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Document:	VAX System Integrity Monitor VAXsim User Guide 198609
Order Number:	AA-HY46A-TE
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Pages:	125
Original Filename:	http://bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/vax/vms/layered_product/AA-HY46A-TE_VAX_System_Integrity_Monitor_VAXsim_User_Guide_198609.pdf

OCR Text

VAX System Integrity
Monitor (VAXsim)
User Guide
Order Number: AA-HY46A-TE

VAX System Integrity
Monitor (V AXsim)
User Guide
Order Number: AA-HY 46A-TE

September 1 986
This document describes how to use the VAX System Integrity Monitor,
an interactive error reporting tool.

Software Version:

VAXsim Version 2.0

Operating System and Version:

VAX/VMS Version 4.2 or later

digital equipment corporation
maynard, massachusetts

First Printing, September 1986
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should
not be construed as a commitment by Digital Equipment Corporation. Digital
Equipment Corporation assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear
in this document.
The software described in this document is furnished under a license and may be
used or copied only in accordance with the terms of such license.
No responsibility is assumed for the use or reliability of software on equipment
that is not supplied by Digital Equipment Corporation or its affiliated companies.
Copyright © 1986 by Digital Equipment Corporation
All Rights Reserved.
Printed in U.S.A.
The postpaid READER'S COMMENTS form on the last page of this document
requests the user's critical evaluation to assist in preparing future documentation.
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation:
DEC
DEC/CMS
DEC/MMS
DECnet
DECsystem-10
DECSYSTEM-20
DEC US
DECwriter

DIBOL
EduSystem
IAS
MASSBUS
PDP
PDT
RSTS
RSX

UNIBUS
VAX
VAXcluster
VMS
VT

~U~UIJ~U

HOW TO ORDER ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION
DIRECT MAIL ORDERS
USA & PUERTO RICO*

CANADA

INTERNATIONAL

Digital Equipment Corporation
P.O. Box CS2008
Nashua, New Hampshire
03061

Digital Equipment
of Canada Ltd.
100 Herzberg Road
Kanata, Ontario K2K 2A6
Attn: Direct Order Desk

Digital Equipment Corporation
PSG Business Manager
c/o Digital's local subsidiary
or approved distributor

In Continental USA and Puerto Rico call 800-258-1710.
In New Hampshire, Alaska, and Hawaii call 603-884-6660.
In Canada call 800-267-6215.
*Any prepaid order from Puerto Rico must be placed with the local Digital subsidiary (809-754-7575).
Internal orders should be placed through the Software Distribution Center (SOC), Digital Equipment
Corporation, Westminster, Massachusetts 01473.

CONTENTS
PREFACE • • • • • • • • • • •
SUMMARY OF TECHNICAL CHANGES
CHAPTER 1
1.1
1. 2
1. 2.1
1. 2. 2
1.3
1.4
1. 5

CHAPTER 2
2.1
2.1.1
2 .1. 2
2 .1. 3
2 .1. 4
2 .1. 5
2 .1. 6
2 .1. 7
2 .1. 8
2.2

2.3
2.4
2.5
2.5.1
2.5.2

2.5.3
2.5.4
2.5.5

2.6
2.6.1
2.6.2
2.6.3
2.6.4
2.7
2.8
2.8.1
2.8.2

2.8.3
2.9
2.9.1
2.9.2
2.9.3
2.9.4
2.10
2.10.1
2.10.2

2.10.3
2.10.4
2 .11

2.12
2.12.1
2.12.2
2 .13

• • vii

INTRODUCTION
LAYERS OF THE TREE STRUCTURE •
VAXSIM BLOCK DIAGRAM • • • • •
A Look at the Status Area • • • •
"Phantom" Blocks • • • • • •
LINE MODE DISPLAY LIST • • • •
SUMMARY MODE DISPLAY LIST
• • • • •
THE HISTOGRAM DISPLAY (ReGIS TERMINALS ONLY)

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

1-3
1-5
1-6
1-7
1-8
1-9
1-9

GENERAL USAGE
VAXsim COMMAND INTERFACE • • • .
• 2-1
Commands to Get You Started: a Brief Look • • • 2-2
Command Line Editor (CLE)
• • • • • • 2-3
Intelligent Command Parser •
• • • 2-4
Autocorrect Facility • •
• • • • • • • • 2-4
VT200 Keypad Commands
• • • •
• 2-5
Online HELP Facility • • • •
• • • • • 2-5
Multiple Command Format
• • • •
• • 2-5
Foreign Command Interface
• • • 2-6
LOGICAL NAMES
• • • • • •
• • • • • • • • 2-6
VAXsim Monitor START-UP
• • • • •
• 2-7
VAXsim-MONITOR SHUT-DOWN
• • 2-7
MANAGING YOUR DISPLAY DATABASE •
• • • • • • • 2-8
Adding Nodes • • • • • • . •
• • • • • • • • 2-8
Removing Nodes • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 2-9
Adding and Removing Devices
2-10
Updating the Database
2-10
Dynamic Display Mode • • • • •
• • • • • 2-11
EXAMINING YOUR DISPLAY DATABASE
2-11
Moving Down (DOWN, ZOOM) • • • • • • • • • • • 2-12
Moving Up (UP, TOP)
• • • • • • • • • • •
2-12
Moving Sideways (NEXT, BACK) •
2-13
Viewing Oversized Screen Displays (RIGHT, LEFT) 2-14
VISUAL ERROR STATUS INDICATORS •
• • • • 2-16
TIME COMMANDS (SINCE, BEFORE)
. • • • • • •
2-17
Absolute Time
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
2-18
Delta Time • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
2-19
Notes on VAX/VMS Date/Time Specifications
2-20
ADJUSTING THE CURRENT EVALUATION PERIOD • • • • 2-21
Absolute Start and Absolute End Times • • • • 2-21
Delta Start and Absolute End Times • • • • • • 2-22
Absolute Start and Delta End Times • • • • • • 2-22
Delta Start and Delta End Times
2-23
SHOW COMMANDS
• • • • • • • •
2-24
SHOW MODE Commmand • • •
2-25
SHOW MESSAGE Command • •
2-25
SHOW PARAMETERS Command
• • • • • 2-25
SHOW VERSION Command • •
• • • •
2-25
RELATIONSHIPS AMONG THE DISPLAY MODES
2-26
NOTIFY COMMAND • • • • • • • • •
2-28
NOTIFY/ENABLE = list •
2-29
NOTIFY/DISABLE
list
• • • • •
2-29
SPAWN COMMAND • • • • •
• • • • • 2-30

iii

CHAPTER 3
3.1
3 .1.1

3 .1. 2
3 .1. 3
3.2
3.2.1
3.3
3.4
3.5

CHAPTER 4
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.5.1
4.5.2
4.5.3
4.5.4
4.5.5
4.5.6
4.5.7
4.5.8
4.5.9
4.5.10
4.5.11
4.5.12
4.5.13
4.5.14
4.5.15
4.5.16
4.5.17
4.5.18
4.5.19
4.5.20
4.5.21
4.5.22
4.5.23
4.5.24
4.5.25
4.5.26
4.5.27
4.5.28
4.5.29
4.5.30
4.5.31
4.5.32

APPENDIX A
A. l
A. 2

APPENDIX B
B.l
B.1.1

TECHNICAL NOTES
HOW VAXsim ORGANIZES SYSTEM ERRORS •
Device Errors
Memory Errors
Events • • • •
ERROR RATE EVALUATION • • • • •
Error Rate Evaluation Algorithm
CLIPPING FUNCTION • • • • • • •
THE MARGIN IN ERROR EVALUATION
VAXSIM SOFTWARE COMPONENTS • • •

• 3-1
• • • 3-1
3-2
3-2
3-2

• • • • 3-3
.

. . . . 3-4
• • • • 3-6
• 3-7

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
DISPLAY COMMANDS • •
DIRECTIONAL COMMANDS
SPECIAL COMMANDS • •
TIME COMMANDS
ALPHABETIC SUMMARY •
ADD Command
AUTOCORRECT Command
BACK Command • • •
BEFORE Command •
CLIPPING Command •
CYCLE Command
DEPTH Command
DISPLAY Command
DOWN Command •
EXIT Command •
HELP Command •
LEFT Command • • • • •
MARGIN Command •
NEXT Command •
NOTIFY Command • • • • •
PRINT Command
REGIS Command • • • • •
REMOVE Command • •
REPORT Command •
•
RIGHT Command
• • •
SHOW MESSAGE Command • •
SHOW MODE Command
SHOW PARAMETERS Command
SHOW VERSION Command • •
SHUTDOWN Command •
SINCE Command
SPAWN Command
TOP Command
. . . .
UP Command • •
UPDATE Command • •
WATCH Command
ZOOM Command • •

• • 4-2
• • • • 4-3
4-4
• • • • 4-5
• 4-5
4-6
• 4-7
• • • • 4-8
4-9

• • • • •

4-11

• • • •

4-12

• • • • • •

4-14
4-15
4-16

4-13

4-17
4-18

4-19

• • • • •
• • • • •

• • •
• •
.

. . . . .
• • • • •

4-21
4-22
4-23
4-24
4-25
4-26
4-27
4-28
4-29
4-30

4-31

• • •

4-32
4-33

. •
. . .

