RSX SIG

INTRODUCTION TO THE RSX (AND RT) INDIRECT
COMMAND PROCESSOR
RX001Novice/Technical
Wed 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.Centennial A
Thomas Wyant
E. I. DuPont de Nemours & Co.

This session reviews the basic capabilities of the current RSX Indirect Command Processor (ICP), and the related ICPs of P/OS and RT. Some common misconceptions are cleared up and a useful set of ICP directives is presented. This presentation provides the listener with the information needed to:

  • manipulate ICP symbols;
  • create and access modules;
  • perform file I/O:
  • interact efficiently with the user of a command file;
  • ascertain the state of the system and the context of a command file.

PROGRAMMING IN THE RSX INDIRECT
COMMAND LANGUAGE
RX002Advanced/Technical
Wed 10:30 - 12:00 noonCentennial A
Thomas Wyant
E. I. DuPont de Nemours & Co.
Arnold De Larisch
Florida Atlantic Univ.

This session focuses on the features in the RSX Indirect Command Processor (ICP) for performing advanced functions. Topics include:

  • structured data,
  • binary file I/O, and
  • screen handling with and without the Forms Management System (FMS).

RSX-11M ON FLOPPY DISKS
RX003Intermediate/Technical
Fri 12:00 - 12:30 p.m.Robertson
Richard Neitzel
Rockwell International

When faced with an application that requires: RSX, disk storage, stand-alone operation, the ability to switch from production of one item to a totally unrelated item quickly, and a hardware configuration that has only two RX02 drives: using RSX-11S is not necessarily a viable solution. The problem is only increased if disk space is at a premium. However, if the system requires few of the development aids often associated with disk-based RSX, the task is not at all difficult. With Virtual Monitor Console Routine (VMR) a system image can be created that will fit onto a floppy and be within size constraints as well.

This session describes how the output of a standard sysgen, which generated a "full-blown" development system, is modified by VMR to fit the target system which is currently running on thirty production workstations. In addition, by the time this paper is presented, DECnet will have been added to the floppy based system.

AN IMPLEMENTATION OF A DIGITAL AVIONICS
SYSTEM USING RSX-11/S ON THE PDP-11/70
RX004Intermediate/General
Wed 3:30 - 4:00 p.m.Centennial A
Winston C. Clinedinst
Computer Sciences Corporation
David A. Wolverton
Computer Sciences Corporation

The Advanced Transport Operating System (ATOPS) program of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is a research activity focused on the development of technology which is necessary for conventional transport aircraft to operate routinely in reduced weather minima in a high density terminal area.

A typical commercial transport, a Boeing 737-100 series airplane, was obtained and modified to include a second (aft) flight deck; computers and monitors were installed in the passenger cabin. This modified vehicle, known as the Transport Systems Research Vehicle (TSRV), can be flown from the aft flight deck using a fly-by-wire digital computer system.

The digital computer system on the TSRV includes two Norden PDP 11/70M computers which are used for flight management, flight control, electronic display, and data acquisition and recording. Three computers operate under the control of the RSX-11S operating system and provide for various modes of computer aided and fully automatic flight, including category III automatic landings.

WHAT TO DO WHEN THE SYSGEN IS OVER
RX005Novice/Managerial
Thu 9:45-10:30 a.m.Centennial B
Arnold De Larisch
Florida Atlantic University

The discussion is composed of various hints and kinks which allow the new system manager to create a better and more secure user environment. Topics include using SYSLOGIN. CMD to control remote access, effective use of slaved accounts, DECnet hints, user disk creation and initialization, default file and directory protection attributes, setup of user accounts, and other system management issues. This session addresses the needs of both the novice and the intermediate system manager.

I SURVIVED AN RSX SYSGEN: HELPFUL HINTS
FOR THE NOVICE
RX007Novice/General
Thu 11:00 - 12:00 noonCentennial B
Elaine Kiernan
University of Hawaii

An impending SYSGEN can be a source of great anxiety to the novice RSX administrator. However, with proper planning, it need not be traumatic. This session, presented by a veteran of several RSX-11/M SYSGENS, provides some helpful hints on:

  • proper advance planning, (the most important part);
  • when to do backups (before, during, and after);
  • keeping good written records of what has been done;
  • the various phases of SYSGEN;
  • common mistakes and how to recover from them;
  • the importance of testing the system; and
  • allocating enough time to complete the job.

This session does not go into great detail about the many SYSGEN questions and choices a system manager needs to make; it only covers the general types of decisions. The creation of a user forum is encouraged so that others can share their hints and experiences as well.

THE JOY OF RSX
RX008Novice/Technical
Wed 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.Centennial A
Evelyn Garcia
Digital Equipment Corporation

This session looks at the many facilities RSX provides for programmers. RSX offers the advantage of communication among several tasks in a multiprocessing environment. This communication can be achieved by tasks sending data to one another and by sharing regions in memory. This session deals mostly with the conceptual aspects of the topic, although some program examples in FORTRAN-77 are used. The topics are specially helpful for programmers who are new to RSX.

