DECUS 12 BIT SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP NEWSLETTER Number 26 - January 1978

This January 1978 issue of the DECUS 12 Bit Special Interest Group Newsletter provides updates on software developments, community activities, and system challenges for PDP-8 and PDP-12 users.

Key points include:

• Software Updates & Fixes: The newsletter addresses a significant EDP error that caused PDP-8/PDP-12 users to stop receiving the "Digital Software News" (DSN), announcing its resolution and a plan to send missed issues. Patches are detailed for OS/8 to handle 1978+ dates and for the Industrial Basic Runtime System to manage digital outputs and power failures. An inquiry is made regarding FORTRAN IV floating-point accuracy issues.

• User Contributions & Enhancements:

  • FUTIL: Jim Crapuchettes' mass storage device utility is now officially distributed by DEC, signifying successful integration of user-written software.
  • U/W-FOCAL: Jim van Zee introduces major enhancements to his FOCAL version, including relative and negative line numbers, a line number option for RETURN, a 'USER' error recovery command, and improved video terminal support, aiming for more structured programming.
  • Magtape File System (MTF): An abstract for MTF outlines a new system to integrate magtape as an OS/8 device supporting ANSI standard file-structured, non-directory devices, circumventing OS/8's limitations.
  • Other Utilities: ALPHA (OS/8 directory sorter) and LTFRMT (a LINCTAPE Formatting Program replacing MARK12) are presented with expanded features. CCL41.PA provides PDP-12-specific Command Language enhancements.
  • Program Library: Recent DECUS Program Library submissions include a chess program (CHECMO II), a Sykes floppy disk utility (DECSYK), and a CARDIAC simulator (CARD.BA).

• Community & Symposium Reports: The Fall Symposium led to discussions on user-supported software maintenance (e.g., for Tom McIntyre's package, MEDIA, and SORT) and the need for media conversion facilities. A new 12-BIT SIG committee was formed for user program exchange. User input is sought on topics like ANSI labeled tapes and the adoption of microfiche for newsletter distribution.

• Hardware & DEC Developments: A Micro-8 Working Group is established to focus on 6100 microprocessor-based systems like the DECstation 78. Gary Cole of DEC provided insights into the DECstation 78's commercial applications, future commercial BASIC, and the next OS/8 version (OS/8X) requiring larger memory. New Micro-8 CMOS hardware components are announced.
• Challenges & Policies: The newsletter highlights ongoing concerns regarding prohibitive fees for DECUS back issues and calls for user input on cost-saving alternatives like microfiche. It also mentions a user's problem with Datum magtape hardware compatibility with DEC software.
• OS/8 FORTRAN IV Quiz: A comprehensive quiz tests users' understanding of OS/8 FORTRAN IV's behavior, optimizations, and quirks, complete with detailed answers.

The issue reflects a vibrant user community actively developing solutions, sharing knowledge, and influencing official product development and support from DEC.