support for the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) in PDT Mode
The Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) is a secure application-level protocol used for network printing. PCOMM supports printing PDT mode data using an IPP-based printer.
Configuration of LastExitViewFromINI during Installation
This feature allows users to configure the Last-Exit-View settings from the corresponding profile file (.ws) or the PCSWIN.INI configuration file during installation.
Removal of Interactive Service for PCOMM
The PCOMM service attribute for interaction with the desktop has been removed.
PowerShell Script Support for EHLLAPI Automation with Example
PCOMM supports EHLLAPI automation using PowerShell scripts. A sample PowerShell script file is included with the PCOMM installer and can be used to demonstrate how to execute EHLLAPI functions.
Horizontal Toolbar
This feature allows users to experience the horizontal toolbar style from previous versions of PCOMM, and it is available only with the silent installation property parameter (TBHZALIGN = 1).
Environment Variable Support (Onedrive)
This feature allows users to store the variable path in the profile directory. This variable path is used as the default in tools like the FTP client and the convert macro, and it also serves as the default transfer path for iSeries and zSeries.
Fixes for APARs and Internal Defects
This Refresh Pack contains fixes for APARS and internal defects.
Personal Communications Version 15.0.4.0 Readme
Data Masking Enhancements
Administrators can now restrict users from configuring Data Masking settings via group policy. Additionally, any masked data displayed on the screen will remain masked in printed output, ensuring data security.
Group Policy to Restrict Maximum Emulator Sessions in Preferences Utility
A new group policy allows administrators to set session limits between 26 and 52 in the "Preferences" utility. Users cannot modify or exceed the assigned limit.
Enhanced Host Connectivity with TLS 1.3
PCOMM now supports TLS 1.3 for host connections, improving security by replacing older encryption methods with stronger, modern ciphers. This enhancement is supported on Windows 11, Windows Server 2022, and later versions.
New Code Signer CertificateThe code signer certificate used to sign the previous versions of IBM Personal Communications software will expire on Feb 26, 2026. In the current version, the IBM Personal Communications software is signed with a new code signer certificate that is valid up to January 14, 2028.
This certificate is issued to "International Business Machines Corporation" by "DigiCert Trusted G4 Code Signing RSA4096 SHA384 2021 CA1".
Date and Time in Status barThe system date and time is now displayed in the PCOMM status bar. Users can enable or disable this feature from the "Window Setup" menu.
Security EnhancementIn this release, the legacy redistributable binaries are removed from the package that might cause security risk.
Refresh-Pack Update Installer EnhancementThe Refresh-Pack Update Installer UI now supports all languages available in PCOMM, allowing the installation process to be displayed in the operating system’s locale language.
This installation method is supported starting with version 15.0.3 iFix002. Earlier versions are not compatible and do not support this update process.
Native Intune Support – Installer EnhancementNow, PCOMM supports deployment through "Microsoft Intune". By using a "custom.ini" file, administrators can perform silent installations across selected device groups or organizational units simultaneously.
Fixes for APARs and Internal DefectsThis Refresh Pack contains fixes for APARS and internal defects.
Personal Communications Version 15.0.5.0 Readme
Auto-Reconnect Time Interval
This enhancement enables the user to define the wait interval time between reconnections and the total retry count for each host, ensuring the emulator doesn't loop indefinitely.
The “AutoReconnectInterval” keyword has been introduced under the [Session] section of the profile file. Users can configure the wait interval by adding the independent keyword in as shown in the below example for 2000 milliseconds.
Example:
[Session]
AutoReconnectRetries =3
AutoReconnectInterval =2000
SwitchToNextHostOnAutoReconnect =Y
Support for the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) in PDT Mode Enhancement
This enhancement eliminates the requirement for the IPP printer to be set as the system default. Additionally, it removes the dependency on a PDF reader for printing tasks on the IPP Printer.
Redesign of Kerberos Authentication, Migration and Sounds Registration
The “pcsnp” module has been removed and replaced by the new “pcskerb”module. This update optimizes the Kerberos authentication process, allowing for a seamless logon bypass when connecting to I-Series hosts.
Also, the installer manages the migration of profiles files and registers default system sounds as part of the installation on the user's first re-login.
Print-to-Disk Support for “.pdf” File Format
For Print to Disk setup configuration, the browse dialog has been enhanced to support “.pdf” file format. Users can perform all “Print to Disk” operations for “.pdf” file type as well.
Trim Trailing Spaces on Edit-Paste
This enhancement allows users to automatically remove trailing spaces from every line of multi-line clipboard data during a paste operation, preventing accidental overwrites of existing screen data.
To enable this feature, the new keyword “TrimTrailingSpacesOnPaste” has been introduced under the [Edit] section of the workstation profile (.ws) file.
Example:
[Edit]
TrimTrailingSpacesOnPaste=Y
Disable Auto Start Macro by Group Policy
Administrators can now use Group Policy to stop users from setting up or running auto-start macros. When this is disabled, the auto-start macros are blocked, and users will see a warning message.
Margin Space in Restored Window
This enhancement introduces adjustable left and right screen margin spaces, creating a dedicated space between the application window borders and text rows when the user connects the session in restore window mode. By ensuring proper spacing along the outer text columns, it significantly improves visual clarity and makes text selection for copy-paste operations much easier.
OneDrive Support Enhancements
The following are the enhancements for OneDrive support feature:
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Single Sign-On
The Preference Utility Manager now includes a OneDrive checkbox that, when selected, prompts users to sign in if they aren’t already. If signed in, it sets the %OneDrive% path as the Profile Directory for the application.
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Synchronization Status of Session Files
Note: This feature is applicable only for IBM Persoanl Communications 64bit.
A new Status column has been added to the Session Manager dialog box to indicate whether session files in the OneDrive location are synced or not, using appropriate icons.
Fixes for APARs and Internal Defects
This Refresh Pack contains fixes for APARS and internal defects.