PDP-8
Digital Software News
JUNE-JULY 1979
AA-H941A-BA
SDSBQSO
PDP-8 DIGITAL SOFTWARE NEWS
Published by
Administrative Services Group, Software Services
Digital Equipment Corporation
P.O. Box F
Maynard, MA 01754
The PDP-8 Digital Software News (a bi-monthly publication) complements Software Reviews for
COS-310, OS/8, and OS/78. New and revised Software Product Descriptions, programming notes,
software problems and solutions, and documentation corrections are published here. Much of the
material is developed from Software Performance Report (SPR) answers significant to the general
audience and is printed here to supplement the maintenance notebook (established by the Software
Review).
PRODUCTS SUPPORTED in the PDP-8 DIGITAL SOFTWARE NEWS
COS-310 V3 (V7/V8) OS/8 Extension Kit V3D OS/8 MACREL/LINKER V2
COS-310/2780 RDCP V6.05, V7 OS/8 FORTRAN IV V3D OS/78 V2
OS/8 V3D OS/8 FORTRAN IV RTS-8 V3.0
OS/8 V3D Device Extensions PLOTTER V3C
DISTRIBUTION
The Digital Software News is directed to one software contact for each software product. No Mailing
will be made to addresses without a software contact name. Address change requests should be sent
to the nearest DIGITAL field office. Include the new address and mailing label from the most re-
cently received publication.
Software binary and sources are provided under licenses only. The standard Terms and Conditions,
OEM Agreement, and/or Quantity Discount Agreement contain the licenses for all binaries other
than DECsystem-10.
Eleanor F. Hunter, Editor
Roxanne Alexander, Associate Editor
Copyright © 1979 Digital Equipment Corporation
The material in this document is for information purposes only and is subject to change without notice.
Digital Equipment Corporation assumes no responsibility for any errors which may appear in this docu-
ment. Comments on the contents of this publication should be directed to your local DIGITAL Field Office.
TRADEMARKS of DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION
Maynard, Massachusetts
DEC EDUsystem RSTS
DECsystem-10 IAS RSX
DECSYSTEM-20 MASSBUS UNIBUS
DECUS OMNIBUS VAX
DIBOL OS/8 VMS
DIGITAL PDP
34-7/79
8 Digital Software News, June - July 1979
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SEQ. NO. PAGE
REVISED SPR USER LETTER 1
NEW SPR FORM .' 2
OS/8 DOCUMENTATION SET 9
COS-310 V8
INCORRECT PARSING OF MENU COMMAND FILE (PATCH 4) 5 M 11
MENU BUFFER PROBLEM (PATCH 5) 6 M 12
ACCESSING RX01 DRIVES 2 AND 3 (PATCH 6) 7 M 15
COS-310 V8.01A
MENU BUFFER PROBLEM (PATCH 1) 1 19
OS/8 V3D
UTILITIES
EDIT Q COMMAND AFTER L COMMAND
EDIT Q COMMAND PATCH
INCORRECT DIRECTORY VALIDATION
DOCUMENTATION EXAMPLE FOR SET BLOCK
DATE '78 PATCH TO PIP10
OS/8 V3D EXTENSIONS
FUTIL PATCH TO MACREL/LINK OVERLAYS
MACREL/LINK V2A
EXPUNGE DOCUMENTATION ERROR
MACREL VERSION NUMBERS
EXPUNGE PATCH TO MACREL
RTS-8V3
RTS-8 V3 NUMERICAL COMPARE SKIP FUNCTIONS
OS/78 V2
BASIC
SAVE FILE FOR LARGE BASIC PROGRAMS 71.72.3 M 39
SOFTWARE PRODUCT DESCRIPTION (SPDs) 41
CUMULATIVE INDEX 49
DECUS SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS 55
21.17.2 M 23
21.17.3 M 24
21.19.1 M 25
21.10.1 N 27
21.24.1 M 29
31.21.4 N 31
40.1.1 N 33
40.1.2 N 34
41.4.1 F 35
62.25.1 F 37
REVISED SPR USER LETTER
Submitted by snena tiatcnen, 0/ 1 1 sr« administration
The Dispatch SPR User Letter has been revised to reflect the new SPR form
which is now available. These forms can be obtained from your local Digital
Office or SPR Center, or by requesting them from SPR Administration.
How to Make the Best Use of the SPR Form
What We Can Do For You:
1. Blank SPR forms are available upon request in the desired quantities
Through the SPR Administration (P.O. Box F) and your local office/
SPR Center.
2. Copies of the SPR acknowledgement and answer are sent to the
appropriate DIGITAL Office/SPR Center for their information.
3. STATUS FOR SUBMITTED SPRs IS PROVIDED UPON REQUEST.
4. SPRs marked PROBLEM/Error will have a response for supported
Category A and B products. These SPRs should refer to suspected
deficiencies in the software.
5. SPRs marked SUGGESTION are forwarded to the pertinent software group
for information purposes, and are responded to at their descretion.
What You can Do For Us:
1. Fill out the form completely either by typing or printing clearly.
2. Limit only one problem per SPR form. Several problems on an SPR
can greatly lengthen the turnaround time.
3. WHENEVER POSSIBLE, SUBMIT AN SPR WITH ATTACHMENTS, SUCH AS MACHINE
READABLE DATA DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM,
PROGRRAM AND/OR DATA FILES, LISTINGS, AND CONSOLE LOG.
4. It would be most helpful to all concerned if problems with patches
are reported as soon as possible.
5. For security SPRs, it is imperative that the DO NOT PUBLISH box be
marked.
6. It would be helpful if tapes submitted with SPRs are labeled
(track and density), and have a directory attached.
7. Complete the questionnaire that is supplied with each SPR answer.
Your feedback is very essential in monitoring the quality of our
responses,
8. SPRs should not be used for problems concerning software policy,
software distribution, or hardware. The local office should be
contacted in these cases.
NEW SPR FORM
A new SPR form is being distributed (see following). The Key areas of
change are:
1. Reversal of order of priorities, 1 through 5 instead of 5 through 1.
2. Capsulized definitions of the priorities on the form.
3. Typewriter compatibility to include boxes to be Xed.
4. SPR Centers updated.
5. Use of Customer Number as part of customer's address.
Customers will be informed of their number.
6. Administrative fields (shaded area) used in processing SPRs have
been added.
"fl'GSBO
tf TO SET UP FOR PROPER ALIGNMENT, START AT MARK BELOW.
SOFTWARE
PERFORMANCE
REPORT
CORPORATE mnt ho,i
PAGE
OF_
OPERATING SYSTEM
SYSTEM PROGRAM OR DOCUMENT TITLE VERSION OR DOCUMENT PART NO
NAME:
FIRM:
ADDRESS:
CUST. NO.:
DEC OFFICE
DO YOU HAVE SOURCES?
YES
D-D
REPORT TYPE/PRIORITY
1.
PROBLEM/ERROR 2
SUGGESTED ENHANCEMENT 3
OTHER 4
5
HEAVY SYSTEM IMPACT
MODERATE SYSTEM IMPACT
MINOR SYSTEM IMPACT
NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
DOCUMENTATION /SUGGESTION
SUBMITTED BY:
CAN THE PROBLEM BE REPRODUCED *T WILL? YES NO|
MAG TAPE
OTHER:
ATTACHMENTS ___
FLOPPY DISKS I J LISTING
DECTAPE
□
COULD THIS SPR HAVE BEEN PREVENTED BY
BETTER OR MORE DOCUMENTATION?
PLEASE EXPLAIN IN PROVIDED SPACE BELOW.
Ofl
SERIAL NO.
CPU TYPE
MEMORY SIZE
DISTRIBUTION MEDIUM
SYSTEM DEVICE
DO NOT PUBLISH
□
ALL SUBMISSIONS BECOME THE PROPERTY OF DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION.
SHORT NAME MNT. CAT,
MNT. GRP.
XFER GRP.
PRB. TYPE
IDATE RECEIVED (MAIL)
DATE TO MAIHTAINER
XFER DATE
LOGGED ON
DATE RECEIVED |ASG|
DATE RECEIVED FROM MAINTAINER DATE ANSWERED
LOGGED OFF
EN 104. H-07-R479 |35C|
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES GROUP, SWS
DIRECTIONS FOR COMPLETING SPR FORM 258203
The SPR form must be filled out completely and MUST BE TYPEWRITTEN in order to ensure proper
processing. The shaded areas on the form should be left blank, they wiii be used by DiGiTAL in
processing the SPR.
The following is a brief summary of the information required:
OPERATING SYSTEM/MONITOR (SOFTWARE PRODUCT)
Monitor (software product) the system program runs under and its version number (e.g. RSX—11M V3, TOPS-10
V6.03). Document Title such as OS/8 Handbook.
SYSTEM PROGRAM & VERSION (OR DOCUMENT PART NUMBER)
The program in which the problem resides, e.g. FORTRAN V5A, BASIC VIB. If a monitor, write MONITOR
(module). If a documentation error is being reported, the DEC order number of the manual should be
entered here (e.g. DEC-11-ORSUB-A-D).
DATE:
Date of submittal using a three character abbreviation for month (e.g. 4-APR-79)
NAME AND ADDRESS:
Fill out the name of your installation's responsible software contact and complete mailing address. The informa-
tion in this block will be used to return the acknowledgment copy.
CUST. NO.:
A permanent reference number which is assigned by DIGITAL. Customers will be informed of their number.
SUBMITTED BY AND PHONE:
Enter name and phone number of the author of the SPR.
DEC OFFICE:
Enter local DEC office (or SPR Center if European or Australian).
REPRODUCIBLE AT WILL, SOURCE AND DOCUMENTATION QUESTIONS
Check appropriate boxes.
REPORT TYPE/PRIORITY
Check appropriate box for Report Type and Priority.
Priority Definitions are as follows:
1. Most production work cannot be run, e.g. functions/jobs which are not usable are a major use of system,
e.g. system won't boot, necessary peripherals cannot be used as intended.
2. Some production work cannot be run, e.g. certain jobs/functions are not usable, performance degradation,
installation has insufficient excess capacity.
3. All production work can be run with some impact on user, e.g. significant manual intervention required,
extra procedures, performance degradation but installation has excess capacity.
4. All production work can be run with no significant impact on user, e.g., problem can be easily patched, simple
bypass procedure exists.
5. No system modifications needed to return to normal production, e.g., suggestion, consultation, documentation
error.
ATTAruilCMTG'
/-I I I M\,n)»ILtH i o.
If attachments are included with SPR, describe materials sent and insure that the number from the top of this
form appears on them. Printed examples must be dark. If magtape, include track and density.
CPU TYPE:
Enter model number of the processor (e.g. 1080, 8/A, 11/70, 2040).
SERIAL #:
Enter serial # of central processor. If there are two processors, enter serial number of first.
SYSTEM DEVICE:
The device on which the monitor resides (e.g. DOS/BATCH on RK05 where RK05 is system device).
