DECnet for OS/2, Version 1.0 Operating System/2 Network Software for Personal Computers

This document describes DECnet for OS/2, Version 1.0, a network software product designed to enable selected IBM and compatible personal computers to function as non-routing (end) nodes within a DECnet Phase IV network. The software facilitates a range of network capabilities, including task-to-task communications, remote file access and operations, network virtual terminal support, and resource sharing, all built upon Digital Network Architecture (DNA) protocols.

Key features and functionalities include:

• Task-to-Task Communication: OS/2 user programs, written in MACRO Assembler or C, can exchange messages with other network programs residing on Phase III or IV nodes.
• File Transfer and Access: The Network File Transfer (NFT) utility allows transfer of ASCII and binary files between the personal computer and other DECnet nodes, supporting wildcards, concatenation, deletion, remote spooling, and directory listings. The File Access Listener (FAL) server provides secure access to the personal computer's file resources from remote systems.
• Network Virtual Terminal (SETHOST): This utility provides VT220-like terminal emulation via LAT, CTERM, or asynchronous serial communications, enabling the PC to function as a terminal to remote systems. It supports multiple sessions, various character sets, local printing, and script processing for automated tasks.
• Remote Resource Utilization: Users can mount disk space on remote DECnet nodes as additional local storage and direct printer output to remote system printers.
• OS/2 MAIL Utility: Allows transmission of text messages and documents to users of MAIL software on the same DECnet network, requiring a VAX system running VMS V5.0 or later.
• Network Management (NCP): The Network Control Program offers tools for displaying network statistics and error information, configuring the OS/2 network node, controlling network components, and testing connectivity. It also supports remote monitoring via an optional Network Management Listener.
• Down-line Loading and Up-line Dumping: An OS/2 node can act as a host for loading operating systems onto other network systems and can receive memory dumps from unattended systems for diagnostic purposes.

DECnet for OS/2 primarily connects to baseband Ethernet local area networks via Ethernet adapters. A single network can support up to 1023 nodes per area, with up to 63 areas. The software presents a command-line interface, but utilities and applications can run within Presentation Manager screen groups; it is not compatible with the OS/2 compatibility box. Full DECnet functions are accessible to C and MACRO language programs, supporting various memory models.

Installation requires a hard disk with at least 3MB of free space and a diskette drive. Minimum hardware requirements include a base system with 1.5MB system memory for OS/2 V1.0 variants or 3.0MB for OS/2 V1.1 variants, and an Ethernet network connection. The software is distributed on both 3 1/2" and 5 1/4" floppy diskettes.