• • • • •

4-34

. . . .
. . . . . .
• • • • • •

4-3 5
4-36
4-3 7

• • • •

4-38
4-39

VAXSIM ERROR MESSAGES
ERROR MESSAGE FORMAT • •
ERROR MESSAGES • • • •

A-1
A-2

TERMINAL AND PRINTER OPTIONS
TERMINAL OPTIONS •
VT52 Option

•

• B-1

B-1
iv

B .1. 2
B. l. 3

B.2
APPENDIX C

VAXsim Hardcopy Option • •
ReGIS Color Display Optio~ •
GRAPHIC PRINTER OPTION • • •

• • • • B-1
• • • B-1
• 8-2

GLOSSARY

INDEX
EXAMPLES
2-1
2-2
2-3

Multiple Command Format • • • •
Absolute Time Format •
Delta Time Format
••••

1-1
1-2
1-3
1-4
1-5
1-6
1-7
1-8
2-1
2-2
2-3
2-4
2-5
2-6
2-7
2-8

The Relationship Between VAXsim and VMS
VAXsim Tree Hierarchy
•
VAXsim Block Diagram • • •
. . . . .
HAMLET Screen Display
• •
A Phantom Block
• • • • .
. . . . .
HAMLET Line Mode Display •
• • • • •
Summary Mode Display •
• ••••• • • • • •
The Histogram Display: An Example
Adding Nodes Display • • • • • •
Removing Nodes Display • • • • •
DOWN/ZOOM Command Illustration •
UP/TOP Command Illustration
• • • • •
NEXT/BACK Command Illustration •
Oversized Screen Display
• • • • •
RIGHT Command Illustration . • •
• • • • •
Absolute Start and Absolute End Times
Illustration • • • • • •
• ••••
Delta Start and Absolute End Times Illustration
Absolute Start and Delta End Times Illustration
Evaluation of Entire Database Illustration •
Delta Start and Delta End Times Illustration
Delta Time Illustration
••••••••••••
Relationship of the Three Display Modes
Error Rate Evaluation Without Clipping •
• •
Error Rate Evaluation With Clipping
• • •

• • • 2-5
2-19
2-20

FIGURES

2-9
2-10
2-11
2-12
2-13
2-14
3-1
3-2

•
•
.
•

1-2
1-4
1-6
1-6

1-8

• 1-8
• 1-9
1-10
• 2-9
2-HJ
2-12
2-13
2-14
2-15
2-15
2-21
2-22
2-22
2-23
2-24
2-24
2-27
• 3-5
• 3-6

TABLES
1

2-1
2-2
2-3
2-4
3-1
4-1
4-2
4-3
4-4

Summary of Version 2.0 Changes •
• • • •
xi
Introductory VAXsim Commands •
• 2-2
Command Line Editor Keys • • • • • • • • • • • • • 2-4
Visual Error Status Indicators • •
• • • •
2-16
Default Operator Class Names • • • • •
2-29
VAXsim Error Indication Computations
• • • 3-7
Display Commands • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • 4-2
Directional Commands • • • • •
• • • •
• • 4-3
Special Commands •
• • • 4-4
Time Commands
• • 4-5

PREFACE

MANUAL OBJECTIVES
The VAX System Integrity Monitor
objectives:

(VAXsim) User Guide has the following

•

To give the system manager an understanding of how VAXsim can
be used to observe system-wide error conditions and pinpoint
their source.

•

To provide procedural
information
through the General Usage section.

•

To provide in-depth information through the
and Commands Reference sections.

and

overall

guidelines

Technical

Notes

INTENDED AUDIENCE
This manual is intended for VAX/VMS system managers;
that
is,
those
responsible for
the overall control and management of the operations
of a computer system for the benefit of the users of the system.
STRUCTURE OF THIS DOCUMENT
This manual has four chapters:
Chapter 1, Introduction, introduces the user to VAXsim by describing
its basic operation, and the types of display modes offered.
Chapter 2, General Usage, describes the main functions of VAXsim and
the command actions
in detail,
including the command interface,
management and examination of the database, visual error
indications,
and using commands that require evaluation period specifications.
Chapter 3, Technical Notes, details VAXsim's technical aspects.
Among
the topics discussed are VAXsim's method of organizing system errors,
error rate evaluation, thresholds, and margins.
Chapter 4, the Commands Reference Section, provides
tables grouping
commands by function.
Following the tables, the commands are listed
alphabetically with guidelines for syntax and use.
The appendices include VAXsim Error Messages, Terminal/Printer options
notes, and a Glossary of Terms.
Experienced VAXsim users should first
read the Summary of Technical Changes following this Preface to find
out about major changes in this version.

vii

ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS
For users new to VAXsim, the tutorial manual Getting
VAXsim provides an extensive,
interactive exercise
program.

Started with
in using the

For more detailed information on VAX/VMS, refer to the current VAX/VMS
document set.
VAXsim Commands
The VAXsim user interface includes commands that allow the user to
control and manipulate a VAXsim session.
These commands fall into
four broad categories:
1.

Display Commands - Alter your display database by
removing nodes, and select graphic display modes

adding

Directional Commands - Allow for movement within
Tree Structure:
up, down, left, and right.

the

Special Commands
printing

such

Time Commands
Determine
the size and
location of
evaluation period:
from June 1 to June 5, for example.

the

Control

special

functions,

VAXsim

CONVENTIONS
The following conventions are used throughout this manual:
[]

Indicates that the enclosed item is optional.

Press the RETURN key to terminate command lines.

CTRL/n

Press the CTRL key and the letter key together.
CTRL/Z means to press the CTRL key and Z.

Indicates VMS command level, DCL.
Indicates that part of an example is not shown.

VAXsim>

Indicates that you are in the VAXsim program.
Information that you enter is preceded by this prompt.

Red type

Indicates user input; enter red text in capital
letters, such as DISPLAY LINE, exactly as shown.
Lowercase, red text indicates information you must
supply, such as ADD nodename list, where nodename list
is the list of nodes you want to add.
-

All examples in this document assume a VT100-compatible terminal with
Advanced Video Option (AVO), and, in the case of the Histogram display
mode, a ReGIS
(Remote Graphics Instruction Set)
terminal.
Other
options are described in Appendix B.
VAXsim is fully supported on all VAX processors.

viii

SUMMARY OF TECHNICAL CHANGES

VAXsim Version 2.0 contains many new features and changes that will
make the tool easier to use and understand.
These changes from
Version 1.1 are listed below.
General changes:
•

VAXsim now requires VMS Version 4.2 or greater.

•

All file names (except for the executable image) have changed
to better reflect their functions.

•

VAXsim now supports all VAX processors, from the MicroVAX
the largest VAX.

•

On a VAXcluster, a
used.

single

globally-accessible

database

Changes to the Display are:
•

A dedicated status display has been added that
shows
pertinent information at all times.
This information is
useful to the user to better interpret the information on the
display screen.

•

The command input area has been moved to the top of the
display.
This change allows more flexibility for displaying
information and corresponds to
formats of other Digital
applications.

•

ReGIS is off by default, even though the terminal may support
ReGIS.
This provides a much faster information flow.
Note
that to turn on the ReGIS support, the command
is REGIS ON
versus the Vl.l COLOR ON command.

•

VAXsim has been modified to take full advantage of VAXcluster
configurations.
The
top level display will now give the
VAXcluster name (VAX/VMS V4.4 or later) instead of individual
system
names.
Consequently,
all
display
levels are
simplified.
For example,
the DISK box now contains all
VAXcluster disks
regardless of physical connection.
This
makes it easier to zero in on problems without
regard to
physical architecture.

•

There are two new display modes for viewing
the
information
in the VAXsim database.
Consequently, the CHANGE command for
toggling between displays has changed for easier access to
the desired display.
The new command to switch between
display modes is:
DISPLAY BOX
DISPLAY LINE
DISPLAY HISTOGRAM
DISPLAY SUMMARY

for the original-version VAXsim display
for the original-version line mode
display
for a new graphic historical display
for a new summary of warning/alarm
conditions

•

Box mode display has changed in the following ways:
The number
in the display that gave the historical
average
is no
longer present,
since
its meaning was
ambiguous at the higher levels. The single number in the
box
is now the actual error count, and the severity is
(as before) indicated by the attributes of the box.
At the error classification level,
both numbers are
present.
Here,
the first number
is the actual error
count, and the second is the actual
threshold.
These
numbers show how far from a warning or alarm condition
the device is.
On an oversized display, the "more"
indicates how many
boxes are outside the display.
Therefore, this number is
directly related to the box numbers themselves.
Box numbers now start at 1 instead of 0.

•

Histogram is a graphic method of looking at error counts over
time.
It requires a ReGIS terminal (ReGIS will automatically
be turned on for this display)
and shows,
in bar-chart
format,
error counts over time.
It provides a method of
viewing past performance versus current error counts.

•

Summary is a single display that shows only devices that are
in a warning or alarm condition.
It is a means of viewing
systems status from one display.
It can be triggered via the
normal user interface or via the foreign command interface.

•

The Attributes box has been renamed to Node Info.
For a
VAXcluster, this information includes compute nodes and HSCs.

Changes to the user interface are the following:
•

The applications keypad on the LK201 keyboard may be used for
single keystroke commands.

•

Mistyped commands that are correctable by the
intelligent
command parser may be autocorrected.
That is, for certain
commands the (Correct?) prompt is not issued. Autocorrection
is an optional feature and is turned off by default.

Other changes follow:
•

You may now be notified of a warning or alarm condition via
VMS electronic mail.
A user modifiable command procedure
allows a flexible mechanism for
notification.
The OPCOM
notification of the past version is still
in place and
operates in conjunction with the mail notification.

•

VAXsim now contains an editor function that
is used as an
operations tool.
This mechanism may be used to purge the
database of obsolete records.

The following table summarizes changes between Version 1.1 and Version
2.0 VAXsim commands.

Table 1:

Summary of Version 2.0 Changes

Command

Nature of Changes

ADD

Nodenames now separated by commas rather than
spaces.

AUTOCORRECT ON/OFF

New command; enables or disables autocorrection
facility, which recognizes mistyped commands
and either executes intended commands or first
asks you for confirmation.

BACK

"Wraps around" from Branch #1 to highestnumbered branch in the current level.

BEFORE

Accepts TODAY and YESTERDAY arguments.

CHANGE

Eliminated from V2.0; replaced by DISPLAY with
additional qualifiers for alternate display
modes.

DISPLAY

New qualifiers specify alternate display modes:
LINE, SUMMARY, and (ReGIS terminals only)
HISTOGRAM. Line Mode is default for hardcopy
terminals.

"Wraps around" from highest-numbered branch to
Branch #1 in current level.

REMOVE

Nodenames now separated by commas rather than
spaces.

RIGHT and LEFT

Used alone, shift display by one whole screen;
used with offset, shift display by specified
number of boxes.

SHOW MESSAGE

New command.
Displays most recent broadcast
message in VAXsim Status Area.

SHOW MODE

New command.
Displays current mode and status
of Autocorrection, ReGIS, and Clipping features.

SHOW PARAMETERS

Displays evaluation period and other parameters
that affect the display.

REGIS

Formerly COLOR.

SINCE

Accepts TODAY and YESTERDAY arguments.

