Os/8 Device Handlers for Pdp-12 Core

This document serves as the program library write-up for a set of system and non-system device handlers for the PDP-12 computer. Designed specifically for systems running OS/8 Version 3 with 32K of core memory and LINCtape as the mass storage device, these handlers aim to optimize performance by reducing "tape shuffling."

Key features and usage notes include:

• Core Usage: By utilizing upper core memory to store directories, system areas, or files, the software significantly improves response times for the directory, scratch area, and command decoder.
• Variations: The package includes four versions of the BUILD utility, each configured with different core sizes and active device setups (BUILD.SV, BLDHY, CORENS, and CORESY) to suit various operational needs, such as managing large files or facilitating transfers between two tapes.
• Documentation and Maintenance: Full documentation is provided on the distribution tape in the file "HOW.DC". Users are cautioned to manually update tape directories before removing tapes to avoid data loss.
• Compatibility: This is a user-contributed program distributed by DECUS, and it does not carry a warranty regarding its accuracy or performance.