SOFTPC040 SPD.PDF

DEC SoftPC for OpenVMS, Version 4.0 is a software product that allows users of OpenVMS systems to run DOS-based applications by emulating an IBM PC/AT system.

Key Features and Capabilities:

• Emulated Environment: Simulates an 80286 (real and protected mode) with an 80287 co-processor, AT BIOS, and DOS Version 5.0.
• Hardware Emulation: Supports various floppy disk formats (3.5" and 5.25", with "SlavePC" support for real PC floppy access and copy protection), C: and D: hard drives (up to 300 MB each), file sharing to native directories (E: through Z:), COM1-4 serial ports, LPT1-3 printer ports, up to 16MB extended memory and 32MB LIM 4.0 expanded memory, CD-ROM (via file sharing or MSCDEX.EXE), various video adapters (CGA, Hercules, EGA, VGA, SVGA), AT enhanced keyboard, and a Microsoft bus mouse.
• User Interface: Operates within OpenVMS, supporting both MOTIF and VT220 displays using LK201 or LK401 keyboards.
• Operational Control: Provides features to configure disk drives, ports, display types, and memory. Includes "Auto Freeze" to pause CPU usage when the SoftPC window is not active, sound support, FPU emulation, and text cut/paste functionality.
• Performance: Performance depends on the host processor; for example, a VAXstation 4000/90 can deliver 386-range compute performance, though graphics performance will be slower.
• Multiple Sessions: Allows multiple SoftPC sessions on a single workstation screen without requiring additional licenses (though other uses require one license per session).

Limitations and Requirements:

• Hardware Compatibility: Does not support special hardware requiring a physical PC bus or PCSA container files.
• Application Compatibility: Digital does not guarantee that every PC application will run, and communications programs specifically may not operate identically to a real PC, requiring testing. Users are responsible for application software licensing.
• Software Requirements: Requires OpenVMS Operating System 5.5 or later (and OpenVMS MOTIF 1.1 or later for workstation environments).
• Licensing: Furnished under Digital's standard terms, supporting OpenVMS License Management Facility with a Concurrent Use license model.