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

VAXsim, the VAX System Integrity Monitor, is a tool that allows users
to monitor the condition of their VAX systems, whether the systems are
stand-alone, clustered, or networked.
VAXsim provides easy access to
most of the
information sent to the VMS system error log.
However,
unlike the VMS error log, VAXsim information is immediately available.
VAXsim is a layered product.
It taps
into the VMS error logging
system so that errors
recorded by VMS are sent to VAXsim as well.
VAXsim examines these errors (filtering out some extraneous errors)
and builds a database of information for each device on which an error
has been logged. VAXsim uses this database to create its screen
display.
VAXsim thus differs
in operation and function
from the VAX/VMS
ANALYZE/ERROR LOG command
in the following ways.
The Analyze Error
Log utility, activated by this command, reports on errors after the
fact,
and does not continually monitor the ERRFMT process as VAXsim
does.
For additional comparison, see Figure 1-1.
Similarly, VAXsim differs from the VAX/VMS command SHOW ERROR in that
it offers historical information about VAXcluster-wide error counts.
Furthermore, VAXsim allows the user
to determine and adjust the
historical error evaluation periods, and also represents devices and
system levels fully.
Other important differences between VAXsim and these DCL commands
lie
in VAXsim's
retention of
its error database regardless of system
shutdown, and in VAXsim's graphic display modes, which are described
in this chapter.
Finally, VAXsim, unlike the SHOW and ANALYZE functions, is intended as
a high-level, or general, error examination tool.
That is, it should
prove useful at
identifying problem areas of the system,
and
discovering and tracking overall error trends.
It can be used in
conjunction with these DCL commands for finding and closely examining
error conditions across the system and over time.

1-1

INTRODUCTION

Device Drivers
VAX/VMS

ERRORS

ERRFMT Process

ERRORS

ERRORLOG File

Analyze/Error

VAX/VMS

VAXsim

VAXsim
Monitor

-PROCESSED
ERRORS

VAXsim
Database

~\
•••

•••

MR-S-4513-86

Figure 1-1:

The Relationship Between VAXsim and VMS

VAXsim consists of two major
Display function.

functions:

Monitor

process

and

VAXsim Monitor, a detached system process on each node,
bbtains and
accumulates new error and event
information.
The VAXsim Monitor
attaches itself directly to the VMS ERRFMT process using a -mailbox
interface.
The monitor is the active part of VAXsim; specifically, it
remains in a hibernation state until
it
is needed to process and
update
information from the system error
log.
When an error is
detected, VAXsim_Monitor immediately updates its historical database.
Figure 1-1 shows the
importance of the Monitor
in
recording system errors and in building the database.

tracking

and

Specifically, the Monitor looks at each record as it is written to the
VMS error log
(ERRLOG.SYS),
filters out extraneous entries, and
extracts the
information
it needs.
VAXsim database
information
includes
device
name,
device class,
error type
(hard,
soft,
informational, or media), an error summary code, the count,
and the
local
time.
The
VAXsim Monitor
is the only process writing
information to the historical-database file.

1-2

INTRODUCTION
While the Monitor is normally "invisible" to you the user, it is the
part of VAXsim that performs the work of recording error conditions
and maintaining the database.
VAXsim Monitor, however,
becomes
"visible" when it signals you--through OPCOM, MAIL, or otherwise--that
a warning condition is present.
Once the VAXsim Monitor has informed you, through OPCOM, of such a
warning condition,
you can call the other, visible part of VAXsim:
the Display function. Of course, it is possible to call a VAXsim
display without having been alerted by the Monitor.
However, it is
assumed that most system managers will use the displays when a warning
condition has been indicated.
The Display function provides displays of the following formats,
each
of which has its own specific uses, and tends to be associated with a
terminal type:
1.

Box Mode: The display database is arranged in a five-level
tree structure whose branches, or boxes, represent levels and
units.
The upper levels contain
node
and
subsystem
information.
The
lower
levels contain more detailed
information, including events, error messages,
and counts.
This mode is the default for all video terminals.

Line Mode: The database is presented as a list,
or textual
summary at several levels. This mode is the default for all
hardcopy terminals.

Summary Mode:
Brief summaries of any
messages are presented at several levels.

Histogram: The database is presented as bar charts showing
error
trends
over time at several levels.
Each bar
represents a time period. Histograms can be viewed only on
ReGIS (Remote Graphics Instruction Set) terminals.

Warning

Alarm

The Display function enables you to work interactively with the VAXsim
historical
database.
Any number of interactive VAXsim display
sessions can be active simultaneously,
independent of one another.
VAXsim uses
information from an historical database file to build a
display database in memory. These historical files can be located on
any node in a cluster or network running the VAXsim_Monitor process.
Interactive sessions affect only the display database; the historical
database remains
intact.
Using VAXsim commands, you can perform a
number of activities, such as displaying and printing error logging
activity,
updating the display database, and manipulating the (error)
evaluation period. VAXsim is fully supported on all VAX and ·MicroVAX
systems.

1.1

LAYERS OF THE TREE STRUCTURE

VAXsim employs a tree structure design composed of
levels as shown in Figure 1-2

1-3

five

hierarchical

INTRODUCTION

SYSTEM
NAME

SYSTEM

TAPE

DMAl

BUS

SUBSYSTEM

DRAO

UNIT

MEDIA

INFO

HARD

ERROR CLASS

Count : Explanation
1O : % NORMAL, normal successful completion
4 : % WASECC, successful transfer; no data check

Figure 1-2:

ERROR DETAIL

VAXsim Tree Hierarchy

A description of each level follows.
1.

System Level - Provides an overview of all nodes
(systems)
currently in the display database.
(In VAX/VMS Version 4.4
VAXcluster systems, a VAXcluster name appears at this level.)

Subsystem Level - Provides information about
within a particular node.

the

Unit Level - Provides
configuration.

device

information

each

subsystems
in

the

In a VAXcluster configuration, every system component that
has had error log activity will be recognized by VAXsim and
will be shown in any unit level display.
Clusterwide-available disks, therefore, will be displayed by
default--even though all VAX nodes in the VAXcluster system
have not been included in the display database.
Note also
that
in many VAXcluster configurations the presence of so
many devices will make the Box Mode display larger than the
screen display format; thus, the directional commands RIGHT
and LEFT will be useful in showing off-screen segments of the
Box Mode display.
4.

Error Classification
follows:

Level - Lists

errors

device

•

Device Errors - Hard, Soft, Media, Informational

•

Memory Errors - Hard, Soft

•

Events - Description, not necessarily errorr

1-4

INTRODUCTION
5.

Error Detail Level - Highlights and explains the current
errors and their count. The Error Detail level is the most
detailed. Messages are translations of VMS status codes,
MSCP status codes,
or other codes specific to the device
type.
Any error message shown with a count
outside the current evaluation period.

1.2

zero

was

logged

VAXSIM BLOCK DIAGRAM

In the VAXsim display structure, the System level is the root and each
branch becomes more detailed the further it is from the root.
To
simplify the viewing and highlighting of different components, VAXsim
uses the block diagram shown in Figure 1-3. Each block is composed of
the four elements listed below.
The numbers enclosed in
the
parentheses correspond the figure.
•

Branch Label {l) - Identifies your location in the tree using
familiar names of nodes, subsystems, devices, and so forth.

•

Counter Total {2) - Summarizes the error activity of this
branch within the evaluation period.
{Note that the default
period covers the previous 24 hours.) Each Counter Total is
the sum of all the counter totals from the next lower level.

•

Threshold
(3) - This
number
appears
only
at
Error
Classification Level.
It is a combination of the device
average error rate and weighted margin and indicates how far
the device is from triggering an error condition.
(At all
other levels of block diagrams, only the Counter Total
appears.)

•

Branch ID Number (4) - Enables you to tell VAXsim where you
want to move in the tree (when used with various commands).

1-5

INTRODUCTION

(1)

Branch Label
(2)

(3)*

Counter Total /Threshold
(4)

...____ Branch ID Number
NOTE
The
Threshold
(*3)
Classification Level.
Figure 1-3:

appears

only

Error

VAXsim Block Diagram

Figure 1-4 shows the block configuration, called Box
normally see on the screen display.

Since: 22-APR-1986 16:07
Before: 23-APR-1986 16:13

Margin: 15
Depth: 25

Mode,

that

you

Clipping: On
ReGIS:

Off

HAMLET

Disk

Event

-----5

Bus
0

---------3
HeMor~

0
~----4

r-------...
Tape
31_ _ 2
......__ _

Node_Info
....__ _ _ _ 6

Figure 1-4:
1.2.l

HAMLET Screen Display

A Look at the Status Area

At the top of the Box Mode display in the preceding figure, you will
notice the Status Area, which reports to you about various parameters
and settings currently in effect. The following is a brief summary of
the fields in the Status Area and the information they contain.
•

Since and Before
These fields define the current evaluation period that VAXsim
is using to count errors. The "Since" time is the start of
the period, and the "Before" time is the end of the period.
By default,
the Before or end time is the present, and the
Since or start time is nearly 24 hours ago. You can adjust
these times using the SINCE and BEFORE commands.

1-6

INTRODUCTION
•

Margin
This field refers to a sensitivity factor or value which
VAXsim uses to define normal error-rate fluctuation.
By
default, the Margin is 15.

•

Depth
This field indicates the number of evaluation periods used to
determine the Error Rate.
The default is 25.
You can alter
the number of periods using the DEPTH command.

•

Clipping
This field refers to a limiting factor which VAXsim uses
in
its calculation
in order to moderate the effects of very
short periods of unusually high error
rates.
Clipping
enables VAXsim to reflect error behavior more reliably.
By
default, Clipping is on. You can disable and enable
it by
using the CLIPPING command.

ReGIS
This field refers to the ReGIS (Remote Graphics Instruction
Set)
feature offered on VT125 and or VT24x terminals; the
feature allows the use of color and other graphic effects in
VAXsim displays.
By default, ReGIS is off.
You can enable
and disable it by using the REGIS command.

Commands and procedures affecting the Status Area parameters are
described in the appropriate chapters.
(In particular, Chapter 4
describes all VAXsim commands.) Also, the Status Area differs among
display modes--Histogram,
for example. Differences are described in
the appropriate sections.

1.2.2

"Phantom" Blocks

If for any reason VAXsim cannot obtain information about a branch
node,
or if you have added a nonexistent branch label, VAXsim
represents that branch by a dotted-line or "phantom"
block.
If you
add one nonexistent label, the subsystem level of that node will be
displayed; if you add more than one, other levels will be represented.
An error message
informing you that each node is nonexistent or
unavailable will also appear; for example, "Error opening BANQUO as
input."
Regardless of its cause, the meaning of a phantom node is simply
there is no basis for evaluating its error performance.

