Terminal EmulationSince mainframe computers and minicomputers only recognize a few types of terminals, a terminal emulation program is used to fool the main computer into thinking that it's compatible with your terminal.
Terminal emulation applications provide access to larger, more complex computers that will allow you to perform functions using their power. Terminal emulation is seen frequently in Telnet applications, in which you will be asked to identify your terminal type (the most common type of terminal emulation on the Net is VT100). Your terminal's identity does not depend on what kind of computer you have, but rather on the kind of terminal that has the same characteristics as your computer.