Pathworks for DOS 4.1B SPD 55.07.13 Mar93

This document describes PATHWORKS for DOS, Version 4.1B, a software product designed to integrate personal computers running the DOS operating system into an organization's larger information system. Based on Digital Equipment Corporation's Personal Computing Systems Architecture (PCSA), it allows DOS PCs to function as clients to various PATHWORKS servers across different operating systems.

Key Features and Capabilities:

1. Network Integration: Allows DOS PCs to participate in a DECnet Phase IV network, accessing services and sharing information. It primarily uses DECnet as the network transport, with support for TCP/IP and NetBEUI for specific services and servers.
2. Server Support: Compatible with PATHWORKS for VMS, ULTRIX, SCO UNIX, OS/2, and Macintosh servers.
3. Physical Media: Supports Ethernet, Token Ring, and asynchronous serial line connections.
4. Core Services:
   • File Services: Provides remote DOS file system access (integrated with Microsoft LAN Manager 2.0 and NETBIOS emulation) and high-performance virtual disks (Local Area Disks/Network Device Utility, though some aspects are being discontinued).
   • Print Services: Enables redirection of local printing to server-based printers, offers local PC printers as network resources (via LAT protocol), and supports remote printing to files.
   • Mail Services: Allows DOS clients to send, receive, manage, and attach files to messages with MAIL software on DECnet networks.
   • Disk Services: Access to virtual disks for remote boot, storage, and backup.
   • Date and Time Services: Ensures consistent timestamps across the network.
   • InfoServer Network Storage Services: Provides transparent access to CD-ROM drives on Digital InfoServer products.
5. Communication and Utilities:
   • Task-to-Task Communications (TTT) & Transparent File Access (TFA): Allows programs to exchange data and access remote files (though these are noted for discontinuation in favor of socket libraries).
   • Terminal Emulators: Includes VT320-like emulators for both DOS (SETHOST) and Microsoft Windows, supporting various character sets and scripting.
   • 3270 Terminal Emulation: Supports communication with IBM mainframes via SNAGNI (also noted for discontinuation).
   • Network Management: Provides tools like Network Control Program (NCP), Network Management Listener (NML), and Local Area Terminal Control Program (LATCP) for monitoring and control.
   • Network File Operations: Utilities for transferring files (NFT) and accessing PC file resources remotely (FAL).
6. Memory Management: Includes techniques to optimize conventional PC memory usage, leveraging Expanded Memory (EMS) and High Memory Area (HMA).
7. Installation and Configuration: Features automated installation procedures and a guided configuration utility (NETSETUP).
8. GUI Support: Supports PC DECwindows Motif (an X server for running X Window System applications) and integrates with Microsoft Windows versions 3.0/3.1 for file and print management, and running network components in expanded memory.
9. Multilinguality: Components are available in multiple languages beyond English.

System Requirements & Limitations:

• Hardware: Requires Intel 80x86 (8086-80486) based personal computers, minimum 640KB system memory, and specific diskette/hard disk space. Supports a wide range of Digital and third-party Ethernet and Token Ring controllers (NDIS compatible), video adapters, printers, keyboards, and mice.
• Software: Supports various DOS versions (e.g., Microsoft DOS, IBM DOS, Compaq DOS). Server software (PATHWORKS for VMS, ULTRIX, OS/2, SCO UNIX) is required for client-server environments.
• Caveats: Several features (e.g., LAST-based services, NDU disk services, TTT/TFA, SNAGNI, some keyboard/mouse drivers) are noted for discontinuation in future releases. Remote boot functionality has specific limitations. The NDIS implementation is not intended for simultaneous operation with other vendors' networking products.

The document also provides detailed ordering information for software licenses, media kits, and documentation, along with a software warranty and supported configuration policies.