1-7

that

INTRODUCTION
A phantom block contains only the Branch Label and Branch
the figure illustrates

Number;

___ I __ _
I
I
I BANQUO I

I, ______
o
JI

Figure 1-5:
1.3

A Phantom Block

LINE MODE DISPLAY LIST

The Line Mode Display list presents the entire contents of the current
screen display in a concise text format.
On hardcopy or non-VT100
compatible terminals, VAXsim defaults to line mode.
On other video
terminals,
you can call Line Mode with the DISPLAY LINE command. To
return to Box Mode and print or display the block configuration, you
must use the DISPLAY command again.
Note that by default the command DISPLAY alone will
display.

produce

the

box

Figure 1-6 shows how the block configuration in Figure 1-4 looks
converted to Line Mode format.

when

Since: 22-APR-1986 16:07
eerorei 2J-err-1rrr 11;11

Ile•1 Disk
Nam,

0 I 0

HcaMOY'l:f

0 I 0

Warning
NorMal
NorMal

5 Event
6 Node_Info

0 I 0
0I 0

NorMal
NorMal

Tape

3 Bus
4

Figure 1-6:

53 I 0
31 I 0

Nor'M~l

HAMLET Line Mode Display

In comparing the block configuration diagram to the line mode display
list,
the Branch ID Number, located in the lower right-hand corner of
each block, becomes the Item in the list. The Branch Label,
located
on line one of each block, becomes the Name. The Counter Total and
Error Rate, located on line two of each block,
fall
in order under
Count and Threshold,
respectively.
(The Threshold column is valid
only at the lower levels, and thus is 0 here.)
Lastly, VAXsim translates the visual status condition verbally as
Status.
Where appropriate, device type information is included with
device name.
In Figure 1-6, all is normal except for the Disk
Warning condition.

1-8

item,

which

has

INTRODUCTION
1.4

SUMMARY MODE DISPLAY LIST

Summary Mode is a useful way to spot serious error conditions quickly.
This mode consists of a list of Warning and Alarm conditions, along
with error counts and the nodes on which they were recorded. A brief
example of Summary Mode follows:
Summary

Alarm

Warning
Warning
Warning
Warning
Warning

[count=
[count=
[count=
[count=
[count=

and

Warning

Conditions

21] on JULIET Disk $l$DUA152 CRA81) Soft
22] on JULIET Disk $1$DUA202 (RA81) Soft
256] on JULIET Tape $10$MFAO (TU78) Info.
3421] on JULIET Tape $10$MFAO CTU78) Soft
240] on JULIET Bus MERCUTSPAAO CCI750) Info.

Figure 1-7:

Summary Mode Display

If you issue a "VAXsim SUMMARY" command from DCL level, a banner
different from the one shown will appear at the top of the summary;
for instance:
Summary of VAXsim Status at 26-MAR-1986 22:52

1.5

THE HISTOGRAM DISPLAY (ReGIS TERMINALS ONLY)

The Histogram or bar-chart display is an alternate way of viewing the
database. The Histogram shows the historical error counts at levels 1
through 4. This type of display offers a number of advantages;
like
any bar chart,
the Histogram lets the viewer quickly identify
historical trends by obvious visual patterns.
The VAXsim Histogram is flexible, allowing you to specify not only the
period of time over which performance is reported, but also the way in
which this period is divided--into days, hours, minutes,
and so on.
For example, you can specify fifty "time bars" of three days each for
a Histogram showing error counts and trends over the past 150 days.
The default Histogram, however, displays error counts of 24 hours each
over twenty-five days from the current time.
To use the Histogram feature,
terminal (VT125 or VT24x) •

you

will

need

ReGIS-compatible

Essentially, the Histogram, displayed by the DISPLAY
HISTOGRAM
command,
is a graphic way of showing the relationship of errors and
time. On the bar chart, the "Y" axis (vertical) represents the error
count, and the
"X" axis (horizontal) represents the period of time
over which errors are reported. Each of the vertical bars, therefore,
also stands for a unit or division of time:
for example, 24 hours, 5
hours, or three days. The rightmost bar alone represents the current
SINCE and BEFORE times specified by the user.
All bars to the left
represent equal units of time, moving back--that is,
to
the
left--along the "X" axis.
If, for example, the SINCE and BEFORE values have not been altered
from their defaults the "bar width" will be approximately 24 hours.
The number of bars displayed can be determined by the current DEPTH
value.

1-9

INTRODUCTION
The start and end times for the entire Histogram are displayed at the
left and right ends of the X axis respectively.
The start time of the
bar with the highest error count is displayed directly above that bar,
which is also identified by a small "tick mark" at the top.
Here is an example of a Histogram display of disk level;
the numbers
enclosed
in parentheses refer to explanations below the figure.
Following these explanations are definitions of the status fields as
they uniquely affect the Histogram.
Since: 22-APR-1986 16:07
BM'ore: 23-APR-1'86 16:13

CD 215

Bar Uidth: 0 23:58:48
Depth:
2!J
-

___

"ax count: 215
"in Count: O

HAMLET

®!~':_R=1SS6 _1~:~s- _______________________ _

Y AXIS
(error
count•)

161

107

- - - - - -

®
0
@) 28-MAIH986 16:36

X AXIS {ti11e)
Figure 1-8:

The Histogram Display:

>
An Example

Maximum error count ((1))
Represents the highest error
count recorded;
in this case, the highest count was during
the 24 hours starting at 4:29 PM on April 3rd, 1986.
Starting time of highest error count, as noted above
((2)).
This time appears directly over the corresponding vertical
bar.
Current or most recent time bar ((3)) - Represents the period
between the specified SINCE and BEFORE times; in this case,
almost 24 hours during April 22-23,
1986.
This amount of
time
is the same for all preceding bars. Thus, the bar
immediately to the left represents the preceding 24 hours of
April 21-22--and so on.
Starting time of the first unit of time, or bar
((4)).
By
default, this time is about 25 days before the time specified
as the SINCE value.
Ending time of the last unit of time, or bar
((5)).
time is determined by the specified BEFORE value.

1-10

This

INTRODUCTION
The following status fields have unique meanings for the Histogram:
Bar Width:
the unit of time represented by each vertical
bar;
in this case,
it is the default--about 24 hours.
(VAXsim rounds off time values to seven-minute intervals
because it truncates VMS system time.)
Depth:
the number of uniform units of time, preceding the
current evaluation period, over which errors are counted; in
this case, it is the default--25 periods of about 24 hours
each, or approximately 25 days.
The Depth number plus one
equals the number of vertical bars. Depth can be set by the
user.
Max Count:
the highest error count within
evaluation period represented by the Histogram.
determines the top of the scale.

the
total
This number

Min Count:
the lowest
evaluation period.

the

error

count

within

It is important to remember the following points about the
of time by the Histogram display:

total

management

The last or rightmost bar represents only the currently
specified Since/Before time period.
Earlier bars represent
consecutive periods of the same duration.

With this in mind, the number of time bars or variable
evaluation periods can be altered with the DEPTH command.
From 1 to 80 bars/periods can be specified.

Therefore, the total time shown by the Histogram, though
dependent on the Since/Before "time slice" specified, is
extremely flexible because the number or Depth of time slices
or bars can be varied from 1-80.
To convey some idea of this
flexibility, here are some possible combinations:
Eight one-hour bars for a history of about one shift.
Seven 24-hour bars for a history of about one week.
Fifty seven-day bars for a history of about one year, or
Twelve thirty-day bars for the same historical period.

The manipulation of the Histogram display is described in more detail
in the next chapter, General Usage. See also the DISPLAY command in
Chapter 4, Command Reference.

1-11

CHAPTER 2
GENERAL USAGE

As noted in the Introduction, VAXsim's two major functions are the
Monitor process and Display function, and it is the Monitor process
{VAXsim Monitor} that provides error tracking, recording, and building
of the database as required.
The Display function, on the other hand, i~ the user interface,
providing convenient graphic and textual aids that enable you to
quickly identify problem areas, selectively view them, and recognize
error trends.
VAXsim offers four kinds of display, as described in
Chapter 1: Box Mode, Line Mode, Summary Mode, and the Histogram (for
ReGIS terminals only}.
Described in this chapter are the command
interface,
monitor
startup/shutdown,
database
management
methods,
time-period
adjustments, and special-function commands.

2.1

VAXsim COMMAND INTERFACE

The following conventions apply whenever you want to enter a command:
•

VAXsim is ready to receive a command
VAXsim> prompt.

when

•

After entering a command, you must press
the action to be taken.

•

You can string multiple commands together
backslash (\) or the vertical bar (I}.

displays

<RETURN>
by

VAXsim provides several advanced user interface features:

• Command Line Editor (CLE)

• Intelligent Command Parser
• Autocorrection
• Online HELP

• Multiple command format
• Foreign Command Interface

2-1

the

cause

using

the

GENERAL USAGE

2.1.1

Commands to Get You Started:

a Brief Look

The following table lists the commands you will find most useful
in
the first
stages of
learning about VAXsim. They are chiefly the
directional commands, which enable you to move about
in the VAXsim
display--both vertically and horizontally. Experimenting with these
commands will quickly acquaint you with the structure of the VAXsim
display and with some of the major functions.
For a detailed, hands-on tutorial on VAXsim, see
Started with VAXsim.
Table 2-1:

the

manual

Getting

Introductory VAXsim Commands

Use HELP for online assistance
General Function

Command/Examples

Command Function

Moving through the
display

DOWN
DOWN 2
DOWN DISK

Move to more detailed level;
specify branch
name or ID number.

ZOOM

Move down to next
or most severe
level of errors.

Move up to more
general level;
specify multiple
levels by number.

UP 2

TOP

Move to highest
level.

NEXT
NEXT 3

Move horizontally,
to higher-numbered
branch; specify
multiple moves by
number.

BACK
BACK 3

Move horizontally,
to lower-numbered
branch; specify
multiple moves by
number.

RIGHT and LEFT
RIGHT 11
LEFT 8

Display more information, in either
direction, of large
display.

2-2

GENERAL USAGE
Table 2-1:

Introductory VAXsim Commands (Cont.)

General Function

Command/Examples

Command Function

Selecting a display
mode.

DISPLAY

Select Box Mode,
Line Mode, Summary,
or Histogram display.
Defaults: Box for
VT terminals, Line
for hardcopy.

DISPLAY BOX (or DISPLAY)

DD
[list]

DISPLAY LINE

[summary]

DISPLAY SUMMARY

Adjusting evaluation
periods

2.1.2

DISPLAY HISTOGRAM

(ReGIS terminals}

SINCE
SINCE 10PM
SINCE l-MAY-86:8:00
SINCE YESTERDAY

Specify start time.
Default: about 24
hrs before end of
period.