DISTRIBUTION MEDIUM:
Indicate the medium on which you receive software (e.g. 9TR Magtape, DEC Tape, RX02, RK05).
PROBLEM DESCRIPTION:
A concise description of the problem in the form of PROBLEM:, DIAGNOSIS:, CURE: (if known), with
references to circumstances surrounding its occurrence should be included. Only one problem should be stated
per SPR form. Attempt to reduce the problem to a simple test case. If you cannot, include all programs and
data in machine readable form. If a patch or interim solution exists, include it.
DO NOT PUBLISH:
Check this box if you do not want your SPR published in its original form. This does not guarantee that the
solution will not be published if of universal value.
SPR SUBMISSION:
Upon completion of the SPR form remove last copy and send remainder to the nearest SPR center. Refer to the
reverse side of this instruction sheet for a listing of SPR centers.
SOFTWARE PROBLEMS OR ENHANCEMENTS
Questions, problems, and enhancements to DIGITAL software should be reported on
a Software Performance Report (SPR) form and mailed to the SPR Center at one of the
following Digital Offices: (SPR forms are available from the SPR Center).
Areas Covered United States, remainder of Far East, Middle East, Africa Latin America SPR Center Administrative Services Group, SWS P.O. Box F Maynard, Ma 01754 Areas Covered Japan SPR Center Digital Equipment Corp. INTL 3rd Floor Kowa Bldg. 8-7 Sanban Cho Chiyoda Ku Tokyo 102 Japan
Canada Digital Equipment Canada P.O. Box 11500 Ottawa, Ontario Canada K2H 8K8 New Zealand Digital Equipment N.Z. LTD P.O.Box 17093 Greenlane, Auckland 5, New Zealand
United Kingdom, Bahraine, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Arab Republic. Digital Equipment Corp. LTD Fountain House Butts Centre GB-Reading RG17QN England Belgium, Holland, Luxemburg Digital Equipment B.V. KAAP Horndreef 38 NL - Utrecht/Overvecht Holland
Austral ia-Mel bourne Digital Equipment Aust. PTY. LTD 60 Park Street So. Melbourne Victoria Australia 3205 Sweden Digital Equipment Corp. AB Englundavagen 7 S-171 24 Soma, Sweden
Australia-Sydney Digital Equipment Aust. PTY. LTD 123 125Willoughby Rd. P. O. Box 491 Crows Nest NSW Australia 2065. Denmark Digital Equipment Corp. APS Kristineberg 3 DK-2100 Copenhagen 0 Denmark
Brazil Digital Equipment Comercio Ind. Rua Batatais 429 Esq AL Campin 01423 Jardim Paulista Sao Paulo 0100 Brazil Finland Digital Equipment Corp. OY PL16 SF - 02201 ESPOO 20 Finland
Caribbean De Latin America P.O. Box 11038 Fernando Juncos Sta. Santurce PR 00910 Norway Digital Equipment Corp. A/S Pottenmakerveien 8 N - Oslo 5 Norway
France Digital Equipment France 18, rue Saarinen France Silic 225 F • 94528 Rungis - Cedex France Austria, East Germany, West Germany, Poland, Hungary, Rumania, Czechoslovakia, Russia, Bulgaria Israel Digital Equipment Corp. GMBH Wallsteinplatz 2 D • 8 Munich 40 West Germany
Italy Digital Equipment S.P.A. Viale Fulvio Testi 117 1-20092 Cinisillo Balsamo Milan, Italy DECSYS Computers LTD. 4, Yirmiyahou Str. P.O. Box 6359 IL - Tel-Aviv 63505 Israel
Areas Covered
Greece, Portugal,
Spain, Switzerland,
Yugoslavia & Sina
{Morocco, Algeria,
Tunisia, Cyprus,
Turkey, Malta)
SPR Center
Digital Equipment Corp. SA
9, route des Jeunss
1211 Geneva 26
Switzerland
NOTE: New SPR Questionnaire
NO POSTAGE
NECESSARY
IF MAILED IN THE
UNITED STATES
BUSINESS REPLY GIRD
FIRST CLASS PERMIT NO. 33 MAYNARD, MA
POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES GROUP
SOFTWARE SERVICES PK 2/E49
DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION
P.O. BOX F
MAYNARD, MA 01754
We have answered your SPR in the hopes that we have provided a sufficient answer based on the information
received. We are interested in knowing if we have accomplished this. Please fill out the form below and return
it to us so that we may determine if we are satisfying our customer needs.
SPR No.
Name___
Product
Company.
Date you received answer.
___ Answer was satisfactory
___ Answer solved problem but
was too late to be of use.
___Answer solved problem but caused other problems
___Answer was unclear
Answer did not solve problem
. Answer did not address problem
. Tone of answer was not courteous
. Other (please explain)
EN-01450-07-N679(35C)
Please include any information which you have that would help us to look at your problem. Document via SPR
if necessary and attach to form.
Digital Software News June-July 1979
General Information
OS/8 DOCUMENTATION SET
The OS/8 Handbook and its update document have been completely superseded
by the following manuals:
OS/8 System Reference Manual; Order No. AA-H607A-TA
OS/8 Language Reference Manual; Order No. AA-H609A-TA
OS/8 TECO Reference Manual; Order No. AA-H608A-TA
OS/8 Error Messages; Order No. AA-H610A-TA
OS/8 System Generation Notes; Order No. AA-H606A-TA
These manuals are all printed as 8 1/2 x 11 documents, suitable for 3-ring
loose-leaf binders. To order one or more of these manuals, contact your
local Digital representative.
PDP-8 Digital Software News, June-July 1979
PDP-8 OBSOLETE PRODUCTS (DK)
The following kits have been obsoleted and removed from the Master Price
List.
OS/8 TSAR VI QF070-CB,CC
QK070-CA
LAB-8/E PT VI QF060-CB,FZ
OS/8 LAB-8/E VI QF009-CB,CC,CY,EC,EY
Please take note that,
OS/8 FORTRAN IV Plotter V3C (QF014)
has been dropped to Category C except for the LincTape distribution. The
LincTape distribution for this product has been made obsolete (QF014-AA).
10
8 Digital Software News, June - July 1979
COS-310 V8 Seq 5 M
(PATCH 4)
1 of 1
INCORRECT PARSING OF MENU COMMAND FILE (CW)
PROBLEM: When executing MENU with a DISPLAY section smaller than 256 characters,
error messages may be displayed.
SOLUTION: The following patch to MENU corrects this problem.
X, proafq a pat^H command fil** /pT*rtA\ "si**cf *■*!© ^Ilo^ir." editor command0*
.ER
• LN
.0100 MENU
.0110 1
.0120 255
.0130 7301
.0140 END
.0150 6261
.0160 END
.0170 /X
.0180 <ctrl/z>
= WR PT04
2. Check the PT04 command file by running PATCH without the /C option. PATCH
simulates the patching operation but does not change the file on the system
device. When run without the /C option, PATCH displays CHECKSUM CORRECT—
USE OrTION C TO UPDATE rather than NEW BLOCK PATCHED OK. To check the
command file enter the following:
.R PATCH,PT04
PATCH will respond by displaying the PATCH dialogue and returning to the
Monitor. If PATCH does not return to the Monitor, check the PT04 command file
to insure that it was entered correctly.
3. Install the patch by entering the following command:
.R PATCH,PT04/C
PATCH will respond by displaying the PATCH dialogue and returning to the
Monitor.
11
8 Digital Software News, June - July 1979
00S-310 V8 Seq 6 M
(PATCH 5) 4
1 of 3
MENU BUFFER PROBLEM (CW)
PROBLEM:
When more than three Monitor or Editor commands are specified for the first
MENU command, MENU sleeps for several seconds when that command code is
issued, then aborts and returns to the Monitor without issuing an error message.
SOLUTION:
The following patch to MENU corrects this problem,
12
8 Digital Software News, June - July 1979
COS-310 V8 Seq 6 M
(PATCH 5)
2 of 3
PATCH command file (PT05) using the following editor
1. Create a PATCH
commands:
.ER
• LN
.0100 MENU
.0110 2
.0120 61
ruin * -i *» *-*»
• UIJU i372
.0140 70
.0150 6201
.0160 71
.0170 3411
.0180 72
.0190 2323
.0200 73
.0210 1323
.0220 74
.0230 3411
.0240 75
.0250 5324
.0260 77
.0270 6211
.0280 103
.0290 6201
.0300 104
.0310 3411
.0320 107
• 0330 4200
.0340 110
.0350 1600
.0360 124
• 0370 6211
.0380 125
.0390 1410
.0400 126
.0410 6201
.0420 127
.0430 3411
.0440 130
.0450 2060
.0460 131
.0470 5324
.0480 132
.0490 5277
.0500 172
.0510 1577
.0520 END
.0530 7460
.0540 END
. 0550 /X
.0560 <ctrl/z>
.WR PT05
13
8 Digital Software News, June - July 1979
COS-310 V8 Seq 6 M
(PATCH 5)
3 of 3
2. Check the PT05 command file by running PATCH without the /C
option. PATCH simulates the patching operation but does not change
the file on the system device. When run without the /C option, PATCH
displays CHECKSUM CORRECT--USE OPTION C TC UPDATE rather than NEW
BLOCK PATCHED CK. To check the command file enter the following:
.R PATCH,PT05
PATCH will respond by displaying the PATCH dialogue and returning to
the Monitor. If PATCH does not return to the Monitor, check the PT05
command file to insure that it was entered correctly.
3. Install the patch by entering the following command:
.R PATCH,PT05/C
PATCH will respond by displaying the PATCH dialogue and returning to
the Monitor.
14
8 Digital Software News, June - July 1979
COS-310 V8.00
(PATCH 6) Seq 7 M
1 of 4
ACCESSING RX01 DRIVES 2 AND 3 (CW)
PROBLEM:
Some RX01 drives may have slightly different operating characteristics
from the majority of RX01 drives that have been shipped. This
variation in the hardware prohibits accessing drives 2 and 3 with a
standard RX01 handler.
SOLUTION:
The following patch to SYSGEN corrects this problem. It also changes
the version number of SYSGEN to vS.OOC. SYSGEN/C must be run after the
patch has been made to install the modified RX handler in the monitor.
