VAX LISP/VMS Installation Guide

This document, the "VAX LISP/VMS Installation Guide" (Order Number: AA-Y922E-TE), is intended for system managers and provides comprehensive instructions for installing and configuring VAX LISP Version 3.0 on the VMS operating system (Version 5.1 or higher).

Key aspects covered include:

1. Preparation and Prerequisites:

   • Requires VMS Version 5.1 or later.
   • Details necessary user account privileges (CMKRNL, WORLD, SYSNAM, TMPMBX, NETMBX) and quota requirements (PGFLQUOTA, WSDEF).
   • Specifies disk space requirements (minimum 95,380 blocks) and virtual memory (25,000 pages).
   • Outlines how to calculate and adjust critical system parameters (GBLPAGES, GBLSECTIONS, WSMAX, PQL_DWSDEFAULT, PROSECTCNT) using the AUTOGEN utility to ensure optimal performance and prevent errors.
   • Discusses required VMS and DECwindows tailoring classes for full functionality.
   • Stresses the importance of registering the VAX LISP software license via the VMS License Management Facility (LMF) before installation to enable the Installation Verification Procedure (IVP) and software usage.

2. Installation Procedure:

   • The installation process typically takes 20-30 minutes and is performed by invoking the VMSINSTAL command procedure from a privileged account.
   • Users are prompted to select options such as displaying/printing online release notes, installing product files (LISP executable, documentation, IVP), choosing between DECwindows or UIS versions, installing example files (including PCL, RdbLISP, Foxglove), and installing system-building library files.
   • It also allows for saving previous VAX LISP versions.
   • The document describes how to run the Installation Verification Procedure (IVP) during or after installation to confirm success.

3. Post-Installation and Configuration:

   • Instructions for modifying system startup files (SYSTARTUP_V5.COM and LISPSITE.COM) to define logical names for LISP directories and enable shared images.
   • Guidance on defining LISP system logical names (e.g., LISP$TIME_ZONE, LISP$DAYLIGHT_SAVING_TIME_P, LISP$SHORT_SITE_NAME, LISP$LONG_SITE_NAME, LISP$MACHINE_INSTANCE) for proper environment setup.
   • Specific steps for installing VAX LISP on a VAXcluster.
   • Recommendations for tuning AI VAXstations, including system parameters and authorization quotas, for enhanced performance.

4. Additional Information:

   • Chapters on using previous versions of VAX LISP, running the IVP separately, handling error conditions during installation, and installing VAX LISP as a shared image to reduce system overhead.
   • Details on how to obtain and apply maintenance updates, and where to find problem reporting procedures.
   • A sample installation walkthrough is provided.
   • An appendix lists the various files added to the system across different LISP directories (LISP$SYSTEM, LISP$EXAMPLES, LISP$LIBRARY, LISP$PCL, RDBLISP$EXAMPLES, FOXGLOVE$SYSTEM, SYS$STARTUP).