MicroVMS 4.4 Release Notes

This document, the MicroVMS Release Notes Version 4.4 (April 1986), provides a comprehensive summary of all new features, changes, problems, restrictions, and documentation updates for the MicroVMS Version 4.4 operating system. It supersedes all previous release notes for MicroVMS and is intended for all system users (general, system manager, application programmer, and system programmer).

Key Highlights:

1. Installation: A mandatory update requiring the VMSINSTAL command procedure, involving user logouts, network shutdown, and batch queue stoppage. Upgrading requires MicroVMS Version 4.2 or later; earlier versions need a fresh installation.

2. New and Changed Features:

   • General Users: Expanded command line recall (up to 20 lines via CTRL/B), new DCL commands (e.g., CALL, GOSUB, SET RIGHTS_LIST), hyphens now permitted in file/directory/logical names (with caution), and several enhancements to the VAX Text Processing Utility (VAXTPU), including required section file rebuilding and default file type changes.
   • System Managers: New SET RIGHTS_LIST DCL command and DYNAMIC attribute for system security. Enhanced BATCH/PRINT facility with automatic queue manager restart, queue-specific default forms, and renamed qualifiers. AUTHORIZE utility changes include a new DYNAMIC attribute, enhanced /ACCESS qualifier, new AUTOLOGIN flag, and the requirement for system managers to set secondary passwords. VAXTPU is now packaged into two shareable images requiring specific installation steps. The MOUNT command gains a /CACHE=TAPE_DATA option, and the AUTOGEN command procedure now automatically calculates LRPSIZE and VAXCLUSTER parameters.
   • Application Programmers: Updates to QIO System Service (new item code, bit offsets, controller values), debugger support for shareable images, significant debugger screen mode and command enhancements, new commands for ANALYZE/RMS_FILE, improved Error Log Utility, Sort/Merge changes, several new System Services routines and a new DYNAMIC attribute for security, various BASIC language support changes, and Run-Time Library additions, obsolete routines, and new restrictions for screen management. RMS now supports full file sharing, record locking, global buffers, and descending keys. Terminal driver support includes sending breaks, preventing partial escape errors, and changes to logical name handling.
   • System Programmers: New ATTACH and SPAWN commands for the System Dump Analyzer (SDA), along with new qualifiers. Support for DRV11-WA (Q-bus) is integrated into the DR11-W driver. Clarifications for VAX MACRO CRC instruction and changes to $PRDEF symbols and CPUDISP macro format.

3. Problems, Restrictions, and Notes:

   • General Users: Cautions on using extended file names/types for compatibility with older VMS versions or other systems. Various documentation corrections for several manuals.
   • System Managers: Critical Note: VAX ACMS Version 1.2 is incompatible with MicroVMS Version 4.4 and will make the system unusable due to locking issues; ACMS Version 2.0 must be installed before MicroVMS 4.4. VAX LISP Version 1.2 is also incompatible with MicroVMS 4.4. Standalone BACKUP must be rebuilt after upgrade. BASEVIEW installation requires increasing BYTLM quota. Incompatibilities with VMSINSTAL Option N and older auto-answer files. Known failures with the Monitor Utility in specific multiprocessor configurations. Numerous text corrections and clarifications for various utility manuals (Verify, VMSINSTAL, Install, Accounting, Mount, DECnet, SYSGEN, Authorize). Multiuser License Kits from versions 4.1M/4.2 require a conversion procedure and reinstallation.
   • Application Programmers: Debugger restrictions for shareable images (must be linked with /DEBUG), issues with the debugger on MicroVAX workstations (CTRL/Y handling), and potential interference when debugging SMG programs on the same terminal. VAX Ada programs compiled with versions 1.2 or earlier may have debugging problems (arrays/records). Notes on Run-Time Library and BASIC USEROPEN behavior changes.
   • System Programmers: Documentation additions and format restrictions for CPUDISP macro.

This manual serves as the primary source for understanding the operational changes, potential issues, and required actions when installing or using MicroVMS Version 4.4.