15
8 Digital Software News, June - July 1979
COS-310 V8.00
(PATCH 6) Seq 7 M
2 of 4
I. Create a PATCH command file (PT06) using the following editor
commands:
LN
0100 SYSGEN
0110 2
0120 361
0130 0346
0140 375
0150 3743
0160 END
0170 0001
0180 3
0190 6
0200 6745
0210 27
0220 6747
0230 40
0240 1350
0250 47
0260 5342
0270 53
0280 7346
0290 54
0300 3316
0310 55
0320 1337
0330 56
0340 7010
0350 57
0360 6750
0370 60
0380 6755
0390 61
0400 7600
0410 62
0420 6754
0430 63
0440 0050
0450 107
0460 5351
,0470 112
16
8 Digital Software News, June-July 137S
COS-310 V8.00 Seq 7 M
(PATCH 6)
3 of 4
0480 5746
0490 END
0500 0025
0510 20
*\ C O e\ jit
0530 2144
0540 END
0550 0001
0560 END
0570 /x
0580 <ctrl/z>
.WR PT06
17
8 Digital Software News, June - July 1979
COS-310 V8.00
(PATCH 6) Seq 7 M
4 of 4
2. Check the PT06 command file by running PATCH without the /C
option. PATCH simulates the patching operation but does not change
the file on the system device. When run without the /C option, PATCH
displays CHECKSUM CORRECT—USE OPTION C TO UPDATE rather than NEW
BLOCK PATCHED OK. To check the command file enter the following:
.R PATCH,PT06
PATCH will respond by displaying the PATCH dialogue and returning to
the Monitor. If PATCH does not return to the Monitor, check the PT06
command file to insure that it was entered correctly.
3. Install the patch by entering the following command:
.R PATCH,PT06/C
PATCH will respond by displaying the PATCH dialogue and returning to
the Monitor.
18
8 Digital Software News, June - July 1979
COS-310 V8.01A Seq 1 M
(PATCH 1)
1 Of 3
MENU BUFFER PROBLEM (CW)
PROBLEM: When more than three Monitor or Editor commands are specified for
the first MENU command, MENU sleeps for several seconds when that
command code is issued, then aborts and returns to the Monitor without
issuing an error message.
SOLUTION: The following patch to MENU corrects this problem.
19
8 Digital Software News, June - July 1979
COS-310 V8.01A Seq x M
(PATCH 1)
2 of 3
1. Create a PATCH command file (PT01) using the following editor
commands:
.ER
.LN
.0100 MENU
.0110 2
.0120 61
.0130 1372
.0140 70
.0150 6201
.0160 71
.0170 3411
.0180 72
.0190 2323
.0200 7?
.0210 1323
.0220 74
.0230 3411
.0240 75
.0250 5324
.0260 77
.0270 6211
.0280 103
.0290 6201
.0300 104
.0310 3411
.0320 107
.0330 4200
.0340 110
.0350 1600
.0360 124
.0370 6211
.0380 125
.0390 1410
.0400 126
.0410 6201
.0420 127
.0430 3411
.0440 130
.0450 2060
.0460 131
.0470 5324
.0480 132
.0490 5277
.0500 172
.0510 1577
.0520 END
.0530 7460
.0540 END
.0550 /X
.0560 <ctrl/z>
.WR PT01
20
8 Digital Software News, June - July 1979
COS-310 VS.0IA s -. M
(PATCH 1) 4
3 ol 3
2. Check the PT01 command file by running PATCH without the /C
option. PATCH simulates the patching operation but does not change
the file on the system device. When run without the /C option, PATCH
displays CHECKSUM CORRECT—USE OPTION C TO UPDATE rather than NEW
BLOCK PATCHED OK. To check the command file enter the following:
.R PATCH.PT01
PATCH will respond by displaying the PATCH dialogue and returning to
the Monitor. If PATCH does not return to the Monitor, check the PT01
command file to insure that it was entered correctly.
3. Install the patch by entering the following command:
.R PATCH,PT01/C
PATCH will respond by displaying the PATCH dialogue and returning to
the Monitor.
21
8 Digital Software News, June-July 1979
OS/8 V3D 21.17.2 M
UTILITIES
EDIT V12B 1 of 1
EDIT Q COMMAND AFTER L COMMAND (RY)
Problem: When a "Q" command is issued after an "L" command, the output
is sent to the terminal instead of the file.
Diagnosis: The "Q" command has bypassed the code that resets the
variable 'OUTDEV in its attempt to clear the variable
'TABIND'
Solution: Install the following patch, that upgrades EDIT to Version
12C.
.GET SYS:EDIT
.ODT
2372/0302 0303
2014/nnnn 2774
2774/nnnn 3112;5776;1301
CTRL/C
.SAVE SYS:EDIT
23
8 Digital Software News, June-July 1979
OS/8 V3D Seq 21.17.3 M
UTILITIES
EDIT V12C 1 of 1
EDIT Q COMMAND PATCH (RY)
Problem: The "Q" command does not output the first page of a file.
Solution: Install the following patch and EDIT is upgraded to Version
12D.
.GET SYS:EDIT
.ODT
1360/5304 5301
2372/0303 0304
CTRL/C
.SAVE SYS:EDIT
24
8 Digital Software News, June-July 1979
OS/8 V3D Seq 21.19.1 M
UTILITIES
FOTP V9B 1 of 1
Supersedes article dated Aug/Sept. 78
INCORRECT DIRECTORY VALIDATION (JR)
A previous DSN article was published in the Aug-Sept, 1978 issue of DSN
(21.19.1) was incorrect.
Please replace the previous patch with the following.
.GET SYS:FOTP
.ODT
12375/7700 7671
14346/7700 7671
15036/7101 7102
If you did not put in the previous patch, just do the latter. If you did
put in the old patch, notice that line 5 was added to alter the version
number.
25
8 Digital Software News, June-July 1979
OS/8 V3D Seq 21.10.1 N
TTITITT TmTnQ
U ± J. J.JJ. J.-L£#0
DOCUMENTATION & NOTES 1 of 1
DOCUMENTATION EXAMPLE FOR SET BLOCK (DK)
In the OS/8 System Reference Manual (AA-H607A-TA), page 25-13, and the OS/8
Handbook Update (DEC-S8-OSHBA-A-DN4), page 76, the description of the SET
BLOCK procedure is incomplete. The following is a more complete
description of this function.
The format of the SET BLOCK function is:
•SET dev:BLOCK b,LOC n=m <CR>
OR
xxxx/m
where,
dev is any valid non-system device (i.e., anything but SYS:) that has
a system head.
b is an octal number of the block within a non-resident device
handler.
n is the octal location within that block that you specify; 0-177
for one-page handlers and 0-377 for two-page handlers.
m is the NEW octal value that you want in the location (0-7777).
xxxx are the current contents of location n.
Example:
If you wish to change a location in the LPT handler and you have an FK05 in
drive 1, type,
.RES RKA1:/E (to find the block where the LPT handler is
located)
.SET RKA1:BL0CK 16,L0C 42 <CR> (BLOCK 16 is where the LPT
handler resides)
6214/6216 <CR> (6216 is your new value)
OR
.SET RKA1:BL0CK 16,L0C 42=6216
27
8 Digital Software News, June-July 1979
0S/8 V3D
UTILITIES
PIP10 V3A
Seq 21.24.1 M
1 of 1
Supersedes article dated Dec 78/Jan 79
DATE '78 PATCH TO PIP10 (RY)
Problem: When PIP10 creates a new file on a PDP-10 DECtape, the file
gets the wrong date.
Diagnois: PIP10 does not understand about the new OS/8 extended date
bits for today's date.
Cure: Install the following patch which fixes this problem until
1984.
.GET SYS:PIP10
.ODT
2612/1023 4760:1116
2760/nnnn 1554
1555/nnnn 1765;0176;7112;7012,;3116;1023;0156;5754;7777
4320/6301 6302
CTRL/C
.SAVE SYS:PIP10
This patch corrects the above problem and upgrades PIP10 to
V3B.
This article replaces and supercedes the same sequence number
published in the Dec 78-Jan 79 DSN.
29
8 Digital Software News, June-July 1979
OS/8 V3D EXTENSIONS Seq 31.21.4.N
FUTIL V8B
1 of 1
FUTIL PATCH TO MACREL/LINK OVERLAYS (JB)
The following FUTIL patch will allow you to examine or patch MACREL/LINK
overlays.
.GET SYS:FUTIL
.ODT
1515/nnnn 5716;5761;4531
3321/nnnn 7100;1360;7006;7006
5533/nnnn 1077
5761/nnnn 3023;1023;0113;5765;1517
12520/0200 0300
CTRL/C
.SAVE SYS:FUTIL
The internal version of FUTIL is upgraded to Version 8C.
31
8 Digital Software News, June-July 1979
MACREL/LINK V2A Seq 40.1.1 N
NOTES & DOCUMENTATION
1 of 1
EXPUNGE DOCUMENTATION ERROR
In the MACREL/LINK User's Manual (AA-5664B-TA), page 5-31, there is an
error that might cause some confusion when using the EXPUNGE option with
the ENABLE directive. Table 5-5 should describe the action of the EXPUNGE
option as
"Causes the EXPUNGE directive with all arguments to work on all
assembly passes.*
33
8 Digital Software News, June-July 1979
MACREL/LINKER V2A Seq 40.1.2 N
NOTES & DOCUMENTATION
1 Of 1
MACREL VERSION NUMBERS
The title page of the MACREL/LINK User's Manual (AA05664B-TA), under
software and version, states that MACREL is Version 2D. This is an error.
Please change Version 2D to Version 2C. Two patches were added to the
MACREL masters before the product shipped from the SDC. All customers that
receive MACREL from the SDC will already have the two patches incorporated
in their software.
Also, on the title page, LINK Version 2B should be changed to Version 2A
and CREF should be KREF.
34
8 Digital Software News, June-July 1979
MACREL/LINKER V2A Seq 41.4.1 F
MACREL V2C
1 of 1
EXPUNGE PATCH TO MACREL (DB)
Problem: MACREL does not properly handle the EXPUNGE directive with
arguments when the .ENABLE EXPUNGE directive is used.
Diagnosis: The bit used to designate whether the EXPUNGE option is
enabled or disabled (i.e., .ENABLE EXPUNGE or .DISABL
EXPUNGE) is tested incorrectly in processing an EXPUNGE
directive with arguments.
Solution: Install the following patch.
,R EPIC
*SYS:MACREL.SV</1 <ALTMODE>
R,12
0,136
0103/304
&?
R,66
0,203
7710 /7700
E
*CTRL/C
Underlined text is computer generated. This patch corrects the problem and
upgrades MACREL to Version 2D.
35
8 Digital Software News, June-July 1979
RTS-8 V3 Seq 62.25.1 F
SYSGEN
1 of 2
RTS-8 V3 NUMERICAL COMPARE SKIP FUNCTIONS
RTS-8 V3 SYSGEN contains errors in its numerical compare skip functions.
For those user's who are not modifying SYSGEN, the symptoms are minor
(i.e., a question may be asked by SYSGEN; DOC NO. 331 or 327). It is not
necessary to fix the problem. However, for user's that need the skip
functions, the problem can be fixed.
To fix the problem, it is necessary to make source changes in BRANCH.MA,
TNCON.MA, and SCRIPT.MA. Once the source changes have been made,
reassemble and relink SYSGEN and SCRIPT.
SCRIPT.MA
M251, TEXT "TN HOW MANY TTY TASKS WILL BE IN THE"<215><212>
TEXT "TARGET SYSTEM? fDl (1):"
Change [D] to [0].
