RT-11

This document, "RT-11 System Release Notes AA-5286G-TC," dated April 1985, summarizes the features differentiating the RT-11 V5.0, V5.1, and V5.2 operating systems from the earlier RT-11 V4.0. It supersedes previous release notes (AA-5286F-TC).

The manual broadly covers:

1. New Features:

   • Processor Support: Introduction of T-11 Falcon (SBC-11/21, PLUS), F-11 Microprocessor (PDP-11/23 PLUS), Professional 300 Series (PC325, PC350, PC380), and J-11 Microprocessor based boards and systems (KDJ11-A, MicroPDP-11/73, PDP-11/84), primarily with Extended Memory (XM) monitor support.
   • Mass Storage Devices: Support for new disks (RA80, RC25, RD50/51/52) and magtapes (TK25, TS05), and a new diskette (RX50).
   • Printer Support: Integration of new desk-top printers (LA210, LN03 Laser Printer).
   • Other Hardware: Support for 512K-Byte Memory Expansion Card and Mini-Exchange.
   • Software Components: Introduction of numerous new utilities and features, including:
     • Automatic Installation and Verification Procedure (AI/IVP): Streamlined system setup.
     • Backup Utility Program (BUP): Enhanced data backup and restoration.
     • Concise Command Language (CCL): Simplified command entry.
     • Graphics Utility Support (PRO/GIDIS): For professional series processors.
     • Indirect Control File Processor (IND): Improved scripting capabilities.
     • Virtual KED (KEX): Memory-optimized text editor.
     • Logical Disk Subsetting Handler (LD): Allows defining disk subsets.
     • Hardware Setup Utility (SETUP): Configuration for terminals, printers, clocks.
     • Single-Line Editor (SL): Command line editing.
     • Transparent Spooling Package (SPOOL): Manages printer output.
     • User Command Features (UCF, UCL): Custom command parsing.
     • Virtual Terminal Communication Package (VTCOM): PDP-11 as a terminal to host systems.
     • New Programmed Requests & SYSLIB Routines: A suite of new system calls (e.g., .ABTIO, .ADDR, .PEEK, .POKE, .FPROT) for enhanced programming control.
     • New Device Handlers: (e.g., DU for MSCP disks, DW/DZ for Professional hard disks/diskettes, MU for TMSCP magtapes, NC/NQ for Ethernet, PI for Professional interface, SP for Spooler, XC/XL for communication ports, VM for Memory Disk).
   • Documentation: Updates and new manuals for the RT-11 V5 documentation set.

2. Changes and Additions to Existing Components:

   • Detailed modifications to the distribution kit, monitor behavior (KMON updates, memory requirements), and existing Keyboard Monitor Commands (e.g., /WAIT option additions, changes to COPY, DELETE, DIR, DUP, INITIALIZE, LINK, PRINT, RENAME, SET, SHOW, TYPE, UNPROTECT).
   • Extensive updates to various existing Device Handlers (DD, DL, DM, DU, DW, DX, DY, DZ, LD, LP, LS, MU, PI, RK, SP, XC, XL, VM) for new hardware and improved functionality.
   • Refinements to utilities like BINCOM, DUP, FILEX, FORMAT, HELP, KED, LIBR, LINK, MACRO-11, PAT, PIP, QUEUE PACKAGE, RESORC, SIPP, SL, SLP, SPOOL, SRCCOM, SYSGEN (including new device table and dialog questions), SYSLIB, SYSMAC, UCL, and VTCOM.

3. Current Restrictions and Corrected Problems:

   • Outlines known limitations and issues, particularly concerning FORTRAN compatibility, Professional 300 series operations, and specific utility behaviors.
   • Lists numerous bugs fixed in automatic installation, monitor functionalities, system utilities, and device handlers.
   • Provides corrections and additions to existing RT-11 documentation.

4. Installation, Bootstrap, and Hardware Setup Procedures:

   • Guidelines for formatting disks on Professional 300 series, using various distribution kits, and setting up line printers and terminals.
   • Details on composing characters using COMPOSE CHARACTER key and dead diacritical keys for National Replacement Character (NRC) language keyboards.

5. Running PRO/GIDIS Under RT-11:

   • Dedicated section on PRO/GIDIS instruction syntax, operation codes, parameter blocks, and interfaces (MACRO-11, GIDCAL, FORTRAN), along with sample programs and restrictions.

6. Global Region Support in Extended Memory:

   • Introduces support for creating, attaching, detaching, and eliminating global regions in extended memory, and describes the related data structures.

7. Ethernet Handlers:

   • Details the new NC (DECNA) and NQ (DEQNA) Ethernet handlers, including their restrictions and special functions for unit allocation, protocol type management, and frame transmission/reception.

The document concludes with appendices listing new error messages and guidelines for submitting Software Performance Reports (SPRs).