ULTRIX-32 Installation Guide

This document, the ULTRIX-32 Version 1.2 Installation Guide, provides comprehensive instructions for installing the ULTRIX-32 Operating System on various VAX processors, specifically the VAX-11/730, VAX-11/750, VAX-11/780, VAX-11/785, VAX 8600, and VAX 8200.

The guide assumes the user has a VAX system with pre-installed hardware, knows how to load distribution media (magnetic tapes or disk packs/diskettes), and is familiar with the ed text editor.

The installation process is structured into six distinct phases:

1. Phase 1: Bringing Up Preliminary Systems – Installs a minimal "minisystem" and then a "generic system" onto the system disk from the distribution media, establishing a basic operational environment.
2. Phase 2: Bringing Up the Configured System – Tailors the system to the specific hardware configuration. This involves setting the system date/time, defining superuser and field service passwords, identifying and configuring hardware components (including communications devices), enabling crash dumps, and setting up terminals.
3. Phase 3 (Optional): Selecting Software Subsets – Allows the user to choose and install additional, optional software packages (e.g., programming languages like Pascal/Fortran, games, and documentation) to optimize disk space.
4. Phase 4 (Optional): Installing Local Area Network and/or UUCP Connection – Configures the system for network communication, including local area networks (DECnet/ARPA) and point-to-point connections (UUCP) for file transfers and remote command execution, requiring the definition of network parameters.
5. Phase 5 (Optional): Defining Printer Capabilities – Guides the user through setting up local and remote printers by configuring their characteristics and spooling directories within the /etc/printcap database.
6. Phase 6 (Optional): Install Sendmail for Networks – Provides instructions for installing and configuring the sendmail program to enable email functionality across various network types.

The manual details the hardware requirements, software components, and the step-by-step procedures, frequently referencing automated shell scripts. Appendices offer practical support, including installation error messages, configuration file format specifications, and a summary of ed editor commands.