BEFORE
BEFORE 9AM
BEFORE 7-MAY-86:1AM
BEFORE TODAY

Specify end time.
Default: now.

Command Line Editor (CLE)

Table 2-2 outlines VAXsim's Command Line Editor keys. Characters you
enter are added at the cursor position with the cursor moving to the
right. Pressing <RETURN> anywhere on the command line sends the
entire line to the Intelligent Command Parser.

2-3

GENERAL USAGE
Table 2-2:

Command Line Editor Keys

Key

Function

Left Arrow
Right Arrow
Up Arrow
Down Arrow

Moves cursor to left, toward beginning of line
Moves cursor to right, toward end of line
Recalls previous command in CLE buffer
Recalls next command in CLE buffer

Delete
Line Feed

Deletes character to left of cursor
Deletes left to the last complete command
element
Recalls earlier command from CLE ring buffer*
Redisplays the line
Deletes the line
Refreshes the screen
Exits VAXsim or HELP

CTRL/B
CTRL/R
CTRL/U
CTRL/W
CTRL/Z

* The CLE ring buffer stores the twenty most
recently entered
commands.
The twenty-first command replaces the first and so
on.

2.1.3

Intelligent Command Parser

The Intelligent Command Parser interprets abbreviated commands such as
H for HELP, DO for DOWN, NE for NEXT, Z for ZOOM, and so on.
In a few
cases, only the first letter of a command word need be typed; in most
cases, the first two letters must be typed.

2.1.4

Autocorrect Facility

Simply, Autocorrection is a feature of the Intelligent Command Parser
that
interprets and executes certain mistyped VAXsim commands, but
asks you to confirm other mistyped commands.
(This type of assistance
is generally know as DWIM:
Do What I Mean.)
Autocorrect
is disabled on startup.
To enable it,
issue
the
AUTOCORRECT ON command; to disable Autocorrect, issue AUTOCORRECT OFF.
Autocorrect asks you to confirm some commands because in certain cases
ambiguity could result in a "wrong guess" by Autocorrect-- which could
in turn cause unwanted and lasting effects such as loss of data.
If
the autocorrect "guess" is the command you meant to enter, just type
"Y" to the "(Correct?)" prompt.
If it is not,
type "N" and make
corrections using the command line editing features.
The following commands, if mistyped,
are confirmed by Autocorrect:
EXIT, REMOVE, SPAWN, WATCH, ADD, CLIPPING, CYCLE, and DEPTH.

2-4

GENERAL USAGE
All other commands will be executed immediately, providing that the
mistyped characters bear a
reasonable similarity to the correct
keyword.
While it would be
impractical to list all acceptable
mistypings for all commands here, the following examples should give
you some idea of Autocorrect's capability:
For
For
For
For

DOWN:
NEXT:
ZOOM:
HELP:

DWO, DW, WOW
NXE, NTX, NX
ZOM, ZM, ZMO, ZOT
HOLP, JELP, HLE

Once you confirm the corrected command (if necessary),
for recall.

2.1.5

stored

VT200 Keypad Commands

For your convenience, several keys on the editing keypads of VT200
Series
terminals
are
equivalent
to VAXsim command keywords.
Therefore, instead of typing these words (or abbreviations)
you can
simply type an editing key. The keys are described below:
•
•
•

<Find> key = ZOOM command
<Next Screen> key
DOWN command
<Prev Screen> key = UP command

Additionally, the following keys are equivalent to the HELP command:
the <PF2> key, located on the numeric keypad, and of course the <Help>
key. All these keypad equivalencies are noted
in Chapter 4,
the
Command Reference section.

2.1.6

Online HELP Facility

The HELP facility
subjects.
VAXsim
facililty.

provides online information about most VAXsim
HELP has the same format as the VMS online HELP

You can get into HELP mode by entering HELP with or without a
topic,
or by typing the <PF2> function key on VT100/200 Series terminals.
If
you enter HELP with no qualifier, VAXsim displays a variety of topics,
most with subtopics.
If you specify the topic, VAXsim displays the
actual Help message.
To leave HELP mode and return to your previous VAXsim
CTRL/Z or <RETURN>.

2.1.7

display,

press

Multiple Command Format

To save time moving within the box display, you can combine
using the vertical bar (I) or the backslash (\) as shown:
Example 2-1:

Multiple Command Format

VAXsim> ADD ARIEL,CALIBN,MIRANDIZOOM

2-5

commands

GENERAL USAGE
In this example, VAXsim adds the new nodes, ARIEL, CALIBN, and MIRAND,
and then identifies and moves to the most pressing error condition, if
one exists.
VAXsim accepts up to a 256 character multiple command.
If you include
either the CYCLE or WATCH command,
however, VAXsim executes that
command and ignores the remainder of the multiple command because you
must CTRL/C to terminate either of these two commands.

2.1.8

Foreign Command Interface

You can use the VMS DCL foreign command interface (as described in the
VMS documentation) to enter VAXsim with a command line to be executed
immediately. The VAXsim prompt is displayed after the foreign command
line is executed.
The exceptions are the SHUTDOWN, SUMMARY, and
REPORT commands where the VAXsim Monitor stops and you return to the
VMS command level.
Foreign commands are subject to the following two restrictions:
1.

There is no automatic command correction by
Command Parser.

the

Intelligent

The foreign command is not available for past command
from the CLE ring buffer.

recall

Foreign commands can be useful in a network environment, for example,
where you can define a foreign command to include a list of nodes.
You can use the foreign command to invoke VAXsim with node information
already in the display database and on the screen display.
If you end
the definition with a command separator (\) as shown, you can easily
extend the initial command sequence as needed.
For example:
$ VSIM := $VAXsim ADD ARIEL,CALIBN,MIRAND \
The following example demonstrates how you can use the previously
defined foreign command with the ZOOM command to move directly to a
suspected problem:
$ VSIM ZOOM

2.2

LOGICAL NAMES

Under normal circumstances VAXsim does not require any special logical
name definitions beyond the standard SYS$ names provided by VMS.
You
may use the following logical names to relocate VAXsim components:
•

VAXsim CLUSTER - Points to the historical database which may
be filed
in a directory other than SYS$ERRORLOG. Take care
to define VAXsim CLUSTER as a system-wide logical name before
starting the VAXsim Monitor process to assure that both the
Monitor and Display functions access the same historical
database file.

2-6

GENERAL USAGE

2.3

•

VAXsim CLUSTER$nodename - Describes how you want VAXsim
access-the historical database file when you add nodes.

•

VAXSIM$HELP - Points to VAXsim's
online
SYS$HELP:VAXsim$HELP.HLB is the default.

HELP

library.

VAXsim Monitor START-UP

Three of VAXsim's four essential files are
provided
on
the
file,
installation
medium.
VAXsim
creates
the
fourth
SYS$ERRORLOG:VAXsim CLUSTER.DATA, on site to collect error log data.
In order to keep the VAXsim database current, you should always have a
VAXsim_Monitor process actively monitoring the error log.
Start the VAXsim_Monitor process as follows:
$ @SYS$MANAGER:VAXsim$STARTUP
Once
started,
the
VAXsim Monitor
looks
for
an
existing
VAXsim CLUSTER.DATA database file to receive information.
If no file
If the
exists,
the VAXsim Monitor creates a new
(empty)
one.
it
VAXsim Monitor
finds a Vl.0 database on the current node,
automatically converts it to V2.0 format.
NOTE
To ensure that you collect all errors written to the
VMS error log file, start VAXsim as soon as possible
within the system start-up procedure.
Any error
information passed to the VMS error log file before
the VAXsim Monitor process starts,
is unseen
by
VAXsim.

2.4

VAXsim MONITOR SHUT-DOWN

You can stop the VAXsim Monitor process at any time provided you have
operator privileges
(OPER)
and system-access privileges (SYSPRV).
Include the following procedure as part of your system shutdown
procedure to allow for cleanup activity:
$ VAXsim := $VAXsim

$ VAXsim SHUTDOWN
NOTE
SHUTDOWN, abbreviated as SHUT, must be entered at
level.

2-7

DCL

GENERAL USAGE
2.5

MANAGING YOUR DISPLAY DATABASE

Information in your private display database remains static until
issue one of the following commands:
•

ADD

REMOVE

UPDATE

WATCH

•

CYCLE

you

VAXsim automatically reevaluates the display database each time you
enter one of these commands. The reevaluation consists of computing
the current Counter Total and the Error Rate for each
error
classification and altering the visual error status indicators as
necessary.

2.5.1

Adding Nodes

You can add nodes singly or in multiples to the display database
the ADD command as follows:

with

VAXSIM> ADD nodename list
where:

nodename list is a list of one or
separated by commas

valid

nodenames

A valid nodename can be a DECnet node specification (as described in
the DECnet-VAX documentation) or can match the nodename portion of a
corresponding VAXsim CLUSTER$nodename logical name definition.
While
it is possible to- include a DECnet access control string in a
nodename, note that the password may appear on the VAXsim display. It
is recommended that you place DECnet access control strings in
VAXsim_CLUSTER$nodename logical name definitions.
In the absence of a VAXsim CLUSTER$nodename logical name definition,
VAXsim uses nodename::SYS$ERRORLOG:VAXsim CLUSTER.DATA and attempts to
access the historical database file using-DECnet.
Whichever access method is used, SYS$ERRORLOG:VAXsim CLUSTER.DATA
supplies defaults for any unresolved parts of the file specification,
Regardless of the number of nodes you enter or their order of entry,
VAXsim arranges the nodes in alphabetical order on the display, as
shown in Figure 2-1. If you already have two nodes, HAMLET and LEAR,
numbered 1 and 2 respectively, and you add CAESAR, CAESAR becomes node
1 and HAMLET becomes node 2.

2-8

GENERAL USAGE

Since:
Before:

1-HAR-198~ 15:50
2-HAR-199£ 15:65

Hargin: 15
Derth: 25

Clipping: On
ReGIS:

Off

(Systems)
~E~R

0
--~---~-1

LEAR

HAMLET

Figure 2-1:
2.5.2

Adding Nodes Display

Removing Nodes

You can remove nodes singly or in multiples from the display
with the REMOVE command as follows:

database

VAXsim> REMOVE nodename list
where:

nodename list is a list of one or
separated by commas.

valid

nodenames

A valid nodename is one of the nodenames displayed at the System
level.
You must specify the nodename exactly as you entered it with
the ADD command when you placed it into your display database.
Regardless of the number of nodes you remove or their order of entry,
VAXsim maintains the alphabetical oider by compacting the list and
renumbering as needed.
If you have three nodes, CAESAR, HAMLET,
and
LEAR, numbered 1, 2, and 3 respectively, and you remove CAESAR, HAMLET
becomes node 1, as shown in Figure 2-2.

