System Software Information

This document, titled "SYSTEM SOFTWARE INFORMATION" (Order No. AA-5074J-RK), is an internal reference guide published by Digital Equipment Corporation in February 1984, with information valid as of January 30, 1984.

Purpose: It is designed for DEC's internal Sales and Support groups to serve as a central, tabulated reference for software product information, simplifying the comparison of available features across various software operating systems.

Content: The manual provides comprehensive details on DEC's major operating systems, including:

• PDP-11 Support: Covers system software (e.g., CTS-300, IAS, RSTS/E, RSX-11M, RT-11), miscellaneous products (e.g., MicroPower PASCAL, DECtap), hardware support by component type (CPUs, disks, tapes, printers, terminals, communications), system programs, utilities, languages, data services, and system features.
• VAX Support: Details VAX/VMS products, hardware support, languages, and system features/utilities.
• PDP-8 Support: Includes information on COS-310, DECmate II, OS/8, WPS-8, miscellaneous software, hardware support, system programs, languages, assemblers, and system features.
• DECSYSTEM-10 and DECSYSTEM-20 Support: Provides details on software, hardware options, and documentation for these large-scale systems.
• Networks and Communications: Outlines DECnet, Internet (Emulator Options), and Packetnet (PSI) options, including product functions and communication interfaces.
• Professional Products: Lists specialized software.

Structure & Notation: The information is presented in a tabulated format, often showing product release history and current release details alongside supporting documentation. Support levels for features are indicated using codes: "X" (supported), "-" (not supported, nor intended), or a blank space (future support uncertain or information unavailable).

Source & Limitations: The data is primarily extracted from Software Product Descriptions (SPDs). The document explicitly states that it is for "INTERNAL USE ONLY," that information is subject to change without notice, and that software is furnished under license, with no responsibility assumed for software on non-DEC-supplied equipment.