TNCON.MA
.EXTERNAL DIRLOC , TYPE , ERR1, IQUES , OCTD MJ
FIELD 1
TN,
FIELD i
0
CLA
TAD (CIF CDF)
RDF
DC A TN20
CDF TABLE 1
TAD (301
At (V) insert ,OFLAG,TQES,QUES
At (T) insert TAD QUES
^^ DCA TQES
ISZ OFLAG
37
8 Digital Software News, June-July 1979
RTS-8 V3
SYSGEN
Seq 62.25.1 F
2 of 2
E,
0
0
©
L,
0
N,
BRANCH.MA
JMS
JMS
CDF
CIA
TAD
SNA CLA
JMP
JMP
JMS
JMS
CDF
CIA
TAD
SMA CLA
JMP
JMP
JMS
JMS
CDF
CIA
TAD
CIA
SPA CLA
JMP
JMP
JMS
JMS
CDF
CIA
IFLC,\6J
ANUM
NUMBER
TABLEI
IARG
IFLG
BRN17
ANUM
NUMBER
TABLEI
IARG
IFLG
BRN17
ANUM
NUMBER
TABLE 1
IARG
IFLG
13RN17
ANUM
NUMBER
TABLEI
TAD
OCA
ISZ
BRN17, DCA
JMP
Delete Q Q Q Q
Change (5j
N2
COUES
IF LAQ.
ARG
3RN2
ID
to SPA CLA
/ANSWER EQUAL TO ARG?
/ANSWER GREATER THAN ARG?
/ANSWER LESS THAN ARG?
At \6J insert CDF TABLE1
so tfTSt IFLG, CDF TABLE 1
TAD N2
Change
0 t
o BRN17, DCA IARG
The RTS-8 SYSGEN Manual claims that there are alphanumeric compares. This
is an error, there are none.
38
8 Digital Software News, June-July 1979
OS/78 V2 Seq 71.72.3 M
BASIC
BLOAD.SV V6B 1 of 1
This article is being republished for sequencing purposes only.
SAVE FILE FOR LARGE BASIC PROGRAMS
There is a problem with creating a save file for large BASIC programs.
This patch is an addition to the BLOAD.SV V6A patch that was published
in the.August-September 1978 issue of the Digital Software News,
article 71.72.1 M, Large Core Image Save Program. The patch is as
follows:
.GET SYS:BLOAD
.ODT
2151/2653 0253
3035/6602 6603
CTRL/C
.SAVE SYS:BLOAD
This patch upgrades the internal version number of BLOAD from V6B to V6C.
39
SB1DQSD
Software Product Descriprion
PRODUCT NAME: OS/78, Version 3.0, DECstatlon Operating System
SPD 4.3.4
DESCRIPTION:
OS/78 is a comprehensive executive designed to sup-
port the DECstation 78 and DECstation 88 computer
systems. OS/78 nrovidss an extensive collection of
application software development tools and an effi-
cient run-time environment for the production use of
these application programs. OS/78 is controlled
through a Concise Command Language (CCL) that
simplifies program development and execution (e.g.,
COPY, LOAD, HELP, etc.).
Programs stored on diskettes can be accessed for
loading, modification, or execution by simple key-
board commands. OS/78 also allows program chain-
ing, so that a complex program can be divided into a
series of smaller modules.
The CCL (Concise Command Language) allows the
user to operate the system through terminal com-
mands. Three classes of functions are available
through CCL: system functions, language functions,
and utility functions.
System Functions:
Batch Processing
The SUBMIT instruction calls in a batch processor to
execute a sequence of commands that have been
stored in a file. This feature permits the user to exe-
cute a series of pre-determined operations using a
single command. SUBMIT also provides an optional
method for redirecting line printer output to diskette
files when there is no line printer in the system.
I/O Handlers
The following handlers are provided with OS/78:
• RX01/RX02 — System handler provided on RX01 or
RX02 media
• RL01 — System handler on RL01 media
• RX01/02 — Non-system handler (not permanently
resident in memory) for Drive 1 of RX subsystem
• RX01/02 — Non-system handler (no permanently
resident in memory) for Drive 2 & 3 of RX subsys-
tems
(Supplied in two versions—one for RX28, one for
RX78)
• RL01 — Non-System handler (not permanently res-
dent in memory) for RL01 disks
one version for Drive 0 logical, regions A & B
One version for Drive 1 logical, regions A & B
July 1979
One version for section C on Drives 0 and 1
NOTE:
Each RL01 Drive is logically segmented in-
inrlorvanHant i\\a ctm/*ti iraH
♦n thr
regions.
Section:
A is 4095 blocks
B is 4095 blocks
C is 2018 blocks
• TTY — is a non-system, non-file structured handler
for the console terminal
• LPT — is a non-system, non-file structured handler
for an LA78 or LA8/A line printer
• SLU2 — is a non-system, non-file structured printer
handler for a serial printer attached to the SLU2
port of a VT78. Supported printers are LA34, LA36,
LA38, LA120, and LA180-S
• SLU3 — is equivalent to SLU2 for the SLU3 port of
the VT78
• VLU2 — is a non-system, non-file structured
handler for SLU2 port of the VT78. It allows bi-
directional, half duplex transmission but does not
provide XON-XOFF terminal synchronization and
therefore, does not fully support the operation of
the VT100, LA34, LA38, or LA120. It does support
the requirement of the VT52 and LA36.
• VLU3 — is similar to VLU2 for the SLU3 part of the
VT78.
• LQP — is a non-system, non-file structured handler
for the LQP78 or LQP8/E parallel letter quality
printers. It allows operation only as a standard line
printer equivalent (the special features of the LQP
printer are not accessible to the user).
Only 9 handlers are allowed to be simultaneously res-
ident in the monitor system. Of these, 7 are selected
by the user while 2 (SYS and TTY) are permanently
installed. The user may specify their choice of these 7
handlers by use of the .SET HANDLER command.
System Configuration
The SET command enables the user to set TTY
handler options. (Examples: print-line length, read-
only device, etc.)
AE-5367E-TA
41
OS/78, Version 3.0
SPD 4.3.4
Concurrent Processing (Symhiont)
A symbiont is a user-written, interrupt-driven assem-
bly language program that uses the upper 4K words
of memory. The symbiont is supported only on DEC-
station 78 computers. The OS/78 symbiont facility al-
lows such a symbiont task to run in parallel with
OS/78 while OS/78 operates normally in 12K words
of memory. The symbiont task may run communica-
tions, print, monitor real-time jobs, etc.
Simple keyboard commands can be used to start the
symbiont or to return OS/78 to single-task operation
with 16K words of memory (on 78/nn models only).
OS/78 includes an LA78 printer-spooler symbiont (on
78/nn models only).
File Management
The system provides standard routines for the crea-
tion, modification, renaming, and deletion of files.
CCL commands invoke these routines.
Language Functions:
BASIC
OS/78 BASIC is implemented as a compiler lan-
guage. It consists of an editor, compiler, and a run-
time system, all three supporting BASIC'S dual func-
tions as an interactive program development tool and
a system for both interactive and batch-mode pro-
gram execution.
OS/78 BASIC includes features oriented to the com-
mercial user:
• Multiple Data Formats — The system supports
three types of data format: floating point numeric,
alphanumeric string, and commercial decimal (nu-
meric string) data.
• Commercial Decimal Arithmetic to 15-digit preci-
sion, including data format conversion.
• PRINT USING statement for formatted printing of
numeric strings; especially useful for columns and
tables.
• Full upper/lower case capability.
• Cursor control function to facilitate data entry.
• Random-access record oriented I/O for rapid stor-
ing and retrieval of individual records.
• OS/78 BASIC programs may utilize up to 4 concur-
rent I/O handlers (one of which must be SYS) and
up to 5 open I/O files.
Assembler
The PAL command calls a three-pass assembler. The
optional third pass creates a side-by-side octal and
symbolic listing and symbol table. This assembler
accepts input generated by the EDIT function and
generates output acceptable to the LOAD (absolute
loader) and CREF (Cross Reference Utility) functions.
FORTRAN
OS/78 FORTRAN IV permits generalized array sub-
scripting and 1- to 7-dimension arrays. Large
amounts of data can be easily stored and accessed.
FORTRAN IV also offers direct access I/O. With this
feature, the user can directly reference any record in
a data file.
OS/78 FORTRAN IV supports mixed-mode arithmetic,
octal constants, logical IF statements, and general in-
teger expressions in IF statements. In addition, OS/78
FORTRAN IV allows initial values in operators, includ-
ing EQU and XOR.
Text manipulation is aided by Hollerith field specifica-
tions for text as well as literals and constants. DATA
statements, BLOCK statements and BLOCK DATA,
statements are supported.
OS/78 FORTRAN IV has a library of mathematical
functions for calculating logarithms, absolute values,
and trigonometric functions. Other functions manipu-
late character strings.
Utility Functions:
The HELP utility can display on the screen Instruc-
tions for use of OS/78 utilities and languages.
EDIT calls a symbolic editor which is used to create
and modify ASCII source files so that these files can
be used as input to BASIC, the PAL 8 assembler, or
the FORTRAN IV compiler.
LOAD calls an absolute loader which reads a binary
program into memory and creates a resident memory
image suitable for addition to the system library or for
immediate execution.
ODT (Octal Debugging Technique) allows the user to
run programs under carefully controlled conditions,
modify programs during execution, or monitor the
state of main memory and processor registers.
CREF (Cross Reference Utility Program) aids the de-
velopment programmer in writing, debugging, and
maintaining assembly language programs by provid-
ing the ability to locate all references to a particular
symbol. Input is supplied to CREF in the form of an
ASCII listing file produced by the PAL assembler.
The MAP command runs a utility program that con-
structs a table showing the memory locations used by
a particular binary file. This feature assists the pro-
grammer in allocating memory.
DIRECT produces a listing of the file directory for any
OS/78 storage medium.
DUPLICATE allows the copying of an entire diskette
with a single command.
The COPY command transfers one or more selected
files between storage medium and I/O devices. The
method of specifying files is flexible and allows users
to move selected groups of files with simple com-
mands.
The FORMAT command allows a user to initially
structure an RL01 disk pack to be consistent with the
operator of the OS/78 I/O handlers.
RXCOPY has been modified to include a single/dual
density switch.
MINIMUM HARDWARE REQUIRED:
DECstation 78/40, 78/50, 78/60, 78/70
DECstation 88/50, 88/70, 88/80, 88/90, 88/92, 88/97
RX01 — Dual Drive (RX08 subsystem, RX78 subsys-
tem)
42
OS/78, Version 3.0
SPD 4.3.4
RX02 — Dual Drive (RX28 subsystem, RX78 subsys-
tem)
RL8/A — Dual Drive or single drive plus RX02 dual
drive
OPTIONAL HARDWARE:
LQP 78 Letter Quality Printer
LA78-P Line Printer
Additional RX78 Dual Floppy Disk Drive
LA8/A, LA78, LQP8/E, parallel printers
LA34, LA36, LA120, LA180/S serial printers
PREREQUISITE SOFTWARE:
If the user wishes to generate the OS/78 monitor from
the OS/78 source kit, the user is required to use
OS/8 Version 3D with the OS/8 Device Extension Kit.