2-9

GENERAL USAGE

Since:
Before:

1-HAR-1986 15:50
2-HAR-198' 16:65

Hargin: 15
Depth: 25

(Systems)

Clipping: On
ReGIS:
Off

HAMLET

0
'--~--~-1

Figure 2-2:

Removing Nodes Display

NOTE
The ADD and REMOVE commands affect your display
database only.
When you remove a node from your
display it does not affect the information contained
in the
(SYS$ERRORLOG:VAXsim CLUSTER.DATA) historical
database file residing on that node.

2.5.3

Adding and Removing Devices

The VAXsim Monitor adds a new device when it receives the first
log record for that device.
Devices are not removed.

2.5.4

error

Updating the Database

While you are examining information in your private display database,
new data may be accumulating in the historical database file(s).
Use
the UPDATE command at any time to obtain the latest information.
Th~re
are two options available with the UPDATE command. You can
update the display database for a single node or you can force VAXsim
to update the entire display database.
To update a single node, enter the UPDATE command while you are
working within the desired node.
The UPDATE command modifies the data
for that node only.
·
To update every node in the display database, go to the System Level
and enter the UPDATE command or enter UPDATE/ALL from anywhere in the
tree.

2-10

GENERAL USAGE
UPDATE rereads the database file on the node and overlays existing
display data to
reflect any changes.
Every node in the display
database will be updated from the active hosts.
If the host is inaccessible, VAXsim displays a message.
If a file
is
inaccessible for
any
reason, your previous display database remains
intact because information is not being deleted, only replaced.

2.5.5

Dynamic Display Mode

VAXsim offers two dynamic (non-interactive) display modes for periodic
refreshing on a dedicated screen display.
The WATCH command freezes a single display on your screen and updates
it periodically to show current information. VAXsim stays in dynamic
display (WATCH) mode, updating the database every seven minutes, until
you press CTRL/C to return to interactive mode.
The CYCLE command fixes VAXsim on one level of
the display database
and pauses at each display.
The amount of time spent at each display
defaults to ten seconds but can be changed.
At the end of each
complete display sequence, VAXsim determines if at least seven minutes
have elapsed since the last update. When seven minutes pass, VAXsim
updates the information before repeating the display sequence. VAXsim
stays in dynamic display (CYCLE) mode until you press CTRL/C to return
to
interactive mode and the screen display from which you entered the
CYCLE command.

2.6

EXAMINING YOUR DISPLAY DATABASE

Each branch of VAXsim's display database offers a
accumulated error log data.

different

The following commands provide the means to the database:

DOWN

•

ZOOM

•

TOP

BACK

•

RIGHT

LEFT

2-11

view

GENERAL USAGE
2.6.1

Moving Down (DOWN, ZOOM)

To move to a more detailed level of information, you can use the DOWN
command or ZOOM command. DOWN always moves you one level, expanding
upon one of the blocks from your previous display. You select a block
by specifying its Branch ID number or branch label. If you omit the
Branch ID number, VAXsim choses one for you based upon error status
and a Counter Total/Threshold comparison. If you enter just a Branch
ID number as a command itself, VAXsim defaults to the DOWN command.
ZOOM, an extension of the DOWN command, enables you to descend
multiple levels in a single operation.
You can specify a branch
exactly as you do with the DOWN command. ZOOM quickly pinpoints one
or more rising error rates.
If only one rising error rate exists, the
ZOOM command moves down the entire branch to the bottom level.
If
more than one rising error rate exists, the ZOOM command moves down
the common branch as far as it can and stops where you must decide
which error to investigate.
ZOOM is equivalent to DOWN when no error status conditions exist.
In Figure 2-3, if you are at A and enter the DOWN command,
moves you to B.
If you enter ZOOM, VAXsim moves you to E.

VAXsim

SYSTEM

SUBSYSTEM

UNIT

ERROR CLASS

ERROR DETAIL

Figure 2-3:
2.6.2

DOWN/ZOOM Command Illustration

Moving Up (UP, TOP)

To move up to a less detailed level of information, you can use either
the UP or TOP command. The UP command is the opposite of the DOWN
command because it moves you up one display level at a time toward the
root of the display database tree. Since there is only a single path
from any location up to the root, there is no concept of selecting an
ascending path. You can, however, ascend multiple levels in a single
operation by entering the UP command with an offset or by entering the
TOP command.

2-12

GENERAL USAGE
TOP always moves you directly to the System level from any location in
the tree.
In Figure 2-4, if you are at D and enter the UP command, VAXsim moves
you to C.
If you enter the TOP command, you go to A, the System level
(root of the tree).

SYSTEM

SUBSYSTEM

UNIT

ERROR CLASS

ERROR DETAIL

Figure 2-4:
2.6.3

UP/TOP Command Illustration

Moving Sideways (NEXT, BACK)

You can use either the NEXT or BACK command to move in a positive or
negative direction on a single level of the tree.
Enter an offset
value with the command to move more than one position.
As shown in Figure 2-5, if you are at A and enter NEXT 2, VAXsim moves
you to c.
If you are at c and enter BACK, VAXsim moves you to B.

2-13

GENERAL USAGE

SYSTEM

SUBSYSTEM

UNIT

ERROR CLASS

ERROR DETAIL

Figure 2-5:
2.6.4

NEXT/BACK Command Illustration

Viewing Oversized Screen Displays (RIGHT, LEFT)

In some larger system configurations you may find that your screen
display is too small to show all the branches available at a given
level. When this occurs, VAXsim displays as many blocks as it can and
indicates the presence and number of unseen blocks with a "More"
message near the edge of the screen display where information remains
to be shown; the number of unseen boxes will also be indicated. When
"More" appears at the right edge of the screen display, you can use
the RIGHT command to shift your display horizontally to reveal the new
information.
Conversely, use the
LEFT
command
to
redisplay
information shifted off the left side.
The RIGHT and LEFT commands used by themselves shift
one whole screen.

the

display

To shift your screen by a specified number of boxes, use the RIGHT and
LEFT commands with an offset:
VAXsim> RIGHT 2
Figure 2-6 shows
right-hand side.

screen

display

2-14

with

information

the

GENERAL USAGE

;:t.Lflli~.

,...=---·

2-MAR-193~

Before:

3-"AR-1996 16:64

1§:48

. ___ :_.

• ic:

Deeth:

Odq;.Lflo

r•=--:--• n_
Ull

" l .lf'f' .111~ •

.L;J

ReGIS:

Off'

HAMLET

iiUDYAO

S1$DUA103

$1$DUA154
0

$1$DUA152

$1$DUA101

20 More->

<-3 More
$1$DUA102
0

$1$DUA153

$1$DUA109
0
7

i1$DUA100

$1$DUA104

$1$DUA151

-9

Figure 2-6:

Oversized Screen Display

Figure 2-7 shows the new screen display
command.
Since:
Before:

$1$DUA170

2-HAR-1986 15:48
3-ttAR-1986 15:54

after

you

enter

the

RIGHT

Clipping: On

"3rgir" 15
Depth: 25

ReGIS:

Off

HAMLET Disk

$1$DUA171

$1SDUA202

$2$DUA111

$2$DUA123

0
.__________ 22

0
'-----26

.__----30

.__---1a

$1$DUA173

$2$DUA108

$2$DUA121
0

28J
6 More->

<-17 More
$1$DUA200

$2$DUA122

$2$DUA110
0

$2$DUA107

$2$DUA120

$1$DUA172
0
19

Figure 2-7:

$2$DUA174
0

RIGHT Command Illustration

Since the "6 More" message is still on the right-hand side of the
screen display,
there are still 6 more unseen blocks to the right
which can be displayed.
Enter LEFT to move back to the original screen display shown in Figure
2-6.

2-15

GENERAL USAGE
2.7

VISUAL ERROR STATUS INDICATORS

VAXsim uses special visual effects to emphasize areas within your
display database exhibiting a sudden increase in the error rate.
Error rates are evaluated at the most detailed level and compared to a
threshold value.
The result of this comparison determines the status
indicator to be applied to the Error Detail level. A status indicator
identifies one of three possible conditions:
•

Normal - Error rates fall below thresholds.

•

Warning - The Soft error rate exceeds the threshold
Hard error rate is approaching the threshold.

•

Alarm - The Hard error rate exceeds the threshold.

the

Error Detail level status indicators are propagated upward through
each successive level of the database so that the status of an upper
branch is derived from its subordinate branches and always
reflects
the worst condition at any lower level.

NOTE
Visual error status indicators are
intended to draw
your attention to areas that may require further
investigation before repair actions are initiated.
Table 2-3 outlines how visual
various terminal devices.
Table 2-3:

error

status

indicators

appear

Visual Error Status Indicators

Terminal Type

Normal

Warning

Alarm

VT100 Compatible
with AVO

Outline

Solid Reverse
Video Outline

Blinking Reverse
Video

··-----VT100 Compatible
without AVO

Outline

Reverse Video
Outline

Solid Reverse
Video

Color Option

Green

Yellow Outline

Solid Red

2-16

GENERAL USAGE
2.8

TIME COMMANDS (SINCE, BEFORE)

When a device or node has a history of errors, it is useful to go back
into the database to look at historical information. By adjusting the
evaluation period, you can pinpoint possible trends or factors
contributing to warning and alarm conditions. The evaluation period
is the range of time over which the display database is evaluated.
The information you see on the VAXsim display relates directly to the
evaluation period you select.
(See Chapter 3, Technical Notes, for
additional information on the error rate evaluation algorithms.) You
can adjust the start and the end of the evaluation period by time,
date, or both.
To adjust the Start time, you use the SINCE command.
To adjust the
End time, you use the BEFORE command. The default for SINCE is 24
hours prior to the End time. The default for BEFORE is now.
VAXsim normally displays error activity for the previous 24 hours.
NOTE
VAXsim rounds off all time values to seven-minute*
intervals.
As a result, all time tags default to the
beginning of the time interval in which they occur,
including times that you enter. For this reason, the
Status Area fields may not mirror the exact time you
specify.
* Each time
entered
falls
into
a
range
of
approximately
seven
minutes.
The interval is
derived by taking the standard VMS 64 bit system
time and truncating it to the first 32 bits.
The following sections describe the formats for entering time period
specifications in VAXsim--both absolute and delta. VAXsim accepts the
VAX/VMS time/date specification formats, as well as allowing certain
convenient extensions; for appropriate notes on this format, see the
section following the VAXsim time formats.
1

2-17

GENERAL USAGE
2.8.1

Absolute Time

VAXsim absolute time uses the following format:
SINCE
BEFORE

}

[ dd-mmm [- [ yy] yy] [:]] [ hh: mm: SS. cc [AM/PM]]

where:

=
mmm =

Day of the

yyyy

Year (19 is optional)

hh =

Hours

Minutes (0-59)

Seconds (0-59)

cc =

Hundredths of seconds (0-99)

month (1-31)

One of the following three-character
abbreviations:
JAN, FEB, MAR, APR,
MAY, JUN, JUL, AUG,
SEP, OCT, NOV, DEC

Additionally,
you
specification:

can

(0-24)

the

following

absolute

time

You can attach AM or PM to a time.

