System Hardware Installation or Modification

Summary

This document provides instructions for installing and modifying the hardware and software configuration for an ETOS (Educational Time-Sharing Operating System) environment. It covers:

• Boot Procedures: Detailed steps for booting the ETOS distribution and production packs (including RK05 and System Industries disk packs) on various hardware platforms, such as the PDP-8E, PDP-8M, and PDP-8A. It includes instructions for both hardware-based bootstraps and front-panel manual operations, as well as alternative loading methods for DEC Data Systems.
• Disk Formatting and Copying: Procedures for formatting disk packs and creating backup copies using specific utility programs like RKLFMT, SICOPY, RKCOPY, and BACKUP.
• System Configuration: An overview of using the CONFIG program to tailor the ETOS environment to specific hardware, including setting up memory allocation, terminal I/O (IOTs), clock options, and special features like ESME.
• Hardware Setup: Technical guidance on hardware-specific requirements, such as removing jumpers on memory modules (e.g., M837) or setting switches on I/O boards (e.g., M8316) to enable time-sharing and clock functions.
• Terminal Optimization: Configuration settings to ensure proper terminal service, including parity, stop bits, filters, and fill characters.
• Diagnostic Testing: Instructions for using the TSC8 diagnostic program to verify the functionality of the ETOS board (TSC8-75).
• System Startup and Shutdown: Standard operating procedures for initializing the ETOS environment, including the "Sysgen" process for allocating swap tracks, setting system time/date, and the proper procedure for stopping the system using the SHUTUP command.