12-BIT WORLD . . . . DECUS 12 BIT NEWS

This March 1985 issue (Number 49) of the DECUS 12-Bit Newsletter reports on various software updates, user tips, and committee activities.

Software Updates & Submissions:

• OS/278 on DECmate III: An easier method for running OS/278 on a DECmate III is presented, utilizing the System Test diskette's "Update Internal Data" function.
• Jim van Zee's DIRECT V7C: This improved directory listing program for OS/8, OS/12, OS/78, and OS/278 was submitted to DECUS. V7C introduces numerous features without increasing its size, including multi-column listings in column order, sorting capabilities (alphabetical, chronological), flexible date printing, header block listing, and various formatting enhancements. New features are controlled by an array of command switches (e.g., /A for alphabetical, /H for header, /N for numeric dates), with options to customize their behavior via patches.
• CCLX: A user-enhanced version of the OS/8 CCL (Command Console Language) by John Easton, John van Essen, and Jim van Zee. It offers more features and uses less disk space than the standard version, supporting user-defined commands, comprehensive documentation, command string recall, and improved date handling.
• HEADER: A program for creating DECSYSTEM-8 header blocks used for media identification, which DIRECT V7C can print.
• COMPAF: A utility to compare files across two devices, listing differences.
• VERSN3: A program to list version numbers for Common User System Programs (CUSPs) on a specified device, with expanded command options.
• DROP: A tool for scanning mass-storage devices to identify file types, useful for directory recovery.

Other Programs & Languages:

• LDF (Lab Data Focal): An interactive language designed for experimental control and problem-solving. It offers high-precision calculations, extensive commands, OS/8 support, advanced graphics capabilities, and real-time features.
• TERMIN: A program connecting PDP/8/12 console devices to remote computers via serial lines, with configurable baud rates and device codes.

User Problems & Tips:

• OS/8 V3D Update: Dr. Anthony L. Marchese seeks assistance in updating his OS/8 version 3/3C to 3D to fix a date functionality bug (which only worked from 1970-1977 in older versions), as the updated software is still considered proprietary by DEC.
• DECmate II/III WPS Hints and Kinks (Rudi Stange): Provides tips for Word Processing System users on features like "Gold View" for text, ruler and tab limitations, List Processing document constraints, methods for erasing rulers, and guidelines for printing address labels.
• Creating Long Lists without Cut and Paste: Detailed instructions are provided for automating the creation and numbering of long lists in WPS using its Math Option.
• C on DECmate II (Rudi Stange): Discusses experiences with C compilers on DECmate-II, offering a critique of C's suitability for commercial applications compared to other languages, while expressing anticipation for Modula-II.
• CP/M Tips: Includes practical commands for using the printer as a typewriter and setting terminal pitch.
• Note from Hungary: A. Szabo is seeking contact with Pascal-OS/8 authors to discuss KT8A 17-bit addressing support.

The newsletter also includes contact information for contributions and general submissions.