DECSYSTEM-8

This document describes DECSYSTEM-8, a user-supported program library and set of monitor command extensions for the PS/8 and OS/8 operating systems on PDP/8 series computers. Developed by John R. Covert and Douglas E. Wrege from the Georgia Institute of Technology and released in August 1973, its primary aim is to enhance the limited command capabilities of PS/8/OS/8 by incorporating features and command syntax inspired by the PDP/10 operating system.

Key features and modifications include:

• Expanded Command Set: Addition of numerous new monitor commands like COMPILE, COPY, CREATE, DELETE, DIRECT, EDIT, FILE F/R, FOCAL, HELP, HD (How's the Device), KJOB (Kill Job), LIST, LOGIN, MAKE, OFF, RENAME, SQUASH, SUBMIT, TECO, and ZERO.
• User Session Management: Implementation of LOGIN and KJOB commands for logging users on and off the system, including confirmation dialogues for newly created files.
• Batch Mode Operation: Support for unattended job streams via a HASP (Batch Controller Program), enabling the system to process commands from a file.
• Improved File Management and Utilities: Enhancements to existing commands and new functionalities for copying, deleting, renaming, and optimizing disk space (SQUASH, ZERO).

DECSYSTEM-8 is designed to be largely compatible with standard PS/8/OS/8 programs, though some system programs like TECO.SV, PIP.SV, and FORT.SV required modifications to integrate with the extended commands. It necessitates a pre-existing PS/8 or OS/8 system from Digital Equipment Corporation for installation. While generally beneficial, the system uses slightly more disk space and some dectape operations might be slower.

The distribution model is user-supported and experimental, operating through a "round-robin" tape exchange system with strict guidelines. Users are expected to adhere to rules regarding modifications (which should be submitted for review and implemented with conditional assemblies), tape handling, and usage restrictions (end-users of DEC Family-of-8 computers only). All source code is available, underscoring its open, community-driven development.