Software Package And Services

This document provides an overview of the Digital Equipment Corporation's PDP-12 Computer System's software, services, and supplies, dated January 1971. It guides new users to read this document and the LAP6-DIAL manual, and to use the PIP program to create copies of LINCtapes.

The basic PDP-12 Software Package comprises eight LINCtapes, approximately 30 paper tapes, and four looseleaf documentation notebooks. Software is broadly categorized into "user," "demo," and "maintenance" programs. "User" software assists with technical problems, "demo" software includes the DEMO-12 Monitor and modified LINC-8 programs for demonstration, and "maintenance" software provides hardware diagnostics. Six LINCtapes contain user, demo, and maintenance programs, all designed for LAP6-DIAL, Version 2.

Software Services offered include a two-week PDP-12 Programming Course with hands-on training, access to resident Software Support Specialists in local Digital offices, and a Program Library for ordering new programs, manuals, and updates. Users can also subscribe to the monthly "Digital Software News" for updates and benefit from the Digital Equipment Computer User's Society (DECUS) library and newsletter.

The document also details a PDP-12 DEC Supplies Kit, priced at $200.00 (as of June 1969), which includes items like paper tape, LINCtape, and Teletype supplies. A comprehensive Software Price List is provided for individual programs and documentation.

Appendix E describes the current LAP6-DIAL software release, highlighting new implementations for RK8 disks, LP08 line printers, program chaining, and various application programs. These programs include ADTAPE/ADCON for data acquisition, CATACAL for data manipulation, FFTD for Fast Fourier Transforms, FOCAL-12 for enhanced programming, L8SIM for LINC-8 program simulation, MARK12 for tape formatting, NMRSIM for theoretical spectra calculation, PIP for peripheral data interchange, and TISA for multi-instrument data acquisition. A matrix summarizes the hardware and software options required or supported by each program.