You can use a two-digit year (86 instead of 1986).

You can specify the keywords YESTERDAY and TODAY, as defined
in the VAX/VMS time specification format.
Meanings follow:
YESTERDAY specifies a time of approximately midnight of
the previous date.
TODAY specifies a time of approximately midnight of the
current date.

Additionally,
the keyword TOMORROW
approximately midnight tomorrow.

specifies

You can use these keywords in combination with delta
example, the command

time

times;

for

SINCE YESTERDAY-3
sets the Begin time to about 9:00 PM yesterday--that is, 3
before midnight of yesterday.

hours

As with VMS, any parameters you omit default to the current values.
The following series of examples show how you can use absolute time to
adjust the current evaluation period. If you are going to enter the
commands at your screen display, start with the first example and
enter each example in the order shown.

2-18

GENERAL USAGE
Example 2-2:

Command

Absolute Time Format

From

SINCE 00:00\BEFORE
SINCE l-JAN-86:7PM
SINCE 15-MAR

To
Now
Now
Now

SINCE l-MAR-86:8:00

Midnight
7:00 PM, January 1, 1986
Current time, March 15th,
Current year
8:00 AM, March 1, 1986

BEFORE 15:00
BEFORE 15-MAR-86:9:30

8:00 AM, March 1, 1986
8:00 AM, March 1, 1986

3:00 PM today
9:30 AM, March 15,
1986

Now

To reset the evaluation period to the current date and time,
reenter
the same time commands without parameters.
If you adjusted the
evaluation period with SINCE and BEFORE, Eor example,
to
reset the
evaluation period to the current 24 hours, you enter:
VAXsim> SINCE\BEFORE

2.8.2

Delta Time

VAXsim delta time uses the following format:
SINCE
BEFORE

}

[dddd]

[hh:mm:ss.cc]

where:
dddd

Days (0-9999)

Hours

Minutes (0-59)

Seconds (0-59)

Hundredths of seconds (0-99)

(0-24)

As with VMS, any parameters you omit default to the current values.
Absolute time fixes the Start and End times;
delta time fixes the
duration of the evaluation period itself. When you start VAXsim, for
example, the evaluation period defaults to the 24 hours ending with
the current, local system time.
As time moves, so does the evaluation
period.
The default evaluation period equals the following delta time:
VAXsim> SINCE l\BEFORE "0 00:00:00"

2-19

GENERAL USAGE
To reset the evaluation period to the 24 hours ending with current,
local,
system time,
you can enter the following commands that are
equivalent to the default evaluation period just described:
VAXsim> SINCE\BEFORE
The format for using delta time is the same for both VAXsim time
commands,
however,
their point of reference differs.
The SINCE
command is always dependent on the BEFORE command for
its point of
reference.
Because it
is a delta time, SINCE is the span of time
prior to the BEFORE time. SINCE 3 means the three days preceding the
BEFORE time.
The BEFORE command uses the current, local, system time as
its point
of reference.
Because it is a delta time, BEFORE is the span of time
prior to now. BEFORE "0 5:00" means the evaluation period ending five
hours ago.
The following series of examples show how you can use delta time
to
adjust the current evaluation period.
If you are going to enter the
commands at your screen display, start with the first example and
enter each example in the order shown.
Example 2-3:

Command

Delta Time Format

From

SINCE 7
SINCE "0 3:00"

7 days ago
3 hours ago

Now
Now

BEFORE 4

4 days, 3 hours ago

4 days ago

To reset the evaluation period to the current date and time,
reenter
the same time commands without parameters.
If you adjusted the
evaluation period with SINCE and BEFORE, for example,
to reset the
evaluation period to the current 24 hours, you enter:
VAXsim> SINCE\BEFORE

2.8.3

Notes on VAX/VMS Date/Time Specifications

As noted, VAX/VMS specification formats for absolute and delta times
are accepted by VAXsim.
For detailed descriptions of these formats,
you can issue the DCL command HELP SPECIFY,
or consult the VAX/VMS
Digital Command Language Dictionary.
The VAX/VMS formats for specifying absolute times follow:
[dd-mmm-yyyy:hh:mm]
TODAY, YESTERDAY, TOMORROW

2-20

GENERAL USAGE
The following examples illustrate the formats:
Command

From

SINCE l-JAN-86:9:30

9:30 AM, January 1, 1986

Now

SINCE 3-FEB-1986:14:00

2:00 PM, February 3, 1986

Now

SINCE YESTERDAY

24 hours ago

Now

The specification BEFORE TODAY can also be entered, although the
VAXsim BEFORE specification is the current time and date ("now") by
default.

2.9

ADJUSTING THE CURRENT EVALUATION PERIOD

Before you adjust the time, you must determine the current evaluation
period and how you want to change it.
This section discusses the
following variations of absolute and delta time and provides examples
of each:
•

Absolute Start and Absolute End Times

•

Delta Start and Absolute End Times

•

Absolute Start and Delta End Times

•

Delta Start and Delta End Times

In all the following examples, it is important to remember that even
if you update your display database with the ADD, REMOVE, UPDATE,
WATCH, or CYCLE commands, the new data only appears on your screen
display if it falls within the evaluation period you define.

2.9.1

Absolute Start and Absolute End Times

You can use a fixed evaluation period to determine the error reporting
for a particular period of time.
Figure 2-8 shows an evaluation
period where both the Start and End times are absolute.

Current Evaluation
Period
System
March 1, 1986
March 15, 1986
Now
Base
8:00 AM _ _ A _ _ 9:30 AM
Time _ _ _ _ _ _ _
r_ _~-------- . Time
VAXsim> SINCE 1-MAR-86:8:00\BEFORE 15-MAR-1986:9:30

Figure 2-8:

Absolute Start and Absolute End Times Illustration

2-21

GENERAL USAGE
The evaluation period is fixed at the two week period starting
March 1, 1986 at 8:00 AM and ending on March 15, 1986 at 9:30 AM.

2.9.2

Delta Start and Absolute End Times

Figure 2-9 shows an example of
times.

how

combine

delta

and

absolute

Current Evaluation
Period
System
March 14.1986
March 15. 1 986
Now
Base
9 30 AM ~9 30 AM
T i m e - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - .. Time
VAXsim · SINCE\BEFORE 15-MAR-1986:9:30AM

Figure 2-9:

Delta Start and Absolute End Times Illustration

In this example, the End time is fixed at March 15, 1986 at 9:30 AM.
The SINCE command, with no parameters,
defaults to the 24 hours
previous to the BEFORE time (March 14, 1986 at 9:30 AM).
The SINCE
time is a delta time but because it uses the BEFORE time as its point
of reference and the BEFORE time in this example is fixed,
the SINCE
time is effectively fixed.
The Delta Start and Absolute End times format is useful for moving to
and examining various evaluation periods of the same duration. By
setting the BEFORE time to a series of dates, you can see VAXsim's
report for each day,
such as BEFORE 16-MAR, BEFORE 17-MAR, and so
forth.

2.9.3

Absolute Start and Delta End Times

Figure 2-10 shows another variation of combining
times.

absolute

and

Current Evaluation
Period
System
Base
8:00 AM~ Now
Time - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ... Time
VAXsim> SINCE 8:00AM\BEFORE

Figure 2-10:

Absolute Start and Delta End Times Illustration

2-22

delta

GENERAL USAGE
In this example, the Start time is fixed at 8:00 AM this morning. The
BEFORE time is now and, therefore, moves with time.
As time
progresses, the evaluation period expands.
You can use the evaluation period shown in Figure 2-10 to monitor an
error rate for a newly repaired device, for example, where the Start
time is equal to a time just after the repair. Because the End time
is a delta time equal to the current system time, new data added to
the display database affects the evaluation period, provided you enter
an ADD, REMOVE, UPDATE, WATCH, or CYCLE command.
You can also use the Absolute Start and Delta End times format to
examine all errors in the database by fixing the Start time at the
system base date and time as follows:
VAXsim> SINCE 17-NOV-1858:00:07\BEFORE
The new evaluation period, shown in Figure 2-11,
extends
system base time to the current, local system time.

from

the

Current Evaluation
Period
System
Base ~------__,,_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.Now
Time - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - . -

. .Time

VAXsim> SINCE 17-NOV-1858:00:07\BEFORE

Figure 2-11:
2.9.4

Evaluation of Entire Database Illustration

Delta Start and Delta End Times

Figure 2-12 shows a moving evaluation period where both the Start and
End times are delta times.
VAXsim uses this format to track the
default evaluation period of 24 hours prior to the current,
local,
system time.

2-23

GENERAL USAGE

Current Evaluation
Period
System
Base
~Now
Time - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ... Time

~Now

... Time

VAXsim> SINCE 1\BEFORE "O 00:00:00"
or
VAXsim> SINCE\BEFORE

Figure 2-12:

Delta Start and Delta End Times Illustration

Because the SINCE time uses the BEFORE time as its point of reference,
it moves with time, always maintaining the 24 hour evaluation period.
You can also use the Delta Start and Delta End time format to move
back in the database.
If you enter SINCE\BEFORE 1, for example,
VAXsim shifts the evaluation period to the 24 hours ending one day ago
as shown in Figure 2-13.

