Linux · System Tools
Minicom
Minicom is a menu-driven, text-based serial terminal and modem control program for Unix-like systems.
- License
- GPL-2.0
- Latest version
- 2.11.1
What is Minicom?
Minicom is a veteran serial communication tool originally written by Miquel van Smoorenburg. It was modeled after the MS-DOS program Telix and has been part of the Linux ecosystem for decades. It provides a complete environment for dialing, scripting, and terminal emulation, making it a staple for hardware debugging and legacy modem use. Its long history means it is stable and well-documented, though its interface feels dated by modern standards.
This tool is primarily for system administrators, embedded developers, and hobbyists who need to communicate with serial ports, modems, or microcontrollers. If you are flashing firmware on an Arduino, configuring a router, or debugging a kernel panic via a serial console, Minicom is a reliable choice. It is less suitable for casual users who prefer graphical interfaces, as it operates entirely within a text terminal without a graphical user interface.
Compared to Windows HyperTerminal, Minicom is more powerful but less intuitive. HyperTerminal was a simple GUI wrapper for serial ports, while Minicom offers a full menu system for configuration, dialing directories, and scripting. The learning curve is steeper, but the control is finer. You will not find a drag-and-drop interface here; instead, you navigate through text menus to set baud rates, flow control, and hardware handshaking options.
Best for: System administrators and hardware developers who need reliable, scriptable serial access on Linux.
Key features of Minicom
- Menu-driven configuration interface
- ANSI and VT100 terminal emulation
- Built-in dialing directory
- External scripting language support
- Automatic ZMODEM download capability
- Modem control and command handling
- Support for multiple serial ports
- Packet logging and capture
Pros
- Included in almost all major Linux distribution repositories
- Highly stable and mature codebase
- No graphical dependencies, runs on minimal systems
- Extensive configuration options for serial hardware
Cons
- Text-based interface can be intimidating for new users
- Configuration is often stored in global or user-specific files that can be confusing
- Lacks modern graphical conveniences like drag-and-drop
- Documentation can be sparse for specific edge cases
Windows programs Minicom replaces
HyperTerminalHow to install Minicom on Linux
sudo apt install minicomsudo apt install minicomsudo dnf install minicomsudo pacman -S minicomsudo zypper install minicomTips for Windows users
If you are coming from HyperTerminal, expect to configure Minicom via its setup menu rather than a GUI dialog. Run 'minicom -s' to access the setup screens where you can define your serial device, baud rate, and flow control. HyperTerminal saved configurations as .HT files, whereas Minicom typically stores settings in ~/.minirc.dfl or /etc/minirc.dfl. There is no direct file format conversion, so you will need to manually re-enter your port settings. Once configured, you can launch Minicom directly, and it will use the saved defaults. For scripting, Minicom uses its own syntax, so any HyperTerminal macros will need to be rewritten.
Minicom: frequently asked questions
How do I change the serial port in Minicom?
Run 'minicom -s' to open the setup menu, then select 'Serial port setup' to change the device file (e.g., /dev/ttyUSB0) and speed.
Can Minicom handle USB-to-serial adapters?
Yes, as long as the Linux kernel recognizes the adapter, it will appear as a standard serial device like /dev/ttyUSB0 or /dev/ttyACM0.
Why is my screen scrolling incorrectly in Minicom?
This is often a terminal emulation mismatch. Try changing the terminal type in the setup menu to 'Linux' or 'VT100' to match your hardware.
Is Minicom still maintained?
Minicom is stable and included in major distributions, but development is slow. For newer features, some users prefer alternatives like picocom or screen.
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