USING RSX ALTERNATE COMMAND LINE
INTERPRETERS
RX009Intermediate/Technical
Thu 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.Robertson
Jim Bostwick
Cargill Inc.

In addition to Monitor Console Routine (MCR) and Digital Command Language (DCL), both RSX-11M and M-PLUS support alternate command line interpreters (CLIs). Userwritten CLIs provide a powerful mechanism for controlling the user's environment. They may also be used to allow limited access to RSX from logged -out terminals.

This session presents an introduction to the alternate CLI facility, with emphasis on its use in solving real-world problems. Several sample applications are presented, including:

  • enhanced modem security;
  • limited environment at logged-out terminals; and
  • the use of Concise Command Language (CCL) as a CLI (CLIs without programming!).

MIGRATION TO DECNET: HOW TWO 11/73'S
REPLACED AN OVERLOADED 11/60
RX010Intermediate/General
Mon 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.Sevier
Philip Hannay
Cargill Inc.
Jim Bostwick
Cargill Inc.

Cargill, Inc. needed to replace their aging overloaded 11/60 which was running RSX -based applications. Rather than just buying a bigger box, they opted for distributed processing on two MicroPDP-11/73 systems which were networked together with DECnet.

This session explores the methods which were used to distribute the applications software along the network, and how this distribution was kept flexible so that loads could be balanced and more systems could be added to the network if required .

HOWS AND WHYS OF ASYNCHRONOUS SYSTEM
TRAPS IN RSX
RX011Intermediate/Technical
Wed 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.Centennial A
Gary Maxwell
U.S. Geological Survey
James McGlinchey
McGlinchey Consulting, Inc.

Asynchronous System Traps (ASTs) provide the most versatile mechanism for signaling event completion to an RSX task. Upon event completion, the task is "interrupted" at a specified address (the AST service routine) so that the task can take immediate action based on the event. Although usually confined to MACRO-11 programs, ASTs can be utilized by programs written in FORTRAN or other high order languages. This session addresses the following topics:

  • the mechanics of ASTS: how they are generated and how the task's service routine is invoked;
  • the rules that apply to a task which services ASTS;
  • the different types of ASTs that are available, and the benefits of each; and
  • how to apply ASTs in programs implemented in high order languages.

THE BEST OF THE RSX SIG TAPES
RX012Novice/General
Thu 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.Robertson
Dan Eisner
Perkin-Elmer Corporation

Since the fall of 1977, the RSX SIG has distributed software from the DECUS community. The speaker polled selected members of the RSX SIG and asked for their favorites from the RSX SIG tapes . In addition the speaker has selected several of what he feels are the best submissions.

The selections are categorized by major subject. The subjects are:

  • drivers,
  • games,
  • general utilities,
  • system utilities,
  • languages, and
  • documentation.

The speaker provides a brief synopsis of each submission and gives detailed information (year and User Identification Code [UIC] ) about their location within each SIG tape. Hints and kinks of this software/information are also discussed.

Directories of this software are available and this session includes a discussion of the content of these directories.

A question and answer period follows the formal presentation to permit audience questions and comments regarding these popular submissions.

RSX CLOSING SESSION
RX013Novice/General
Fri 1:30 - 2:00 p.m.Robertson
Dan Eisner
Perkin-Elmer Corporation

This session is a business meeting of the RSX SIG. The various committees within the SIG give reports and input is solicited from the attendees on how the SIG can better serve them.

RSX SIG OPENING SESSION
RX014Novice/General
Mon 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.Sevier
Dan Eisner
Perkin-Elmer Corporation

This is the RSX SIG roadmap; sessions sponsored by the RSX SIG are highlighted, last minute changes are announced, and special note is made of various places to get questions answered: e.g., the campground, question and answer sessions, Product Panels, and SIG business meetings.

Next is the introduction of SIG leadership and Digital representatives. The SIG executive board, steering committee, and Digital representatives are introduced. This is the group that makes it all happen. Learn their names and faces so that you can take your suggestions, complaints, or atta-boys to them during the rest of the week.

The SIG activities reports follow: each of the SIG’s working groups and committees present a brief report of their activities. This is where you can find out what the SIG is doing and who to contact for further information or for becoming involved.

SIG business is next; any reports or announcements concerning other SIG activities are given at this time Any suggestions for new SIG activities should be brought up at this time.

Finally, the session allows time for questions and answers. The floor is open for questions and answers or general discussion. The discussion is limited to policy or informational questions about the SIG or Digital.

RSX SIG PLANNING SESSION
RX015Novice/General
Wed 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.Centennial A
Dan Eisner
Perkin-Elmer Corporation

This session is an open floor discussion by the attendees on what the SIG is doing right, what activities are outdated, and what new adventures the SIG should undertake.

The content and format of traditional symposia sessions is discussed and ideas are solicited for sessions to be presented at the next symposium. This is your opportunity to get that session or pre -symposium seminar you have always wanted. Please come and bring your ideas.

