NEWSLETTER PS/8 OS/8 - OS/12 - DS/8, August 1973, Number 8

This August 1973 newsletter (Issue #8) provides updates on software for PS/8, OS/8, OS/12, and DS/8 systems, along with clarifications on past newsletter numbering.

Key software developments include:

• OS/8 FORTRAN IV is now shipping and functions well, although its manuals are noted for errors and omissions (e.g., complex arithmetic no longer requires a FPP-12). A CALCOMP plotter driver for OS/8 FORTRAN IV is anticipated for about $300.
• Patches are available for OS/8 BASIC bugs, though indications suggest some problems may persist.
• A significant DECSYSTEM-8 update introduces a new parameter block capability to standardize device handling and storage allocation, intending to replace or modify functionalities of the standard PIP program.
• New contributions include Floor Anthoni's PDP/8 COOKBOOK (two volumes of utility routines) and his UPDATE program for data file correction. OMSI PS/8 FOCAL 1971 has released Tape #3 with user-contributed enhancements, including random access and CALCOMP plotting functions.

The newsletter addresses issues with assumed device numbers and details ongoing work on Foreground/Background OS/8, aiming for December completion despite performance challenges related to instruction traps.

A list of new programs available through DECUS is provided, featuring 57A magnetic tape handlers, a KV8/I-VTO1 DECtape handler, a revised OS/8 DIBILD, a PS/8 LISP, a MACRO-8 assembler, various file management utilities (MOVE.PA), a revised PAL-8 for PDP-12, an oceanographic FORTRAN II program (GEOVEL), a disassembler (DISASM), a file splitting tool (SPLIT), and an OS/8 line printer simulator (OS/8 FORMAT).

Programs available directly from authors (Tom McIntyre) include PAL12 (a bilingual assembler), SCROLL (a bidirectional editor), and FORM (a generalized formatting program).

Work in progress includes the development of more advanced DECtape handlers (supporting dual transports, non-file-oriented operation, and multi-reel files) and XPIP 8, a PDP-12 specific PIP with DECtape support via the TC12-F option.

Finally, the document includes a DECSYSTEM-8 Command Summary, listing standard, modified, and additional commands with their descriptions. A detailed explanation of the SQUASH command is provided, covering its various options (USING, ZEROABLE, UNTIL, WAIT, SAVE), file integrity modes (normal vs. secure), and termination procedures.