Decus U.S. Chapter SIGs Newsletters

This document is the May 1988 issue (Volume 3, Number 9) of the Digital Equipment Computer Users Society (DECUS) U.S. Chapter Special Interest Group (SIG) Newsletters. It serves as a comprehensive resource for members of the society, acting as a "table of contents" and information hub for various specialized technical groups.

Key features of the document include:

• Organizational Overview: It provides an extensive index of the various SIGs, including Data Management, Office Automation, Personal Computer, VAX Systems, Graphics, Hardware Micro, and Languages and Tools, among others.
• Survey Reporting: The opening section (Page 5-6) contains a report by the SIG Publications Chair on a survey sent to 8,000 members. It highlights key findings: 86% of respondents have subscribed since inception, 94% prefer the combined "BIG ONE" mailing format, 70% consider $35 to be a reasonable price, and 77% prefer technical articles over managerial content.

• Technical Content: The newsletter includes deep-dive technical articles, such as:

  • DATATRIEVE/4GL: Advice on managing duplicate database keys and procedures for tracking user logins.
  • Office Automation (OA): Discussion on the ALL-IN-1 "Janitor" utility and how to isolate modified forms and scripts.
  • Personal Computer (PC): Information on software compatibility (FORTRAN-77), reading TYPEAHEAD buffers, and using bitmaps on the Professional 300 series.
  • VAX Systems: Troubleshooting tips for DECnet, VMS upgrades, and cluster management.

• Contribution Guidelines: Detailed instructions are provided for members on how to submit articles, software, or feedback to the various SIG newsletters.

• Library and Membership Resources: The document includes information on the DECUS Library, including new tape listings, and provides an application form for new members to join the society.
• Steering Committee Contacts: The latter pages (Page 249-258) serve as a detailed directory of the steering committee members and contacts for every major SIG, facilitating communication across the user base.