PATHWORKS for DOS, Version 4.0

This document describes PATHWORKS for DOS, Version 4.0, a software product based on Digital Equipment Corporation's Personal Computing Systems Architecture (PCSA). It integrates DOS-based personal computers into a network environment, allowing them to interact with VMS, ULTRIX, OS/2, and Macintosh systems via DECnet Phase IV (and optionally TCP/IP) as the network transport.

Key functionalities include:

• Network Connectivity: Supports Ethernet and asynchronous DECnet connections, enabling PCs to act as non-routing end nodes and communicate with other DECnet systems.
• File and Print Services: Provides remote file, disk, and print services through integration with MS-DOS LAN Manager, allowing DOS clients to access server resources and offer their local resources (e.g., local disks via PERMIT command, parallel printers as remote printers). It supports virtual disks (LADs) of various sizes.
• Mail Services: Includes PATHWORKS for DOS MAIL for sending, receiving, organizing, and managing messages and documents within the DECnet network, with features like folders and a built-in editor.
• Terminal Emulation: Offers VT320-like terminal emulators for Microsoft Windows (Version 3.0 and 2.1) and a SETHOST character-cell emulator, facilitating terminal sessions with host computers.
• DECnet-DOS Facilities: Encompasses Network Management (NCP, NML), NETBIOS Interface Support, File Transfer (NFT), Job Spawner, File Access Listener (FAL), Transparent File Access (TFA), Network Device Utility (NDU), and the SEDT Screen Editor.
• Microsoft Windows Support: Provides integration with Windows 3.0 and Windows/286 2.1, enabling access to network services, running networking software in expanded memory, and specific drivers for Digital hardware.
• PC DECwindows Motif: An X server application for Intel 80286/386/486 systems, allowing remote X Window System applications from VMS or ULTRIX hosts to be displayed on the PC.
• Memory Management: Incorporates techniques to optimize conventional PC memory usage by loading network components into expanded memory.
• Remote Boot Capability: Allows personal computers with specific Ethernet controllers to boot from a network virtual boot disk.

The product requires specific Digital server software (e.g., PATHWORKS for VMS, ULTRIX, OS/2) and adheres to NDIS Version 1.0 for Ethernet controller support. It includes installation and configuration utilities like NETSETUP and DOSLOAD. Restrictions include limitations related to DOS's single-tasking nature and specific hardware/software incompatibilities. The software is furnished under Digital's standard licensing provisions, covering client software and access to server services.