Also, MACREL/LINKER is required to generate some
of the modules of OS/78 from the OS/78 source kit.
OPTIONAL SOFTWARE:
OS/8, Version 3D
MACREL/LiNKER, Version 2A
OS/8 Extensions, Version 3D
OS/8, Version 3D Device Extensions
TRAINING CREDITS:
None
SUPPORT CATEGORY:
B — Software Support will be provided as stated in
the Software Support Categories Addendum to this
SPD.
ORDERING INFORMATION:
All binary licensed software, including any subse-
quent updates, is furnished under the licensing provi-
sions of DIGITAL'S Standard Terms and Conditions of
Sale, which provide in part that the software and any
part thereof may be used on only the single CPU on
which the software is first installed, and may be co-
pied, in whole or in part (with the proper inclusion of
the DIGITAL copyright notice and any DIGITAL pro-
prietary notices on the software) only for use on such
CPU. All source licensed software is furnished only
under the terms and conditions of a separate
Software Program Sources License Agreement
between Purchaser and DIGITAL.
Options with no support services are only available
after the purchase of one supported license. When a
software license is ordered without support services,
the category of support applicable to such software is
Category C.
A single-use license only option is a license to copy
tne software previously obtained under license, and
use such software in accordance with DIGITAL'S
Standard Terms and Conditions of Sale. The category
of support applicable to such copied software is Cate-
gory C.
Source and/or listing options are only available after
the purchase of at least one supported license and
after a source license agreement is in effect.
The following key (Q, X, Y) represents the distribution
media for the product and must be specified at the
end of the order number, e.g., QF022-AY = binaries
on Fioppy diskette.
Q = RL01 Disk cartridge
X = RX02 Double density diskette
Y = RX01 Floppy diskette
This software is available with a valid DECstation 78A
or 88A configuration that includes support services,
binaries and documentation.
QF022 -A— Single-use license, binaries, documen-
tation, support services (media: Q, X, Y)
Users of one of the PDP-8E/M/F/A systems with 16K
words of memory, OS/8 supported console and mass
storage device (RX01, RX02, RK8E, RL01) may order
without services:
QF022 -C— Single-use license, binaries, documen-
tation, no support services (media: Q,
X, Y)
QF022 -D— Single-use license only, no binaries, no
documentation, no support services
(media: Z)
Source/Listing Options:
QF022 -E— All sources (media: Q, Y)
Upgrade Options
The following option is available as an upgrade kit
from OS/8, Version 3D, for use on the same single
CPU on which OS/8, Version 3D, is licensed. The li-
cense previously granted for OS/8, Version 3D, shall
be extended to cover this upgrade.
QF023 -C— OS/78 Version 2 single-use license, bi-
naries, documentation, no support ser-
vices (media: Q, X, Y)
Update Options
Users of OS/78, Version 2, whose specified Support
Category warranty has expired may order under li-
cense the following software update at the then
current charge for such update. The update is distrib-
uted in binary form on the appropriate medium and
includes no installation or other services unless spec-
ifically stated.
QF022 -H— Binaries, documentation (media: Q, X,
Y)
QF022 -H— Right to copy for single-use (under ex-
isting license), no binaries, no docu-
mentation, no support services (media:
Z)
QF022 -N— Source update, no service (media: Q,
Y)
Users of OS/78, Version 2, whose specified Support
Category warranty has not expired may order under
license the following software update for the then
current media charge. The update is distributed in
Oinary Torm on in© appropriate iiiuuiuni «iiu iiiviujw
no installation or other services unless specifically
stated.
QF022 -W— Binaries, documentation (media: Q, X,
Y)
ADDITIONAL SERVICES:
None
A 1
S01DQID
Software Product Description
PRODUCT NAME: COS-310, Version 8.01, Commercial Operating System-310
SPD 5.98.8
DESCRIPTION:
COS-310 is one of Digital Equipment Corporation's
DATASYSTEM 300 Series Commercial Operating
Systems. It is an applications development tool for
cnD uearc who wish to lmn!ement data mansqement
functions for small- to medium-size business applica-
tions. COS-310 is a self-contained single use, disk-
resident operating system. It provides an operation
control monitor, an easy-to-learn high-level program-
ming language (DIBOL), program preparation and de-
bugging utilities, and production utilities.
COS-310 Monitor — COS-310 provides software op-
eration control through the system monitor. For
memory economy, the monitor resides in two seg-
ments: one memory-resident and the other on the
system device. The monitor includes a comprehen-
sive set of commands which control the editing and
execution of programs, and the maintenance of file
directories.
The monitor contains all the necessary i/O device
handlers for the system. The direct implementation
and changing of programs can be controlled and al-
tered through conversational commands designed in-
to the software. The COS-310 monitor device options
include line printers and disk storage devices. The
monitor size is 8K bytes (16K bytes if an RL01 disk
drive and/or an LQP printer is used).
DIBOL Language — Digital Equipment Corporation's
Business Oriented Language (DIBOL) is built around
procedural statements that permit the programmer to
arrange information for desired execution and output.
These procedural statements (commands plus data)
permit data manipulation, calculation of arithmetic
expressions, subscripting, overlaying of records,
clearing of memory or buffers, file initialization,
branching, tracing, program chaining, and printing
overlapped with processing.
The language syntax is divided into two sections: a
data definition section and a procedure section. The
data definition section stipulates the type and size of
the data variables. The procedure section of the lan-
guage consists of procedural statements, each with
comprehensive arguments. These statements are:
PROC, XMIT, READ, WRITE, GO TO, IF, CALL, RE-
TURN, FORMS, STOP, CHAIN, ACCEPT, DISPLAY,
TQAD ar,H IMPB
Editor — The system includes a line oriented text edi-
tor that is part of the monitor. It is interactive, with
commands indicating line numbers followed by the
information to be inserted, deleted, or changed. The
COS-310 editor provides a means to reorder the file
by resequencing line numbers with the use of simple
commands. Input to the editor comes from the opera-
tor through the console keyboard. Output from the
editor can be a listing of a file on the console display
or the line printer.
COMP — This utility compiles a DIBOL program
created by the system's editor into interpretive code.
This program can be stored on disk, listed on the
printer, or run immediately. No linking is required to
run a program. Without a program listing, program
compilation usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. This re-
sults In substantia! time savings over other products
that have much slower compilers and require pro-
gram linking.
SYSGEN (SYStem GENeration) — SYSGEN is a con-
versational utility program that allows the user tc
change the current device handlers or to create e
new system disk. This is done using simple English
statements, prompted to the operator from the pro-
gram. Changing the handlers provides the operator
with the ability to specify the disk and line printer I/O
handlers that will operate most effectively in the sys-
tem. In addition to changing the selected handlers in
the current system, SYSGEN can copy the system
from an RX01/RX02 to an RK05 or to an RL01 and
vice versa for installation start-up. RK05 and RL01
cannot be present on the same system.
DFU (Data File Utility) — DFU allows the user to de-
signate and examine logical unit assignments. The
use of logical unit assignments for data files provides
data file device independence for the programs using
COS-310. Logical unit assignments can be input to
DFU from the operator's keyboard, from a command
file stored on the system device, or from the edit buff-
er. The current logical unit assignments can be dis-
played or printed.
FLOW (FLOW chart generator) — FLOW is a utility
program designed to assist in the program documen-
tation process. FLOW will generate a printed
flowchart from a set of easily understood commands.
The FLOW commands ^sn ootions-'k' be Included -n
the DIBOL source program.
May 1979
AE-0841I-TA
45
COS-310, Version 8.01
SPD 5.98.8
PATCH — PATCH is used to fix either a system pro-
gram or the monitor on a COS-310 system. All input
information for the PATCH operation is distributed as
official patches from Digital Equipment Corporation.
The PATCH information is a line-by-line dialogue. The
PATCH program has the capability to perform au-
tomatic patching of the COS-310 system.
Debugging Aids — COS-310 includes several features
that facilitate DIBOL program debugging.
• CREF — Cross Reference provides an alphabetical
listing of all symbols used in the DIBOL program,
the line number where each symbol is defined, and
ail the line numbers where each symbol is used.
• DAFT — The Dump and Fix Technique has the abil-
ity to search for, examine, list, change records, and
make minor adjustments to a data file.
• TRACE/NO TRACE — An integral DIBOL language
feature. Each trace enables the DIBOL statement
executed to print a line containing the source file
iine number.
• DDT — The DIBOL Debugging Technique features
breakpoint, variable examination, subroutine call
traceback, and iteration.
SORT — COS-310 SORT is a multiphase sort which
can reorder a data file containing fixed length records
into a specified sequence. The user can specify up to
eight fields (with sub-fields) of a fixed length record
as a sort key. A file can be sorted in either the as-
cending or descending sequence of the contents of
the fields in each record. The SORT also has merge
file capability. This allows each volume of a multi-
volume file to be sorted independently and then
merged with the other volumes within the file. Both
sort and merge capabilities are parameterized by a
sort control file.
PIP (Peripheral Interchange Program) — PIP is a utili-
ty program that transfers files from one device to
another. It can replace an existing file with a new file
and allow data files to be combined. It can accept
■nout from disk and produce output on terminal, disk,
or the line printer. PIP includes the capability to enter
PIP commands from a predefined command file in
addition to the keyboard. This eliminates the need for
an operator response to PIP's prompts and, there-
fore, reduces the possibility of operator error.
PRINT — PRINT is a utility for the creation of report
piograms. Using a parameter file which describes the
report, PRINT will generate a DIBOL program which
vill produce that report.
MENU — The MENU program allows the operator to
select a function to be performed from a set of func-
tions that is displayed on the screen. The function is a
batch stream or a series of monitor commands.
These are stored in a command file for operator use.
The MENU program reduces operator errors in se-
lecting programs to De run.
FILEX (File Conversion Program) — FILEX is a utility
program that converts COS-310 formatted files stored
on RK05 disks into OS/8 formatted files and vice ver-
sa. On c.X02 diskettes, FILEX permits conversion of
data files on RX02 diskettes to be moved onto an
46
RX01 diskette loaded into the second RX02 disk
drive. Conversion of RX01 disk files to RX02 files is
also permitted.
In addition, FILEX can convert a COS-310 file stored
on a flexible diskette, an RK05 or an RL01 onto an
RX01 flexible diskette in a format directly readable by
the IBM 3740 series data entry terminal, IBM files on
flexible diskettes can be converted to COS-310 for-
mat provided they are single volume and there are no
bad tracks on the diskette media.
