VMS 4.2 Release Notes

This document, the VAX/VMS Release Notes Version 4.2 (July 1985), provides crucial supplementary information for users installing or upgrading to VAX/VMS Version 4.2 that is not included in the main documentation kit.

The notes are organized into sections catering to different user types:

1. New and Changed Features: Summarizes major enhancements across Networking (e.g., dynamic DDCMP, NCP commands), Run-Time Library, Security (Access Control Lists, auditing, breakin database commands), Symbolic Debugger (VAX Ada support, screen mode), System Dump Analyzer, new System Services ($GETQUI), and Text Processing (new VAXTPU utility).
2. Installation and Mandatory Update Notes: Details issues with Standalone BACKUP and, most importantly, requires a mandatory update to be installed immediately after the VAX/VMS Version 4.2 installation or upgrade, before any other options. It lists the specific patches included in this mandatory update.
3. Upgrading to Version 4.2: Provides detailed instructions for upgrading from VAX/VMS 4.0 or 4.1. It covers prerequisites, VAXcluster-specific upgrade procedures (rolling or concurrent), a comprehensive five-phase upgrade process, special file handling during and after the upgrade, and notes on creating alternate system roots.
4. Notes for the General User: Clarifies usage for DELETE/PURGE commands, lists new LOGIN error messages, and addresses corrections and documentation updates for Mail Utility, Sort/Merge Utility, SPAWN command, and the VAX Text Processing Utility (VAXTPU).
5. Notes for the System Manager: Offers extensive information on adding an operating system to a disk, enhancements to the Authorize Utility (e.g., AUTOLOGIN flag, secondary passwords), changes to AUTOGEN and SYSGEN parameters, recommended procedures for system disk backup, numerous fixes and new qualifiers for the Batch/Print Facility, DECnet-VAX updates (e.g., logical names, NCP messages), Error Log Utility changes, handling forced errors on DSA disks, and modifications to various utilities like INSTALL, MONITOR, and MOUNT, with specific notes for VAXcluster and VAX 8600 systems.
6. Notes for the Application Programmer: Details changes in PL/I PRINT file format, Run-Time Library routines (LIB$FINDIMAGESYMBOL, LIB$GETVM, LIB$FREEVM), transportability issues for based images, bug fixes for VAX BASIC, Sort/Merge Utility routines, and Symbolic Debugger, along with the replacement of $GETCHN/$GETDEV system services by $GETDVI.
7. Notes for the System Programmer: Provides technical corrections and updates regarding Drivers (I/O User's Guide, CI Port Drivers, DR11-W, UQ Port Driver), Time of Day Register documentation (IPR changes, TIMEDWAIT macro), and VAX MACRO documentation.

In essence, this document is an essential companion to the VAX/VMS Version 4.2 software, guiding users through installation/upgrade, detailing new features and bug fixes, and providing critical operational and programming considerations across various system components.