EduSystem Handbook

Summary

The EduSystem Handbook (January 1973), part of the PDP-8 handbook series, serves as both a user guide for various Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) EduSystem computer configurations and a self-instruction manual for the BASIC programming language.

Key Content Includes:

• Educational Philosophy: The foreword and introduction outline the role of computers in schools, emphasizing their ability to handle complex calculations, provide immediate feedback, and increase student motivation across a diverse range of student backgrounds.
• System Overview: The document describes the "EduSystem" line, which is built on the PDP-8/E computer and utilizes the BASIC language. It highlights the expandability of the systems, ranging from "Starter" configurations (EduSystems 5, 10, 15, 20) to "Intermediate" and "Total" systems (up to EduSystem 50).
• BASIC Instruction: Chapter 1 provides a comprehensive, hands-on "Teach Yourself BASIC" course, including tutorials on the Teletype keyboard, printing, variables, loops, flowcharts, subroutines, and more advanced features like strings and file operations.
• System-Specific Documentation: Subsequent chapters (2–9) detail the specific capabilities, operating instructions, and error messages for EduSystems 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, and 50. This includes batch vs. interactive modes and language-specific features (e.g., FOCAL, FORTRAN-D, PAL-D).
• Reference Materials: The handbook concludes with extensive appendices (A–D), providing character codes, detailed command and function summaries for different system levels, and the "EduTest" user guide for grading and analyzing test results.