[.RSX92A]
This directory contains a re-release of the original Virtual Terminal 
software developed by Dave Elderkin of DEC in 1977. It was subsequently
updated by J Downward of KMS Fusion with the last definitive version
to be for RSX-11M V4.0 in 82A:[344,045] or 82B:[351,047]. The primary
use of this software was in controlling accounting information, however
it is still useful today to capture BRU error messages and analyze them
immediately. In our system, we have tried to automate our backup of data
since we can and quite often do collect between 25 and 50 megabytes of
data everyday. A prototype version of our backup program is included in
this directory. It shows use of the virtual terminal in processing both
DCL and MCR statements. Use of SPAWNN is also there. When a BRU error is
detected, BRU can be aborted immediately and contigency action taken. In
our case, when we fill a disk, we simply want to switch to the next one in
the pool. This is certainly a lot better than sitting in a .CMD file and
only getting severity codes back!

Use this software with some caution. At the very least the program using
the virtual terminal SHOULD NOT BE CHECKPOINTABLE, which it isn't in our
system, since the patient A/D system is dedicated.
 
The only know bug was when the program doing the virtual terminal I/O did
a Fortran assign; CALL ASSIGN (LUN,'SY:'). This caused the default assign-
ments for TT1: to be assigned to TT0:, which is where the virtual terminal
originated. This probably has something to do with the "HARD" lun assign-
ments of "0" and "1" used within the the Virtual Terminal package. A quick
workaround was simply to use full extension file names such as DR0:[300,100]
and not let anything default. I'll fix it when I can but that isn't anytime
soon since I am swamped right now.

I find the virtual terminal capability indispensable here in the lab. From
the DECUS Library, you may order tapes 11S036PS for Spring 82 RSX and tape
11S051PS for Fall 82 RSX.

Of course all the standard disclaimers of Digital, Decus, Los Amigos 
Research and Education Institute (my employer) and myself apply. No 
promises and no guarantees. I am using RSX-11M V4.4 with no problems
other than stated above. 

Bruce Prendergast
DAARC Rep to the Library (AKA Librarian from the DAARC side)
Los Amigos Research and Education Institute
12808 Erickson
Downey, Calif 90204
(310) 940-7177
(310) 803-6117 fax


[.RSX92B]

This directory contains the work-to-date on indices of the RSX SIG
tape contents, the work done by Bruce Prendergast.