updatesThroughV5.1

This document describes the TOPS-20 Software Notebooks, a comprehensive collection of user documentation for the TOPS-20 operating system, published by Digital Equipment Corporation.

Key aspects of the documentation include:

• Content: The notebooks provide user documentation for the TOPS-20 operating system, covering a wide range of software components. This includes user guides, command reference manuals, technical summaries, and installation guides for programming languages (e.g., ALGOL, APLSF, BASIC, FORTRAN, COBOL, PASCAL, BLISS), database management (DBMS-20), text editors (EDIT, TV Editor), system utilities (RUNOFF, SORT/MERGE), networking (DECnet, SNA Gateway), and system management. Various reference cards and quick guides are also included.
• Organization and Maintenance: First printed in January 1979, the documentation is organized into multiple physical notebooks (expanding to 24 by the latest update shown). It is maintained through regular "Update Notices" (e.g., AD-J020A-xx series, QTNxx-WZ series), with the latest update being Update 24 in June 1985. These notices provide detailed instructions for inserting new or revised pages, replacing outdated materials, reorganizing content across notebooks, and even adding new binders. Documentation changes are categorized by type, such as new software versions, clarifications, editorial adjustments, or data deletions.
• Availability: One TOPS-20 Software Notebook set, including one year of updates, is included with each basic TOPS-20 software package. Additional sets (order number QT018-KZ) and annual update services (QT018-3Z) can be purchased separately from a sales representative.