when i try to connect to my friend's computer using telnet an error message pops up saying "conn to host lost"

Answer 1

You didnt mention what computer. Mac? Linux? Windows?

Since you didnt say then I will guess its WinXP. You both have telnet, and ftp, and web browsers. But all of those are so that you can connect to servers. In order for you or your friend to receive a connection you have to be running the server version. The problem is that your computer is not setup to be an internet server.

Here is an online book that explains the headaches about setting up telnet as a server service on your machine.
http://books.google.com/books?id=I6MTYNIux9oC&pg=PA541&lpg=PA541&dq=telnetd+%22windows+xp%22&source=web&ots=oaMBrHqQWb&sig=UwpLZtnI8DYyZo1pM5dONXPvq1Y#PPA542,M1

It would be much easier if you had linux.
By the way, you will have the same headaches trying to use ssh to connect to each other. Maybe you should use telnet to meet someplace like a MUD game. Or do another post explaining why you want to connect

Answer 2

Depends on the OS he is using. May not have telnet enabled, or there may be a software of hardware firewall stopping telnet access. If its Windows XP SP2, incoming telnet is shut off by default in the firewall, you need to enable connections on that port number. It also won't work if the telnet service is not running.

Hope that helps.

Jason

http://www.onestoptechnologyshop.com

Answer 3

All machines now tend to default to setting telnet off, as it is a dangerously insecure protocol. You are better to install a secure shell program, or to use vpns.