DECUS Catalog PDP-8 Aug78

This document is the DECUS Program Library PDP-8 Catalog, published in August 1978 by the Digital Equipment Computer Users Society (DECUS).

It serves as a comprehensive catalog of user-contributed software for the Digital Equipment Corporation PDP-8 family of computers, specifically programs written in PDP-8 assembly language, BASIC-8, and FOCAL-8.

The catalog includes:

• Program Abstracts: Detailed descriptions for each program, listing its author, operating system, source language, memory and hardware requirements, and unique DECUS order number.
• General Information: Instructions on how to use the catalog, procedures for ordering programs, payment methods (checks, purchase orders, DECUS coupons – cash not accepted), and policies regarding returns and documentation.
• Media and Pricing: Information on the various media formats available (e.g., paper tape, DECtape, floppy diskette, magnetic tape, RK05 disk) and their associated service charges. A key policy notes that users cannot supply their own media.
• Distribution: Programs can be ordered individually or as "Special Library Packages" which are collections of programs on specific media like floppy diskettes.
• DEC Standards: A section outlining Digital Equipment Corporation's software standards related to compatibility, data formats, and documentation.
• Indexes: Multiple indexes (Alphabetical, Category, Operating System, and a separate Cross-System Index for higher-level languages) to help users find programs.

The catalog clarifies that the DECUS Program Library acts as a "clearing house only," meaning programs are provided "AS IS" without warranties, testing, or generation by DECUS or Digital Equipment Corporation. This 1978 edition represents a significant review of the library, including most programs submitted or revised since 1973, while omitting some deemed obsolete or having ambiguous prerequisites.