Telnet is a protocol that allows you to connect to remote computers (called hosts) over TCP/IP network. Telnet client should be installed on the computer to make a connection to a telnet server (i.e. remote host). After establishing the connection telnet client becomes a virtual terminal, allowing to communicate with the remote host. password and login name may be required to login to remote host, or guest account can be enabled optionally. Telnet clients are available for most OS.

Besides, SSH is similar to telnet, but the last one provides better security.

By default, Telnet client is disabled in Windows 7.

How to Enable Telnet Client on Windows 7:

1. Start > Control Panel > Programs and Features.

2. On the left pane with options, choose "Turn Windows Features On or Off".

3. In the opened window in the list of components, find Telnet Client and select the check-box. Press O.k. to confirm changes.