OS/8 NEWSLETTER - Number 15, March 1976

This OS/8 Newsletter from March 1976 outlines various updates, technical contributions, and community discussions relevant to DEC PDP-8 users.

A primary focus is DEC's renewed interest in user input for PDP-8 software development planning. A survey is included to gather preferences on two major paths: operating system development (upgraded single-user OS/8 or expanded multi-tasking RTS-8) or language development (FORTRAN IV under RTS-8 or a new BASIC). Relatedly, DEC is re-evaluating its software support policy, including potential warranty periods and charges, and is actively hiring software personnel.

Community news includes the formation of a European OS/8 Special Interest Group (SIG) and a discussion about expanding the existing OS/8 SIG to a broader "12-bit SIG" to encompass wider hardware and software trends. The newsletter also announces a new bimonthly publication schedule.

Several technical updates and contributions are featured:

• Patches and Corrections: Numerous fixes are provided for OS/8 V3 components such as BATCH (32K memory usage), PAL8 (version numbers, handler switching), EDIT V9 (rub-out algorithm), BASIC (long input lines, SAVE programs affecting BATCH), ODT, CREF, and TECO (conditionals).
• User Routines and Utilities: John Algeo and Peter F. Lempkin contributed random access routines for FORTRAN II. Bob Phelps submitted a USR routine and other Fortran tools like MODE 8 (calling PDP-8 subroutines), RLINK (LINCtape block reading), IOT (issuing PDP-8 instructions), TV (PDP-12 scope display), READB/WRITEB (binary file I/O), and FMTX (multitasking executive).
• Improved Editors: George Gonzalez developed enhanced BASIC and FORTRAN editors, as well as an XEDIT program, offering them for distribution.
• Hardware Handlers: James H. Donnelly introduced a DC02 Multiple Terminal Handler for OS/8, facilitating remote I/O for FORTRAN programs.
• Scientific Subroutine Package (SSP): An OS/8 version of the SSP was submitted to the DECUS library.

System comparisons and specific issues are also covered:

• A summary of the 1975 DECUS Europe Symposium highlights discussions on modifying OS/8 for KW 8 display, FOCAL-based operating systems, OS/12 FOCAL-12 integration, and a detailed comparison of the Multi-8 and ETOS timesharing systems.
• An article addresses floating-point compatibility problems between OS/8 FORTRAN and DIAL-FOCAL on the PDP-12, presenting a user function (FNEW) to convert data formats.
• The FLAP assembler (for PDP-8 and FPP-12 instructions) is discussed regarding its capabilities and uncertain distribution.

Finally, the newsletter includes interactive elements like an OS/8 Quiz (with answers and a scoring system) and an OS/8 Crossword Puzzle.