DECsystem10 Operator's Guide (KL Series)

This document is an Operator's Guide for the DECsystem-10 (KL Series), published in May 1977. It serves as a procedural and task-oriented reference for system operators managing the KL-series DECsystem-10 hardware, specifically with version 6.03 of the TOPS-10 monitor for the main processor and version 6A of the RSX-20F monitor for the console front-end processor.

The guide covers three main areas: the system operator, the system hardware, and the system software.

Key areas detailed in the document include:

1. System Operator's Role: Outlines the operator's responsibilities and duties, covering both hardware-related tasks (e.g., device upkeep, supplies, servicing user requests, initial hardware malfunction assessment) and software-related tasks (e.g., responding to user requests, managing devices, running accounting tasks). It also emphasizes the importance of various documentation aids like the Operator's Notebook and System Logbook for shift-to-shift communication and record-keeping.
2. System Components: Provides a comprehensive overview of the DECsystem-10's hardware, including central processors (KL10A, KL10B), memory systems, front-end processors, and a wide range of peripherals (line printers, card readers/punches, DECtapes, disk systems, magnetic tapes, plotters, various terminals, and remote stations). It also describes the system's software, categorizing it into operating systems (TOPS-10, RSX-20F), programming languages (e.g., MACRO, ALGOL, COBOL, FORTRAN, APL, BASIC), and various utilities (e.g., GALAXY, BACKUP, TECO, PIP).
3. System Operation Procedures:
   • Starting the System: Details the steps for powering up, loading the console front-end (RSX-20F monitor) from different media (disk, DECtape, switch register), loading the central processor (TOPS-10 monitor) from disk or magnetic tape, and loading communications front-ends and data channels.
   • System Services: Explains how to use critical service programs and commands, such as OPSER (for monitoring and controlling subjobs), OMOUNT (for file transfers and mounting/dismounting media), QUEUE (for managing system queues), and components of the GALAXY Batch System (QUASAR, BATCON, LPTSPL, SPROUT, SPRINT). It also covers operator/user communication via "PLEASE" and "SEND" commands.
   • Operator Tasks: Outlines both daily (e.g., updating message of the day, disk usage analysis, account file updates, daily backups, system shutdown) and scheduled (weekly account control, weekly full system backups) maintenance tasks. It also covers non-scheduled tasks like formatting disk packs.
   • Device Operation: Provides detailed instructions for the operation, forms handling, ribbon changing, and cleaning procedures for various peripheral devices.
4. System Recovery Procedures: Describes steps to take in the event of system malfunctions ("crashes"), categorizing them by central processor issues (software errors, hardware errors like parity errors, hung conditions, environmental errors) and front-end processor issues, including guidance on taking dumps and reloading the system.
5. Appendices: Offer detailed descriptions of operator-privileged commands for TOPS-10 and RSX-20F (PARSER), and comprehensive information on the KL Initialization Program (KLINIT), including its dialogs, configuration options, and messages.

The guide aims to be a practical reference, acknowledging that specific installations may need to tailor procedures to their unique hardware and software configurations.