VAX Distributed Name Service

This document is an installation guide for the VAX Distributed Name Service (DNS), providing instructions on how to install and start the service on VMS V4.6-5.0 systems.

The guide covers:

1. Pre-installation Considerations: Detailed requirements for hardware (excluding MicroVAX I and VAXstation I), software (VMS V4.6+ and DECnet-VAX V4.6+), Product Authorization Key (PAK) registration for VMS V5.0, disk space (7000 blocks), account privileges, system quotas (BYTLM, Open File, PRCLM), system parameters (GBLPAGES, GBLSECTIONS), and process entry slots. It also addresses specific considerations for installing DNS on a VAXcluster and synchronizing system clocks.
2. Installation and Verification Procedures: A step-by-step process using the VMSINSTAL procedure, including preparing for installation, getting help for prompts, and the main installation dialogue covering namespace creation, timezone, clearinghouse name, and DNS$SERVER account details (UIC, password). It concludes with how to run and interpret the Installation Verification Procedure (IVP).
3. Post-installation Procedures: Instructions for modifying access rights to new and existing namespaces, configuring event logging, initializing caches on client nodes, and setting up DNS for automatic startup and shutdown. It also provides guidance on troubleshooting startup failures.
4. Error Handling: An alphabetical list of common error messages with explanations and recommended user actions.
5. Appendices: Lists of files affected by DNS installation and sample installation dialogues for different VMS versions.

DNS enables network-wide assignment of unique, location-independent names to network resources (objects) and is a prerequisite for other Digital applications like Remote System Manager (RSM) and VAX Distributed File Service (DFS). The manual is intended for installers familiar with VMSINSTAL and basic DNS concepts.