Decus U.S. Chapter SIGs Newsletters

This document is a compilation of newsletters and technical materials from various Special Interest Groups (SIGs) within the Digital Equipment Computer Users Society (DECUS). It serves as an information resource for users of Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) systems.

Key sections include:

• Data Management SIG: Contains an article discussing the objective evaluation of database models (network vs. relational) based on application suitability rather than technical dogma.
• Datatrieve/4GL SIG: Features the "Wombat Examiner and 4GL Dispatch," which provides technical tips, answers to user questions (Wombat Wizard), and a summary of "Wombat Magic" presentations from the 1987 Spring Symposium.
• Large Systems SIG: Includes "At Large," which focuses on experiences with VAX 8700 systems, detailing reliability issues and their corresponding fixes (e.g., microcode updates and VMS patches). It also discusses the removal of the MARKET system from the ARPAnet.
• Office Automation SIG: Focused on System Improvement Requests (SIRs) for software like ALL-IN-1 and WPS-Plus, including Digital’s official feedback and a status update on the new OASIS information system.
• Artificial Intelligence SIG: Presents "(THE (LINKED LIST))," covering AI news, including price cuts for VAXstation 2000, new AI tools (ART/VMS, ESP Frame-Engine), and a guide to expert system project selection.
• Hardware/Micro SIG: Features "HARD NEWS," offering technical advice on TK50 tape drives and identifying known hardware issues/fixes (ECOs/FCOs) for various PDP and MicroVAX systems.
• IAS SIG: Provides "THE DEVIAS LETTER," which contains technical notes on writing device drivers and general system utilities for IAS.
• RSTS SIG: Discusses newsletter dial-up systems and includes technical DCL tricks and patches for system programs like SYSTAT.
• RSX SIG: Features "The RSX Multi-Tasker," including technical guidance on intertask communication using parent-offspring directives.
• RT-11 SIG: Provides directory information for the Spring 1987 RT-11 SIG tape, along with bug reports and technical tips for RT-11.
• VAX Systems SIG: Includes the "Pageswapper" newsletter, which focuses on system security, specifically managing backups using student operators.

The document also provides comprehensive membership application forms, ballot sheets for various SIGs, and a "Steering Committee List" identifying the key contacts for each group.