RSX SYSTEM MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR
BEGINNERS
RX016Novice/General
Thu 9:00 - 9:45 a.m.Centennial B
Beverly Kasper
Northern Telecom

As RSX has become a stable product, many people have found themselves faced with a system and a documentation set. The basics of beginning system management, assuming only a minimal familiarity with RSX, are covered in this session. Topics include:

  • which manuals to look at first,
  • setting up user accounts,
  • setting up and using backup procedures, and
  • using the error logger.

RSX SIG TAPE CONVERSION WORKING GROUP
RX017Novice/Technical
Tue 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.Bradford Suite, 3131
Robert Uleski
Baker Instruments Corporation

This session is the working group meeting for the conversion of the RSX SIG tapes to other media, including RX50s, TK-50s and RL02s. We welcome all input and new volunteers.

SYSTEM MANAGEMENT WORKING GROUP
MEETING
RX018Intermediate/General
Tue 11:00 - 12:00 noonBradford Suite, 3131
Beverly Kasper
Northern Telecom

This session is a meeting of the RSX System Management Working Group. Members review the progress which has been made to date on the system management tools tape. Future directions for the Working Group is discussed. Anyone with an interest in RSX system management is welcome to attend.

RSX SIG WORKING GROUPS MEETING
RX019Novice/General
Mon 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.Sevier
Ed Cetron
University of Utah

The working groups within the SIG are quite often where the real interaction of RSX users occurs. Small groups of users can meet and discuss the particular facets of RSX that interest them the most. They can meet people who are not only RSX oriented, but also those who have more a specific interest in special 'areas.

This working group approach enables users to organize a group which has a specific direction to help its members as well as the SIG as a whole. This meeting allows the attendees to hear from all of the current working group chairmen and to interact with any of the working groups.

Opportunities abound to gain membership in the groups or form new groups as needs arise. Current working groups include:

  • the sort directory utility (SRD)
  • system performance and accounting,
  • multiprocessing,
  • real -time data acquisition and control, and
  • tape copy.

Become involved and help the RSX SIG and its working groups give you the information, assistance, and knowledge that you come to the symposia to obtain.

RSX SYSTEM PROGRAMMING SHORT NOTES
RX020Intermediate/Technical
Thu 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.Robertson
RSX SIG

The original RSX MAGIC session was so popular that it has been split into two sessions. This session is for the magic, rather than the war stories. Bring your wizard hacks, blue sky ideas, and neat tricks to share with other wizards.

Some of the original wizards are sure to be in attendance, with magic that is still powerful today.

You may get some problems solved here, too. The answers are not guaranteed, but they are usually imaginative.

RSX SIG TAPE WORKING GROUP
RX022Novice/General
Tue 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.Bradford Suite, 3131
Glenn Everhart

This session is a meeting of the RSX SIG Tape Working Group. Volunteers and interested parties are welcome. The RSX SIG tape copy project has fostered the dissemination of some of the most valuable programs and utilities in the RSX environment.

RSX SOFTWARE CLINIC - OPERATING SYSTEM
RX023Novice/Technical
Wed 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.Bradford Suite, 3131
Roy Maull
U.S. Air Force

The RSX software clinic is the place for a programmer to bring his /her specific problems. As you enter the room, a triage team assesses your problem and assigns you to the doctor who is best able to answer your question. The clinic's doctors are experienced programmers and Digital developers. The clinic is avail able to all users; all volunteers who act as doctors are welcome.

No problem is too big or too small to be handled at the clinic. This is the time to ask all those very specific questions that are inappropriate in other sessions. For very specific or unusual problems please bring as much documentation as possible 6 e. program listings, error messages, Crash Dump Analyzer (CDA) output, etc.).

The software clinic has been split into three parts. This part deals with problems related to the RSX operating system (O/S) itself.

RSX SOFTWARE CLINIC - APPLICATIONS
RX024Novice/Technical
Wed 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.Bradford Suite, 3131
Roy Maull
U.S. Air Force

This session is a continuation of the RSX software clinic. This session addresses problems which are related to applications.

RSX SOFTWARE CLINIC - UTILITIES
RX025Novice/Technical
Wed 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.Bradford Suite, 3131
Roy Maull
U.S. Air Force

This is another session of the RSX software clinic. This part addresses problems related to the "standard" RSX utilities.

THE LORE OF RSX
RX026Novice/General
Thu 9:00 - 1 1:00 p.m.Robertson
RSX SIG

In this session, the "Not Quite Ready for Real-Time Players" illustrate how RSX really works. Many weird and mystical things have happened over the years on RSX systems. During this session it is up to you, the audience, as well as the RSX developers, wizards, gurus, and sorcerer § apprentices to present all the classic stories, legends, and tall tales that have earned RSX its special niche in history. Bring your war stories, feats of daring and courage, and happy and disastrous endings, and become a part of the lore.

RSX TAPE COPY USERS FORUM
RX027Novice/General
Thu 5:30 - 6:00 p.m.Robertson
Glenn Everhart

This session is a chance for people who have submitted programs to the RSX SIG tape to come and tell the world what they have submitted. It also gives attendees a preview of what will be available on the Spring '87 RSX tape. Some information about the tape is known and is made available, even if the submittors do not speak.