VAX/VMS Release Notes Version 3.0

This document, the VAX/VMS Release Notes Version 3.0, published by Digital Equipment Corporation in May 1982, provides critical information for users, system administrators, and programmers regarding the changes, new features, and known issues in VAX/VMS Version 3.0 compared to its predecessors (superseding versions 2.0 through 2.5).

Key areas covered include:

• Installation and Upgrade: Detailed instructions for installing or upgrading to Version 3.0 on VAX-11/780, 750, and 730 systems, including kit identification, minimum memory requirements (512KB), and the new automated AUTOGEN procedure for system configuration.
• Computer Clusters (CI780): Introduction of support for CI780 (Computer Interconnect) and VAX-11/780 computer clusters, detailing hardware components, software drivers, system generation (SYSGEN) parameters, and cluster maintenance.

• Command Language (DCL) and System Messages: Numerous modifications to DCL commands and functionalities, such as:

  • Changes to assignment and string operators.
  • Modifications to COPY, DUMP, HELP, INQUIRE, READ, SEARCH, SET UIC, and SHOW commands.
  • Restrictions on the SPAWN command and changes to directory/file protection defaults.
  • New lexical functions.

• Text Editors and Formatters: EDT replaces SOS as the default editor, with updates and restrictions noted for EDT.

• Program Development Tools: Enhancements to tools like SORT/MERGE (new /STATISTICS qualifier), BACKUP (directory restoration changes), and updates to the VAX-11 Utilities Reference Manual (introducing new utilities like ACCOUNTING, MONITOR, PHONE, ANALYZE/DISK_STRUCTURE, and enhancing AUTHORIZE, INSTALL, etc.). It also covers changes to accounting record formats, AUTHORIZE command features (e.g., null passwords), and linker options.
• System Services and I/O: Introduction of new system status codes, changes to system services like $GETMSG and $CREPRC, modified default terminal characteristics (/NOMODEM, /AUTOBAUD), and updates to Run-Time Library procedures.
• VAX-11 Record Management Services (RMS): Significant changes to RMS, including support for ANSI-"a" file names on magnetic tape, relative version addressing, uppercasing of magnetic tape volume identifiers, and the replacement of RMS-11 utilities with native-mode VAX-11 RMS utilities.
• Compatibility Mode: Details on compatibility with RSX-11M programs and utilities, including how negative version numbers are handled.
• System Programming and Management: Notes on driver loading procedures, UNIBUS memory support, SYSGEN autoconfigure modifications, system directory reorganization for multiple bootable systems, new logical name assignments (SYS$SYSROOT, SYS$SYSDEVICE), and changes to system parameters for swap/page files and mount verification.
• Networking: Updates related to DECnet-VAX, including event record formats and DMP11 parameter settings.

The document emphasizes that it contains information not found elsewhere in the comprehensive VAX/VMS documentation set, serving as essential reading before installing or using the system. It also includes an appendix listing patches made after the initial manufacturing of the microfiche kit.