The Devias Letter and The RSX Multi-Tasker

Document Summary

This document is a joint newsletter from the DECUS (Digital Equipment Computer Users Society) U.S. Chapter, specifically catering to users of the RSX and IAS operating systems.

Key sections include:

• Editorials: The co-editors of The Multitasker discuss the future of the RSX operating system, asserting that while it will eventually be superseded, it remains a critical "bridge system" with a long, active future. The document also provides guidelines for submitting articles and details the newsletter's planned columns (Library News, Working Group News, Help Yourself, It's in the Code, Hints and Things, and Speak Out).

• Technical Articles:

  • System Accounting: B.Z. Lederman provides a detailed technical guide on reconfiguring RSX-11M-Plus system accounting to generate efficient, tailored reports using Datatrieve. This includes instructions on using indexed files to improve performance and managing console logs.
  • Indirect Command Files: Allen A. Watson provides a comprehensive tutorial on RSX Indirect Command Files (ICF), covering variables, terminal input/output, conditional execution, loops, and troubleshooting techniques using trace switches.
  • SRD Utility: A major update to the SRD directory utility (Version 6.4) is documented, detailing bug fixes, new sorting capabilities, and configuration options.
  • Terminal Utility: A short note by Gerry Van Trieste explains how to resolve issues with "XOFFed" printers lacking keyboards by using a null break-through write to reset the terminal status.

• SIG Tape News: Details regarding the Fall 1983 SIG tape distribution, including a preliminary index of software available (e.g., LBL Tools, Kermit, PortaCalc, and SRD).

• Q&A Sections: Includes responses to user questions regarding system accounting errors, managing terminal states, and support for DEC products.
• DeVIAS Section: The latter half of the document transitions to "The DeVIAS Letter," focusing on IAS (Interactive Application System) updates, including letters from the chairman, information on upcoming symposia, and technical tips (e.g., updates on the RATFIV preprocessor).