TOPS-10 SOS Reference Manual

This document serves as a comprehensive reference manual for the TOPS-10 SOS (Symbolic Operating System) text editor program, aimed at both new and experienced users. It details how to initiate and exit SOS sessions, manage files across different directories, and operate within its three core control modes: Input, Alter, and Edit.

Key areas covered include:

• File Management: Instructions for creating, editing, deleting, and renumbering lines in single and multi-page files, along with handling page marks.
• SOS Options: A thorough description of various program options (e.g., BAK, BASIC, MAXLN, SAVE, UNSEQUENCE) that allow users to customize the editor's behavior, including their format, default values, and restrictions.
• Command Descriptions: Detailed explanations of all SOS commands (e.g., Alter, Copy, Delete, Find, Insert, List, Mark, Print, Replace, Substitute, Transfer, World, Extend), including their functions, arguments, options, and examples.
• Character Handling: Guidance on typing and managing uppercase, lowercase, and special characters, and their use in Find and Substitute commands.
• File Backup and Recovery: Information on SOS's automatic backup features (like auto-save), its use of temporary buffer files (nnnSOS.TEM and nnnSOS.TMP) for edit tracking, and procedures for recovering files after a system crash.
• Appendices: Summaries of SOS commands and options, a character table, standard TOPS-10 file extensions, and a list of SOS error messages.

The manual assumes familiarity with the TOPS-10 monitor and basic login procedures, providing a foundational guide to using the SOS text editor effectively.