Pathworks for DOS DECnet Users Guide V4.1 Sep91

This document is the DECnet User's Guide for PATHWORKS for DOS V4.1, published in September 1991 by Digital Equipment Corporation.

Its primary purpose is to guide users on how to set up, operate, and perform network tasks using DECnet-DOS software, enabling DOS-based personal computers to communicate and share resources within a DECnet network.

The guide covers:

• Introduction to DECnet and DECnet-DOS: Defines key terms (nodes, routing) and outlines the software's capabilities, including managing and monitoring network software (NCP) and programming task-to-task communications.
• Job Spawner (SPAWNER): Explains how this utility allows a personal computer to act as a server, detecting and responding to incoming connection requests for various services like file access.
• File Access Listener (FAL): Details how to enable remote nodes to access files on the user's DOS-based system (copy, list directories, type files).
• Network File Transfer (NFT): Provides commands and syntax for manipulating files on both local and remote nodes (appending, copying, deleting, listing, printing, displaying contents, running command files). It also covers defining remote node access information and file specifications across different operating systems.
• Network Device Utility (NDU): Instructs on setting up and using remote printers and disks as if they were local virtual devices.
• Error Messages: Includes extensive appendices listing and explaining error messages for Network File Transfer, Network Device Utility, and Data Access Protocol.

The guide is intended for users familiar with personal computers, the DOS operating system, and networking concepts, who want to leverage their PCs to share data and resources within a DECnet network. It also mentions integration with Microsoft Windows for some utilities.