BATCH — Commands to run DIBOL programs and
system utilities may be stored in a BATCH file. These
job streams may be run by operator command or by
the MENU utility.
START-UP FILE — A start-up file may be optionally
specified in SYSGEN which would, if present, auto-
matically start a job after the operator bootstrapped
the system and entered a valid date.
Format Programs — DKFMT formats RK05 disks.
DLFMT formats RL01 disks. DYFMT converts an RX01
diskette into an RX02 diskette. Except for COS-310
software distributed on an RX02, any diskette used on
an RX02 drive must be formatted before being used.
MINIMUM HARDWARE REQUIRED:
One of the following (with a minimum of 16K bytes of
memory):
• DATASYSTEM 310
• DATASYSTEM 308
• DECstation 78/50, 78/70, 88/50
One of the following (with a minimum of 64K bytes of
memory:
• DECstation 88/80, 88/90, 88/92, or 88/97
OPTIONAL HARDWARE:
D308 or DECstation-78
• Up to four RX01 floppy disk drives1
• Up to tour RX02 floppy disk drives
• One LA8, LQP82, or LA120 printer
D310
• Additional memory up to a system total of 64K
bytes
• One VT52 or VT100 console terminal
• Up to four RX01 floppy disk drives
• Up to four RX02 floppy disk drives'
• Up to four RK05 disk drives (RK05 F counts as 2)
and controller
• One LA35, LQP82, LA8A, LA120, LA8, or LP05
printer
DECstation-88
• Up to four RX02 floppy disk drives
• Up to four RL01 disk drives3
• One LA35, LQP8, LA8A, LA120, LA8, or LP05 print-
er______
1RX01 and RX02 drives are not supported by the same sys-
tem.
2LQP requires a minimum of 32K bytes of memory of which
8K bytes are used by the LQP handler.
3RK05 and RL01 drives are not supported by the same sys-
tem.
COS-310, Version 8.01
SPD 5.98.8
-3-
PREREQUISiTE SOFTWARE:
None
OPTIONAL SOFTWARE:
COS-310 2780/3780 Communications Software.
TRAINING CREDITS:
TWO (2) — Applies only to options that include sup-
port services. Consult the latest Educational Services
Catalog at your local office for the available courses,
course requirements, and guidelines.
SUPPORT CATEGORY:
B — Software Support will be provided as stated in
the Software Support Categories Addendum to this
SPD.
ORDERING INFORMATION:
All binary licensed software, including any
subsequent updates, is furnished under the licensing
provisions of DIGITAL'S Standard Terms and Condi-
tions of Sale, which provide in part that the software
and any part thereof may be used on only the single
CPU on which the software is first installed, and may
be copied, in whole or in part (with the proper inclu-
sion of the DIGITAL copyright notice and any DIGITAL
proprietary notices on the software) only for use on
such CPU. All source licensed software is furnished
only under the terms and conditions of a separate
Software Program Sources License Agreement
between Purchaser and DIGITAL.
The following key (E, Q, X, Y) represents the distribu-
tion media for the product and must be specified at
the end of the order number, e.g., QF310-HX = binar-
ies on RX02 Dual density diskette.
E = RK05 Disk cartridge
Q = RL01 Disk cartridge
X = RX02 Double density diskette
Y = RX01 Floppy diskette
This software is available only for the systems listed
in the minimum hardware section of this SPD, and is
offered with support services (includes hardware, sin-
gle-use license, binaries, documentation, and support
services). Systems are also available which include a
single-use license only (no binaries, no documenta-
tion, and no support services).
Update Options
Users of COS-310 whose specified Support Category
warrant has expired may order the following software
update at the then current charge for such update, for
use under the existing license. Except where the
medium is designated as Z, the update is distributed
in binary form on the appropriate medium. A software
update where the medium is designated as Z grants
the user of COS-310 the right to copy the previously
ordered QF310-H. or QF31Q-W software u°date for
use on an additional single CPU for which a COS-310
license has been obtained.
QF310 -H— Binaries, documentation (media: E, Q,
X, Y)
QF310 -H— Right to copy for single use (under ex-
isting license), no binaries, no docu-
mentation, no support services (media:
Z)
Users of COS-310 whose specified Support Category
warranty has not expired may order under license the
following software update for the then current media
charge. The update is distributed in binary form on
the appropriate medium and includes no installation
or other services unless specifically stated.
QF310 -W— Binaries, documentation (media: E, Q,
X, Y)
Miscellaneous Options:
QF310 -G— Documentation only kit (media: Z)
ADDITIONAL SERVICES:
None
47
8 digital software news
cumulative index
june/july 1979
This is a complete listing of all articles for current products supported in the 8 Digital Software
News. MxSSxHg sequence numbers stay per^s^n wO prouless unique wO Owner versions o* i.ne same product, ■
IMPORTANT!
Retracted articles are indicated: RETRACTION.
Flags are currently being installed for all articles.
The flags and definitions are as follows.
H = Mandatory patch. These patches correct errors in the software product. All users are required to
apply these patches to maintain consistent "user level" unless the accompanying article specifies
otherwise. t
F s Optional feature patch. These patches extend or configure functionality into the product. These
functions will be treated as a supported part of the product for the duration of the current re-
lease and will be incorporated with any future release, unless otherwise stated.
R = Restriction. These articles discuss areas that will not be patched in the current release because
they require major modifications orr because of the product. Restrictions, except those described
as permanent, are reviewed and modified when possible as part of the normal release cycle.
N = Note. These articles provide explanatory information that supplements the manual set and provide
more detailed information about a program or package. They also provide procedural information to
make it easier to use a program or package.
Component
Sequence
Mon/Yr
COS-310 V7.00
RUNNING SYSGEN/C ON A SYSTEM WITH AN LQP
ERROR RECOVERY WITH THE RX HANDLER
EXTRA CHARACTERS PRINTED IN CREF HEADING
CHAINING DIBOL PROGRAMS
ERROR RECOVERY
RXU VS. PIP OPTION C
USING SOURCE FILES AS INPUT TO A DIBOL PROGRAM
ACCESSING RX01 DRIVES 2 AND 3
01 M Jul 78
02 M Jul 78
03 M Jul 78
04 M Jul 78
05 M Aug 78
06 M Aug 78
07 M Apr/May 79
08 M Apr/May 79
COS-310 V8.00
COMP
MAXIMUM SIZE OF DATA DIVISION
COPYING FILES USING SYSGEN/B
HALF-BLOCK TRANSFERS USING RX HANDLER
USING COMMAND FILES WITH PIP
INCORRECT PARSING OF MENU COMMAND FILE
MENU BUFFER PROBLEM
ACCESSING RX01 DRIVES 2 AND 3
01 N Dec 78/Jan 79
02 M Apr/May 79
03 M Apr/May 79
04 M Apr/May 79
05 M Jun/Jul 79
06 M Jun/Jul 79
07 M Jun/Jul 79
COS-310 V8.01A
MENU BUFFER PROBLEM
01 M
Jun/Jul 79
COS-310/2780 RCDP V6.05
LOST RECORDS, INCORRECT RECORDS, CRASHES
INCORRECT SEGMENT LENGTHS
SOURCE FILE
uvunvM unin f ill \j Vc.iu: L.Unf
TEMPORARY FILE BLOCK
FATAL ERROR MESSAGES
POSSIBLE SYSTEM CRASH OR LOOP WHEN EXITING
01 M Feb 78
02 M Feb 78
03 M Feb 78
ij«i n ecu f'o
05 M Feb 78
06 M Feb 78
07 M May 78
49
Component
FORTRAN IV PLOTTER ROUTINE, PSCALE, HANGS IN ENDLESS LOOP
PLOTTER OUTPUT PROBLEM
EXECUTIVE
CANNOT FREE PARTITION WITH WAITH
RTS-EXEC NON RESIDENT TASK PROBLEM
MCR
SOME TIME-OF-DAY REQUESTS RUN 2H HOURS LATE
DATE PROBLEM
OS/8 SUPPORT TASK
SOURCE CHANGE FOR EXECUTING BATCH
USING OS/I SUPPORT
COMMUNICATING BETWEEN OS/8 AND RTS-8
EMPTY KEYBOARD INPUT RING BUFFER
PWRF
RTS/8 POWER FAIL PROBLEM ON PDP8-A
TTY TASK
DEFICIENCY IN TTY TASK
UDCICS
UDCICS ERROR
Sequence Mon/Yr
TRAN IV PLOTTER V3C
NDLESS LOOP 01 Apr 77
02 Aug 77
RTS/8 V2/V2B
01 Mar 76
02 Jun 77
01 Mar 76
02 M Feb 78
01 Feb 76
02 Mar 76
03 Mar 76
04 M Feb 78
01
01
01
Jun 77
Mar 76
Feb 78
OS/8 V3D
•Articles dated October 1977 appeared in OS/8 V3D Software Review, October 1977.
DOCUMENTATION
FAULTY DESCRIPTION FOR ERROR PERFORMANCE
HANDLER
CTRL/Z AND NULL
NOTES/PROGRAMMING HINTS
DATE ALGORITHM
UTILITIES
ADDING A NEW CCL COMMAND
DEFAULT EXTENSIONS FOR TECO
HOW TO COPY LARGE FILES
01 N« Oct 77
01 0« Oct 77
01 N Dec 77
01 N» Oct 77
02 0» Oct 77
03 0* Oct 77
OS/8 EXTENSION KIT V3D
BASIC
RESTRICTION ON EXTENDED RANGE FOR-NEXT LOOPS
BATCH
CANNOT MOVE BATCH INPUT FILE
RESTARTING BATCH
RUNNING BATCH IN 32K
MSBAT
MARK SENSE BATCH FORTRAN II READS THROUGH DOLLAR SIGNS
GENIOX
GENIOX QUESTIONS
01 R
Oct 77
01 R 02 N 03 0 Oct 77 Oct 77 Oct 77
01 0 Oct 77
01 N Oct 77
50
Component
Sequence
Mon/Yr
OS/8 FORTRAN IV V3D
FORLIB.RL V5A
PLOT, ADC, AND REALTM MODULES
F4.SV V4A
PASSING ARGUMENTS
EQUIVALENCE STATEMENT
COMPILER VERSION NUMBERS
COMPILER GENERATES WRONG LENGTH
QUESTIONS CONCERNING ARRAY SIZES
FRTT. "vf/A
USE OF F.AS MODE A
FOKMATTED INPUT RECORDS LONGER THAN 132 CHARACTERS
RUNNING FORTRAN IV UNDER BATCH IN 32K
FPP-8A
01 N
01 R
Oct 77
Oct 77
Oct 77
03 N Oct 77
04 0 Oct 7/
05 Oct 77
01 R Oct 77
02 0 Oct 77
03 0 Oct 77
04 0 Oct 77
IMPORTANT!
Flags are currently being installed for all articles. The flags and definitions are as follows.
