Finally, an Apple interface for remote server updating

Opening secure connections to remote servers is a breeze -- from a desktop terminal. But say you're at lunch, and all you've got is your iPhone. That's when you will wish you had TouchTerm Pro for the iPhone.

The TouchTerm Pro is the latest remote-access app from JBrink, maker of the free TouchTerm SSH client, which is a better-than-nothing way to update server files from a remote location. But the free version just provides a bare text command line, and requires you to tap out long directory names. The TouchTermPro leverages some of the iPhone's key features, such as text-completion, text-magnifying zoom, a customizable gesture-engine and copy-and-paste. Best of all, it uses a GUI directory, instead of having to “cd” through deep directory trees.

Naturally, all this raw power occasionally comes at the price of clarity (emacs, anyone?). Remembering when to tap, swipe-and-tap, or scratch your head to call up a particular function can be about as easy as remembering you car's VIN number. Fortunately, a series of tutorial screencasts on TouchTerm's site will get you up to speed. The app follows suit with a strong online manual and context-sensitive help.

If the shoe still doesn't fit, customize. Nearly every part of TouchTerm Pro can be modified through its (perhaps too) extensive settings panel. Although its $12 price tag won't win any budget app awards, TouchTerm Pro is a great value, backed by an active developer, and a good buy.

--Michael Fitzhugh, tech writer