Decus U.S. Chapter SIGs Newsletter

This document is the October 1989 edition of the DECUS (Digital Equipment Computer Users Society) U.S. Chapter SIGs Newsletter. It serves as a centralized publication for several Special Interest Groups (SIGs) within the DECUS organization, facilitating technical exchange and peer-to-peer communication among users of Digital Equipment Corporation systems.

Key Content Summary:

• Organizational Information: Includes administrative details, contact information for committees, trademark acknowledgments, and instructions for submitting content to the various SIG newsletters.

• SIG-Specific Sections: The newsletter is divided into sections covering different technical areas:

  • DATATRIEVE/4GL SIG: Contains election notices, symposium scheduling, RALLY technical tips, and a response to user questions regarding data types ("Dear Wombat Wizard").
  • E-PUBS (Electronic Publishing): Updates on UIG (User Interest Group) activities and resources for electronic publishing.
  • Graphics (GAPSIG): Covers the "Graph Paper" newsletter, including VAXimage overviews, 3D graphics tutorials, and information on the upcoming Graphics Hardcopy Contest.
  • HMS (Hardware/Micro SIG): Features "Hard News," including a reprint of a technical presentation by Kyle Hall regarding a comparison of CISC and RISC CPU technologies.
  • Languages and Tools (L&T): Provides session evaluations from the Atlanta symposium, tutorials on software tools in VAX MACRO, and an article on the Fortran 8X standard.
  • Networks (NET): Includes "Functional Specifications" (a humorous article) and a review of the LAN Traffic Monitor (LTM) product.
  • Office Automation (OASIG): Contains tips for using UDPs (User Defined Procedures) within WPS-PLUS and a call for session chairs.
  • Personal Computer (PC SIG): Features a bibliography of resources for the DEC Rainbow computer.
  • UNISIG: Covers a security bug in the brk() system call, a trip report on the Monte Carlo OSF meeting, and technical advisories regarding LAT-Telnet and Internet security.
  • VAX Systems SIG: Publishes "Pageswapper," featuring an article on implementing data structures in DCL (Digital Command Language) and technical details on dual-host configurations for MicroVAX systems.

• Library Section: Lists new programs available through the DECUS Library, including utilities for printing, encryption, and system management.

• Administrative Forms: Provides ballots (RALLY PIR), feedback forms (E-Pubs, HMS), and membership/subscription forms.