M = Mandatory patch. These are critical patches which each customer is required to install.
0 = Optional patch. These articles are applicable only if the reported problems have occurred at the
customer site or if they are unique to his operation.
R = Restriction. These problems are not patchable in released software. Restrictions are reviewed and
corrected when possible as part of the normal release cycle.
N = NOTE. This information may be helpful to the user.
Component
03/3 V30
MONITOR
NCTES & DOCUMENTATION
•J3ISG Ti!E PDP-8/A PARALLEL PORT FOR A LINEPRINTER
SOFTWARE REVIEW CORRECTION
pr.fSI.EH WHEN YOU DESTROY BATCH
CCL
DEFAULT EXTENSIONS TO TECO
UTILITIES
KOTES 4 DOCUMENTATION
i'CCUHENTATION EXAMPLE FOR SET BLOCK
CREF
BUG WITH FIXTAB
EDIT
EDIT PROBLEM WITH NO FORMFEED AT END OF THE INPUT FILE
EDIT Q COMMAND AFTER L COMMAND
EDIT Q COMMAND PATCH
FOTP
INCORRECT DIRECTORY VALIDATION
MCPIP
DATE-78 PATCH FOR MCPIP
PAL8
INCORRECT CORE SIZE ROUTINE
ERRONEOUS LINK GENERATION NOTED ON PAGE DIRECTIVE
PIP
PIP /Y OPTION DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY WHEN TRANSFERRING A SYSTEM
HEAD FROM A DEVICE WHICH IS NOT CO-RESIDENT WITH SYS.
Sequence
Mon/Yr
21.1.1 N
21.1.2 N
21.1.3 N
21.3.1 0
21.10.1 N
21.15.1 M
21.17.1 M
21.17.2 M
21.17.3 M
21.19.1 M
21.21.1 M
21.22.1 M
21.22.2 M
21.23.1 M
Mar 78
Kay 78
Aug/Sep 78
May 78
Jun/Jul 79
May 78
Mar 78
Jun/Jul 79
Jun/Jul 79
Jun/Jul 79
Mar 78
Aug/Sep 78
Aug/Sep 78
Aug/Sep 78
Component
Sequence
Mon/Yr
PIP 10
DATE '78 PATCH TO PIP10
SET
USING SET WITH TWO-PAGE SYSTEM HANDLERS
SCOPE RUBOUTS FAIL IN SET
PARSING OF = IN TTY WIDTH OPTION
HANDLERS
ASR33
HOW TO WRITE TWO-PAGE SYSTEH HANDLERS
LPQ
LDP01 HANDLER FAILS TO RECOGNIZE TABS
21.24.1 M
21.26.1 H
21.26.2 M
21.26.3 M
21.40.1 N
21.49.1 M
Jun/Jul 79
May 78
May 78
Aug/Sep 78
May 78
Mar 78
OS/8 EXTENSION KIT V3C
BASIC
BRTS
BASIC FAILS TO OUTPUT 132 CHARACTERS TO LA-36
MSBAT
DIM STATEMENT NOT WORKING IN MSBAT
30.11.1 0
30.22.1 M
Mar 78
Dec 78/Jan 79
OS/8 EXTENSION KIT V3D
BASIC
GOOD RANDOM NUMBERS FOR OS/8 BASIC
BASIC.UF
BASIC.UF INCOMPATIBLE FROM OS/8 V3C
BRTS
IOTABLE OVERFLOW
BASIC PNT FUNCTION
LINE SIZE ON OUTPUT OF BASIC
BASIC
BASIC EDITOR HAS A FIELD BOUNDARY BUG
TECO
CHANGING THE DEFAULT EU VALUE
CHANGING THE DEFAULT EH VALUE
REMOVING YANK PROTECTION
SCOPE SUPPORT FOR VT05 USERS
PROBLEM WITH AY COMMAND
CONDITIONALS INSIDE ITERATIONS
ECHOING OF WARNING BELLS
CTRL/U SOMETIMES FAILS AFTER »
MULTIPLYING BY 0 IN TECO
Q-REGISTERS DON'T WORK IN 8K
CAN'T SKIP OVER A "W"
UNSPECIFIED ITERATIONS AFTER INSERTS
NEW FEATURES IN TECO V5
FUTIL
FUTIL PATCH
PATCH TO FIX 'SHOW CCB' AND MAPPING OF 'CD' MODULES
-237 PATCH
FUTIL PATCH TO MACREL/LINK OVERLAYS
MSBAT
DIM STATEMENT NOT WORKING IN MSBAT
BATCH
MANUAL INTERVENTION REQUIRED ERRONEOUSLY
NOTES & LXUMENTATION
NOTES ON VERSION NUMBERS
NOTES ABOUT OS/8 V3D DEVICE EXTENSIONS
FRTS PATCH
BUTLD DOCUMENTATION
52
31.1.1 N
31.5.1 M
31.11.1 M
31.11.2 M
31.11.3 0
31.12.1 M
31.20.
31.20.
31.20.
31.20.
31.20.
31.20.
31.20.
31.20.
31.20.
31.20.
31.20.
31.20.
31.20.
0
0
0
M
M
M
M
10 M
11 M
12 M
13 M
14 N
31.21.1 M
31.21.2 M
31.21.3 0
31.21.4 N
31.22.1 M
31.23-1 M
35.1.1 N
35.1.2 N
35.1.3 M
35.1.4 N
May 78
Aug/Sep 78
Mar 78
Jul 78
Jul 78
Aug/Sep 78
78
78
Mar
Mar
Mar 78
Mar 78
Mar 78
Mar 78
Mar 78
May 78
May 78
MAY 78
May 78
Jul 78
Aug/Sep 78
May 78
Aug/Sep 78
Aug/Sep 78
Jun/Jul 79
Dec 78/Jan 79
Aug/Sep 78
Apr/Hay 79
Apr/May 79
Apr/May 79
Apr/May 79
Component
Sequence
Mon/Yr
MONITOR V3S
MONITOR V3S PATCH
FUTIL V8*
FUTIL UNDER BATCH PATCH
ABSLDR V6A
ABSLDR PATCH
NOTES & DOCUMENTATION
BASIC V5
OS/8 DEVICE EXTENSIONS BASIC DOCUMENTATION
35.2.1 M Apr/May 79
35.13-1 M Apr/May 79
35.18.1 M Apr/May 79
35.50.1 M Apr/May 79
OS/8 V3D MACREL/LINKER V1A
USING FUTIL TO DEBUG OVERLAYS
LINK
PATCH V1D TO LINK
PATCH VIE TO LINK
LINK CORRECTIONS
MACREL
PATCH V1D TO MACREL
PATCH V1E TO MACREL
OVRDRV
PATCH V1B TO OVRDRV.MA
40.0.1 N
40.2.1 M
40.2.2 M
40.2.3 M
40.5.1 M
40.5.2 M
40.6.1 M
May 78
May 78
May 78
May 78
May 78
May 78
May 78
OS/8 MACREL/LINKER V2A
NOTES & DOCUMENTATION
EXPUNGE DOCUMENTATION ERROR
MACREL VERSION NUMBERS
MACREL V2C
EXPUNGE PATCH TO MACREL
40.1.1 N
40.1.2 N
41.4.1 F
Jun/Jul 79
Jun/Jul 79
Jun/Jul 79
OS/8 FORTRAN IV V3C
F4
FORTRAN COMPILER FAILS TO RECOGNIZE " AS AN ERROR
50.3-1 M
Mar 78
OS/8 FORTRAN IV V3D
F4
FORTRAN COMPILER FAILS TO RECOGNIZE " AS AN ERROR
FORTRAN COMPILER NOT RECOGNIZING SYNTAX ERROR
FORTRAN RUNTIME SYSTEM 2 PAGE HANDLER
51.3.1 M
51.3.2 M
51.3.3 0
Jul 78
Jul 78
Aug/Sep 78
RTS/8 V2B
PARAM
INCORRECT CLOCK VALUE IN PARAM FILE
OS8SUP
03/8 TASKS HANGS WITH TIME SHARE NOT ENABLED
CLOCK
61.2.1 N Aug/Sep 78
61.3-2 0 Aug/Sep 78
61.16.1 M Aug/Sep 78
SYSGEN
RTS-8 V3 NUMERICAL COMPARE SKIP FUNCTIONS
RTS-8 V3
62.25.1 F Jun/Jul 79
53
Component
Sequence
Mon/Yr
OS/78 V1
NOTES t DOCUMENTATION
OS/78 V1 SUPPORT
70.1.1 N
Oct/Nov 78
HANDLERS
LPQ
LPQ01 HANDLER FAILS TO RECOGNIZE TABS
BASIC
GOOD RANDOM NUMBERS FOR OS/8 BASIC
70.49.1 M May 78
70 . 7ft . 1 U
F4.SV
FORTRAN COMPILER FAILS TO RECOGNIZE " AS AH ERROR
70.93.1 M Aug/Sep 78
OS/78 V2
NOTES & DOCUMENTATION
WRITING A SYMBIONT FOR OS/78 V2
UTILITIES
BITMAP FAILS WITH SPOOLER RUNNING
HANDLERS
LQP.BN V3
LQP PROBLEM WHEN USED WITH BASIC
71.1.1 N
71.49.1 M
Feb/Mar 79
71.12.1 H Aug/Sep 78
Oct/Nov 78
RX78B
USE OF SECOND FLOPPY DRIVE (RXA2 7 RXA3) SET
71.58.1 M Oct/Nov 78
BASIC
COMMERCIAL BASIC NOT CLEARING COMMAND DECODER SWITCHES
71.70.2 M
Oct/Nov 78
BCOMP
STRING ARRAY CONCATENATION
BLOAD
URGE CORE IMAGE SAVE PROBLEM
UNDEFINED LINE NUMBERS IN COMMERCIAL BASIC
SAVE FILE FOR URGE BASIC PROGRAMS
BRTS
BASIC CCL COMMAND USE
URGE BUFFERS IN COMMERCIAL BASIC
71.71.1 N Aug/Sep 78
71.72.1 M
71.72.2
71.72.3 M
71.73.1 N
71.73.2 M
Aug/Sep 78
Oct/Nov 78
Jun/Jul 79
Oct/Nov 78
Oct/Nov 78
SYMBIONT
SPOOLR
SPOOLR RESTRICTIONS
71.82.1 N
Oct/Nov 78
54
The
Digital
Equipment
Computer ■%«« ■**
users Society DECUS
DECUS, the Digital Equipment Computer Users Society, was established in March of 1961 to advance the effective use of
DIGITAL computers. It is a voluntary, not-for-profit users group, supported in part by Digital Equipment Corporation.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the Society are to advance the effective utilization of computers, computer peripheral equipment, and
software manufactured and marketed by Digital Equipment Corporation, by promoting the interchange of information
concerning their uses; advance the art of computation through mutual education and exchange of ideas and information;
establish sianuarus and provide cruuineis to la&iitate tne exchange Oi computer programs among i^cvuo iTiein^ers; pro-
vide feedback to the computer industry on equipment and software needs; and to reduce the duplication of development
efforts.
