DECnet/E Utilities Guide

This document, the "DECnet/E Utilities Guide" (Order No. AA-H504C-TC, January 1987), is a technical manual for RSTS/E terminal users describing how to utilize DECnet/E V4.0.

DECnet/E is Digital Equipment Corporation's implementation of the DECnet network architecture that allows RSTS/E systems to function as network nodes and communicate with other DECnet-compatible operating systems.

The guide details five primary utilities and their functionalities:

1. TLK (Terminal Communication Utility): Enables users to send one-line messages or conduct two-way dialogues with other users on local or remote DECnet/E nodes.
2. NET (Network Command Terminal Utility): Allows users to log in at and interact with a remote DECnet/E node as if their terminal were directly connected.
3. NFT (Network File Transfer Utility): Provides comprehensive file management capabilities across the network, including copying, appending, deleting, printing, and submitting files, as well as displaying directory listings. It interacts with the File Access Listener (FAL) and Record Management Services (RMS).
4. NETCPY (Network Copy Device Utility): Facilitates copying the entire contents of storage devices (e.g., disks, magnetic tapes) between identical device types on different DECnet/E nodes.
5. NETOFF (Network Shutdown Utility): Used for an orderly shutdown of the DECnet/E network software.

The document also outlines technical changes in V4.0, such as support for longer passwords, integration with Print/Batch Services (PBS) for remote printing and batch submission, and specific user privilege requirements for network shutdown. It includes appendices listing error messages generated by RMS and the Data Access Protocol (DAP).