VAXstation 100 User’s Guide

This "VAXstation 100 USER'S GUIDE," published by Digital Equipment Corporation in June 1984, serves as an introductory manual for new users of the VAXstation 100 system, which operates with VAX/VMS Version 3.4 or greater.

The VAXstation 100 is presented as a system that enhances the utility and convenience of the VAX/VMS operating environment by providing a graphical interface. It allows users to simulate multiple independent "terminals" (or "jobs") on screen, each connected to a VAX/VMS host and capable of running separate processes concurrently. This enables parallel activities like editing a file while monitoring a compilation.

The guide explains fundamental user interactions, which are primarily mouse-driven:

• Screen Layout: Divided into a "work area" for active tasks and "utility areas" on the right and bottom for system information, icons (like Help, Notices, Profile), and job storage.
• Pointing and Selecting: Users navigate by moving a "pointer" (an arrow) with the mouse; pointing at an object highlights it, and pressing the leftmost mouse button "selects" it.
• Moving Objects: Selected terminals or documents can be repositioned on the screen using the mouse.
• Accessing Help: Context-sensitive help is available via a dedicated key, menus, or a Help icon.

Key operational procedures covered include:

• Startup and Authorization: Turning on the system and logging in with a username and password.
• Job Management: Creating new VAX/VMS jobs (simulated terminals), "storing" inactive jobs into designated slots in the utility area for later retrieval, and logging out or discarding jobs.
• Customization: Modifying individual terminal settings (short-term changes) and overall VAXstation operating characteristics (long-term changes) through "Settings Documents" and a "User Profile."
• Keyboard Control: Attaching the physical keyboard to specific virtual terminals.
• Printing: Printing the content of any displayed object (documents, terminals, viewports) to an optional printer.
• Notifications: Reading system messages and VAXphone calls through a "Notices Document."
• Ending Sessions: A step-by-step process for logging out and ending a VAXstation session.

The document also touches upon "Advanced Concepts," detailing terminal "Control Bars" (which provide information and controls like keyboard and data pad status), handling VAX/VMS jobs with multiple terminals, connecting optional graphics data pads, and generating special multinational symbols using a dedicated "SYMBOL" key. A troubleshooting section for common issues and a glossary of VAXstation terms are also included.