ACTIVITIES
1. SYMPOSIA
Symposia are held throughout the year in each of the DECUS Chapters. These meetings provide a forum for users of
DIGITAL computers to meet with other users and with DIGITAL management, engineers, and Software Services and
Field Service representatives. They are an opportunity for users to participate in DIGITAL Product Workshops and
Product Planning feedback sessions. The technical papers and presentations from each symposium are published as DECUS
Proceedings after each meeting and provide a permanent record of the meetings activities.
2. SPECIAL USER GROUPS
DECUS encourages subgrouping of users with common interests and/or geographical proximity.
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) promote the interchange of specialized information and have no geographical limitations.
Specializations may be for application areas, subject areas (such as languages), or specific operating systems. A group of
users must petition the Chapter Executive Board for recognition as a Special Interest Group. The group must have a chair-
man, and its organization must meet the guidelines of the Chapter Executive Board.
Examples of active SIGs are users of RSX-11, RSTS, RT-11 users, business system users, etc. For additional information,
contact your Chapter Executive Secretary.
One of the most successful subgroupings are Local Users Groups (LUGs). There are numerous active LUGs in Australia,
Canada, Europe, and the U.S. Local User Groups are basically geographic in nature; however, they may be geographic and
specific as well.
The largest Special User Group is composed of users of the DECsystem-10 and DECsystem-20.
3. STANDARDS
DECUS promotes user activity in reviewing DIGITAL standards. Users are given the opportunity to comment on DIGITAL
standards prior to their finalization.
4. PROGRAM LIBRARY
One of the major activities of the users group is the DECUS Program Library. The Library contains programs written and
submitted by users and is maintained and operated separate from the Digital Software Distribution Center. A wide range
of software is available, including languages, editors, numerical functions, utilities, display routines, and various other types
of application software.
55
DECUS (continued)
Library catalogs, updated periodically, contain descriptive abstracts and ordering information.
Information and forms for submitting programs to the Library may be obtained from local DECUS offices.
Programs are available to all members on a request basis. Orders for programs are made on DECUS Library Order Forms
and directed to the local DECUS Chapter office. Information on the nominal service charge applied to most programs is
published in the Library Catalogs.
As of January 1979. the Library contained approximately 1500 active software packages.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership in DECUS is voluntary and is not subject to a membership fee. Members are invited to take an active interest
in the Society by contributing to the Program Library, to DECUSCOPE, and by participating in its Special User Groups
and symposia. There are two types of membership: Installation Membership and Associate Membership.
INSTALLATION
An organization, institution, or individual that has purchased, leased, or has on order a computer manufactured by
Digital Equipment Corporation is eligible for Installation Membership in DECUS. Membership status is acquired by
submitting a written application to the appropriate Chapter Executive Secretary for approval by the Chapter Executive
Board.
On acceptance of the application for membership, literature covering numerous DECUS services is sent to the Installation
Delegate for reference and aid in maintaining active participation in the Society.
ASSOCIATE
Any person, who is not an appointed Installation Delegate, who has a bona fide interest in DECUS is eligible for Associate
Membership.
Like Installation Members, Associate Members receive DECUSCOPE, the Society's quarterly newsletter, automatically.
They may receive other DECUS material on request. Written application indicating desire to join must be submitted to the
appropriate Chapter Executive Secretary for approval by the Chapter Executive Board.
On acceptance of the application for membership, literature covering the numerous DECUS services is sent to the
member for reference and to enable active participation in the Society.
To obtain a membership form for DECUS, please return this form to the appropriate Chapter office listed below.
NAME:
COMPANY:
ADDRESS:
CITY:.
STATE/COUNTRY:
.ZIP:
Membership form Requested (check one):
I__I Installation I__I Associate
I obtained this form from____________________________
February 1979
DECUS OFFICES
DECUS Australia
P.O. Box 491
Crows Nesl, New South
Wales 206S
Australia
DECUS Canada
P.O. Bon 11500
Ottawa, Ontario K2H 8K8
Canada
DECUS Europe
C.P. 510
12, avenue des Morgincs
CH-12l3Pctit-Lancy I,
Geneva, Switzerland
DECUS US. and
Office of the Executive Director
One Iron Way
Marlboro, Massachusetts 01752
USA
56
SOFTWARE PROBLEMS OR ENHANCEMENTS
Questions, problems, and enhancements to DIGITAL software should be reported on a Software Per-
formance Report (SPR) form and mailed to the SPR Center at one of the following DIGITAL Offices:
(SPR forms are available from the SPR Center).
AREAS COVERED
SPR CENTER
AREAS COVERED
SPR CENTER
United Kingdom DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORP., Ltd.
Middle East Fountain House, Butts Center
RG1 7QN READING / England
United States,
remainder of Far East,
Africa, Latin America
Administrative Services Group,
P.O. Box F
Maynard, MA 01754
SWS
Austria, Poland,
Hungary, Rumania,
East Germany, West
Germany, Russia,
Czechoslovakia,
Bulgaria
Israel
DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORP., Gmbh
Wallensteinplatz 2
8 MUNICH 40/Germany
DECSYS COMPUTERS, LTD.
Yirmiyahou Street 4
TEL AVIV 63505/Israel
Canada
Australia (Melbourne)
Digital Equipment Canada
P.O. Box 11500
Kanata
CanHdaK2H8K8
Ontcrio
Digital Equipment Aust. Pty., LTD.
70-74 Park Street
South Melbourne, Victoria
Australia 3205
France
DIGITAL EQUIPMENT FRANCE
Silic 225
18, rueSaarinen
94528 RUNGIS Cedex / France
Australia (Sydney)
Digital Equipment Aust. Pty.
123 -125 Willoughby Road
P.O. Box 491
Crows Nest NSW
Australia 2065
LTD.
Italy
Denmark
Finland
DIGITAL EQUIPMENT SPA
Viale FulvioTesti 117 Brazil
20092 CINISELLO/BALSAMO (Milan)
Italy
DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORP. APS
Kristineberg 3
2100 COPENHAGEN 0 / Denmark Caribbean
DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORP. OY
P.L. 16
02201 ESPOO 20 /Finland
Digital Equipment Comercio Ind.
Rua Batatais 429 Esq AL Campin
01423 Jardim Paulista
Sao Paulo 0100
Brazil
De Latin America
P.O. Box 11038
Fernando Juncos Sta.
Santurce
PR 00910
Norway
DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORP. A/S
Pottenmakerveien 8
OSLO 5 / Norway
Japan
Digital Equipment Corp., INTL
3rd Floor - Kowa Building
8-7 Sanban Cho
Chiyoda Ku Tokyo 102
Japan
Sweden
Switzerland, Spain,
Greece, Portugal,
Yugoslavia, Cyprus,
Algeria, Morocco, Malta,
Tunisia, Turkey
DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORP. A.B.
Englundavagen 7
17124 SOLNA 1 /Sweden
DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORP. S.A.
9, route des Jeunes
1211 GENEVE 26 / Switzerland
New Zealand
Digital Equipment Corp., LTD
Challenge House - 3 Wolfe Street
P.O. Box 2471
Auckland
New Zealand 10010
Holland, Belgium,
Luxemburg
DIGITAL EQUIPMENT BV
Kaap Hoorndreef 38
UTRECHT/OVERTRECHT/ Holland
DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, Corporate Headquarters: Maynard,
Massachusetts 01754, Telephone: (617)897-5111-SALES AND SERVICE
OFFICES: UNITED STATES-ALABAMA, Huntsville • ARIZONA, Phoenix and
Tucson • CALIFORNIA, El Segundo, Los Angeles, Oakland, Ridgecrest, San
Diego, San Francisco (Mountain View), Santa Ana, Santa Clara, Stanford,
Sunnyvale and Woodland Hills • COLORADO, Englewood • CONNECTICUT,
Fairfield and Meriden • DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, Washington (Lanham, MD) •
FLORIDA, Ft. Lauderdale and Orlando • GEORGIA, Atlanta • HAWAII, Honolulu
• ILLINOIS, Chicago (Rolling Meadows) • INDIANA, Indianapolis • IOWA, Betten-
dorf • KENTUCKY, Louisville • LOUISIANA, New Orleans (Metairie) • MARY-
LAND, Odenton • MASSACHUSETTS, Marlborough, Waltham and Westfield •
MICHIGAN, Detroit (Farmington Hills) • MINNESOTA, Minneapolis • MISSOURI,
Kansas City (Independence) and St. Louis • NEW HAMPSHIRE, Manchester •
NEW JERSEY, Cherry Hill, Fairfield, Metuchen and Princeton • NEW MEXICO,
Albuquerque • NEW YORK, Albany, Buffalo (Cheektowaga), Long Island (Hunt-
ington Station), Manhattan, Rochester and Syracuse • NORTH CAROLINA,
Durham/Chapel Hill • OHIO, Cleveland (Euclid), Columbus and Dayton • OKLA-
HOMA, Tulsa • OREGON, Eugene and Portland • PENNSYLVANIA, Allentown,
P^Jadelphia (Bluebell) and Pittsburgh • SOUTH CAROLINA, Columbia • TEN-
NESSEE, Knoxville and Nashville • TEXAS, Austin, Dallas and Houston • UTAH,
Salt Lake City • VIRGINIA, Richmond • WASHINGTON, Bellevue • WISCONSIN,
Milwaukee (Brookfield) • INTERNATIONAL-ARGENTINA, Buenos Aires •
AUSTRALIA, Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney •
AUSTRIA, Vienna • BELGIUM, Brussels • BOLIVIA, La Paz • BRAZIL, Rio
de Janeiro and Sao Paulo * CANADA, Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, London,
Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg • CHILE, Santiago •
DENMARK, Copenhagen • FINLAND, Helsinki • FRANCE, Lyon, Grenoble
and Paris • GERMAN FEDERAL REPUBLIC, Cologne, Frankfurt, Hamburg,
Hannover, Munich, Nuremburg, Stuttgart and West Berlin • HONG KONG •
INDIA, Bombay • INDONESIA, Djakarta • IRELAND, Dublin • ITALY, Milan,
Rome and Turin • IRAN, Tehran • JAPAN, Osaka and Tokyo • MALAYSIA,
Kuala Lumpur • MEXICO, Mexico City • NETHERLANDS, Utrecht • NEW
ZEALAND, Auckland and Christchurch • NORWAY, Oslo • PUERTO RICO,
Santurce • SINGAPORE • SPAIN, Madrid • SWEDEN, Gothenburg and Stock-
holm • SWITZERLAND, Geneva and Zurich • UNITED KINGDOM, Birmingham,
Bristol, Epsom, Edinburgh, Leeds, Leicester, London, Manchester and Reading
• VENEZUELA, Caracas*