TOPS-10/TOPS-20 Autopatch Procedures/Reference Manual

This manual describes Digital Equipment Corporation's Autopatch, an automatic software patching facility for TOPS-10 and TOPS-20 operating systems. Its primary goal is to simplify and automate the application of recommended software changes to distributed DEC software products, reducing the manual effort and potential errors associated with traditional patching methods.

The core of Autopatch is the Patch Executive Program (PEP), which provides a single interface to manage the entire patching process. Key features of PEP include maintaining a patch database, generating necessary command files, and performing consistency checks.

The document outlines a six-step autopatching process:

1. Copy Files: Transfer patch-related files from the patch tape to a dedicated autopatching directory.
2. Retrieve Patch Data: Update PEP's internal database with information about the new patches (using the RETRIEVE command).
3. Set Up Command Files: Generate indirect command files required for the batch job that applies patches and rebuilds the software (using the SETUP command).
4. Patch and Rebuild: Execute an unattended batch job to apply patches to product component files and rebuild the executable files (initiated by the BUILD command, followed by SUBMIT).
5. Install Updated Software: Back up the previous software version and then replace the existing product and input files with the newly patched versions (using the INSTALL command).
6. Restore (Optional): Revert to the previous software version if the updated one does not meet requirements (using the RESTORE command).

Autopatch requires specific system configurations (TOPS-10 v7.01+ or TOPS-20 v4+) and the setup of four dedicated disk directories: Product Distribution, Product Installation, Autopatching, and Product Backup. Operators need familiarity with system utilities like BACKUP/DUMPER and batch job management.