Current Evaluation
Period
System
Now
Base
~
T i m e - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - . . . . , . . ... Time
VAXsim> SINCE\BEFORE 1
System
Now
Base
~
T i m e - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ... Time
VAXsim> BEFORE 2

Figure 2-13:

Delta Time Illustration

Once you specify the Delta Start time, it remains the same until you
change it.
To move the evaluation period back another day to the 24
hours ending two days ago, you enter:
VAXsim> BEFORE 2

2.10

SHOW COMMANDS

The SHOW commands display a variety of information on such matters as
parameter settings,
defaults, messages,
and the status of certain
VAXsim features:
e

SHOW MODE

SHOW PARAMETERS

•

SHOW VERSION

2-24

GENERAL USAGE
2.10.1

SHOW MODE Commmand

The SHOW MODE command lets you know the current display mode
Line, Summary, Histogram), along with the following information:
described

Section

2.1.4,

•

Whether Autocorrection,
currently on or off.

•

Whether Clipping, described in Section 3.3, is currently on
or off.
(Clipping applies a sort of 'ceiling' that moderates
VAXsim's response to localized error-count peaks.)

•

Whether the ReGIS feature,
which controls color on ReGIS
terminals, is on or off.
(This feature is off by default.)

The display produced by SHOW MODE replaces the Status Area at the
of the screen, and looks like this:
Display Mode:
Box
Autocorrection: Off

top

ReGIS:
Off
Clipping: On

To refresh the normal Status Area display,
command (described below).

2.10.2

(Box,

enter

SHOW

PARAMETERS

SHOW MESSAGE Command

The SHOW MESSAGE command enables you to display, in the Status Area,
the most recently received broadcast message:
for example, a MAIL
message or a message from the operator.
If there has not been a
broadcast message to your terminal during the current VAXsim session,
SHOW MESSAGE will so inform you.

2.10.3

SHOW PARAMETERS Command

The SHOW PARAMETERS commmand is of particular use when the Status Area
information at the top of the screen is disrupted for some reason:
an
error or MAIL message, for example.
SHOW PARAMETERS
refreshes the
status display.
Typing a CTRL/W will refresh the entire display.

2.10.4

SHOW VERSION Command

The SHOW VERSION command enables you to display the version number of
the VAXsim program you are running.
This information must be supplied
when reporting errors or problems.

2-25

GENERAL USAGE
2.11

RELATIONSHIPS AMONG THE DISPLAY MODES

The descriptions in this chapter of the directional and time commands
have assumed the use of Box Mode, the default for video terminals.
These commands, however, apply as well to the other modes:
Line Mode
and Histogram.
The major differetice, however, from the user's point
of view is that the directional commands are specifically designed for
Box Mode, where there is a visible "map" of syst~m levels. Thus,
commands such as NEXT, BACK, LEFT, and TOP will make obvious visual
"sense"
in the box display, but will be less obvious in the other two
modes.
This is not to say that such commands cannot be useful if you decide
to save time and keystrokes by not using DISPLAY to switch modes.
If
you have a clear sense of where the current Histogram or Line Mode
display is located within the system, you can produce the desired
display in the same mode by simply issuing the appropriate directional
command.
For example, if the current display is a Histogram of disk
unit DBA3, and you wish to produce a Histogram of disk unit DBA2,
you
can enter a BACK command to do so without changing display modes.
Similarly, the ZOOM or DOWN command,
issued from a system level
Histogram or Line Mode display, will produce a display, in the same
mode, that is one or more levels down.
Thus, any directional command can be entered from any display mode;
there are obviously many possibilities, too numerous to describe here.
Your own experimentation and use of VAXsim will help determine which
of these commands make sense in the alternative display modes.
The time commands--BEFORE, SINCE, and DEPTH--work essentially the same
for Box and Line Mode,
but have some different implications for
Histograms. The difference in effect can be summed up by saying that
in Histogram mode, the time commands are generally used to project the
evaluation period into the past. For example, if you use SINCE and
BEFORE to specify an evaluation period of four days, that evaluation
period represents one bar on the Histogram chart. So assuming a DEPTH
default of 25, the entire Histogram will display error tracking over a
total period of about 104 days.
Should you change the BEFORE/SINCE period to three hours and the DEPTH
to the maximum of 80, the entire Histogram will display errors over a
total period of some 240 hours or about 10 days.
The significant point to remember is that in specifying the length and
number of evaluation periods, you are specifying the uniform size of
the Histogram's "time slices" and how many it
will
contain.
Obviously,
many combinations of length and number are possible, and
experimentation will help you determine the most useful of these.
The following diagram shows all three types of display for the same
level--in this case, the subsystem level. Note in particular the time
relationship between the Histogram and the standard modes:
Box and
Line.

2-26

Figure 2-14:

Relationship of the Three Display Modes
Histogram

Since: 22-APR-1986 16:07
Before: 23-APR-1986 16:13

Box Mode

Bar Width: 0 23:58:48
Depth:

"ax count: 215

Since:

"in Count: 0

22-APR-1986 16:07

ttargin: 15

..!!f.th: 25

Before: 23-APR-198' 16: 13

HAMLET

Clipping: On

ReGIS:

Off

1-W'!LET

3-APR-1986 16:29

Event

215- - - - - - - - - L..-. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

'-------5
Bus

161- - - - - - -

.__-......--3

- .~

107- - - - - - -

N
-..J

.
I -~Info .l

11-~

I}•m

O28-MAR-1986 16:36

tz:I

:::a

>
l;"'t

23-APR-1986 16:13

c
en

>
G)

/L-;;:::;-

tz:I

~
Depth - periods

25 evaluation

Most recent time bar represents current
evaluation period: 24 hours. Note the
Since/Before fields .

•

Since: 22-APR-1986 16:07
Before: 2J-APR-t99G tG:tl
Item Name

1 Disk
2

Tape

3 Bus
4- MeMOY1f

5 Event

6 Node_Info

Line Mode

"argin: 15
Depth: 25
HAMLET
Count I Threshold

53 I 0
31 i 0
0I O

0 I 0
0 I 0
0I 0

•

Clipping: On

RaClS:

Status

Warning
Norrital
NorMal
Norfl\al
NorMal

NorMal

Off

GENERAL USAGE
Finally, it is important to remember that the Histogram's point of
view is historical rather than "geographical"; that is, it sums up the
error history of an entire level
(such as device level)
without
indicating the errors for individual nodes within that level.

2.12

NOTIFY COMMAND

Changes in error status conditions can now be broadcast to an operator
with a NOTIFY command, which uses the same principles as the VMS REPLY
(/ENABLE, /DISABLE) command.
The NOTIFY command also permits you to specify that these notification
messages
be delivered by the VMS MAIL facility.
The command
specification in this case is an operator class, MAIL_MESSAGE.
NOTIFY must be entered through the VAXsim EDITOR function,
and only
through the DCL foreign command interface. The NOTIFY command will
not be accepted within the VAXsim program.
The format of the command is as follows:

$ VAXsim EDITOR NOTIFY/ENABLE = list
$ VAXsim EDITOR NOTIFY/DISABLE = list
where:

list = Desired class(es) of operators.
The list conforms to DCL syntax where multiple items must
be separated by commas and enclosed in parentheses.

VAXsim puts the
record in the database with the parameters you
specified but the Monitor does not see the record until you shut down
and restart the Monitor process.
If no NOTIFY record exists when the
Monitor starts,
the broadcast message goes to the system console
(CENTRAL) only.
You can determine which operator classes are currently enabled
examining the Node Info block found at the subsystem level.
The following subsections describe the NOTIFY command options:

2-28

GENERAL USAGE
2.12.l

NOTIFY/ENABLE = list

Specifies the operator class(es)
to receive the NOTIFY broadcast
message at their terminal.
You can use the EDITOR NOTIFY/ENABLE
command any number of times to add new operator classes.
Note,
however,
that NOTIFY/ENABLE writes to the database file only.
In
order for the command to take effect, you must shut down and restart
the Monitor process.
Once you specify a class, it is enabled until
you disable the class with the NOTIFY/DISABLE command and the
shutdown/start-up procedure.
New NOTIFY/ENABLE commands do not affect
the existing enabled classes.

2.12.2

NOTIFY/DISABLE = list

Identifies the operator class(es)
that
broadcast message at their terminals.

not

receive

the

NOTIFY

It is recommended that you disable all
enable any classes:

operator

classes

before

$ VAXsim EDITOR NOTIFY/DISABLE=ALL
NOTE
The NOTIFY command must be entered at DCL level as a
foreign command and can be abbreviated as EDI NOTI/D
or EDI NOTI/E.
You can enter both the /DISABLE and /ENABLE options in
the same command line. VAXsim performs the disables,
first and then the enables, regardless of their order
in the command line.
Table 2-4 lists default operator class names:
Table 2-4:

Default Operator Class Names

Standard VMS

Site-Specific

VAXsim-Specific

NETWORK
CLUSTER
CENTRAL
DEVICES
DISKS
TAPES
PRINTER
CARDS
SECURITY

OPERl
OPER2
OPER3
OPER4
OPER5
OPER6
OPER7
OPER8
OPER9
OPER10
OPERll
OPER12

ALL*
ERRORLOG FILE#
MAIL MESSAGE

*The ALL qualifier enables or disables all the operator
classes plus the system console.
#The ERRORLOG FILE qualifier writes the NOTIFY message to the
error log file so that it appears on VMS error analysis reports.
2-29

you

GENERAL USAGE
2.13

SPAWN COMMAND

The SPAWN command enables you to create a subprocess to execute
commands
without
disturbing the VAXsim display database.
following mutually exclusive options are available:

DCL
The

•

SPAWN/WAIT - The default; when you enter the DCL command on
the same line as this command, control automatically returns
to VAXsim on completion of the DCL command. When you enter
this command without a DCL command line, the $ prompt appears
showing that you are at DCL level.
You can execute as many
DCL commands as desired. VAXsim hibernates until you log out
from the SPAWNed process.

•

SPAWN/NOWAIT - The DCL command is required as part of the
/NOWAIT command line.
In this case, control is returned to
VAXsim before the DCL process is complete.
The /NOWAIT
option is useful for one-line, noninteractive operations that
produce little or no terminal output.

SPAWN/NOERASE - Same as the /WAIT option except
current VAXsim display remains on the screen.

2-30

that

the

CHAPTER 3
TECHNICAL NOTES

This chapter describes the internal or algorithmic aspects of VAXsim:
essentially, how it organizes and evaluates system errors and trends,
and how you as a system manager can tailor that evaluation to the
needs
of
your
installation.
Also described are the software
components of VAXsim.

3.1

HOW VAXsim ORGANIZES SYSTEM ERRORS

A key VAXsim concept is the manner in which it structures information
from the VMS system error log. VAXsim Monitor analyzes each VMS error
log record individually and handles it-in one of three ways:
•

Records an Error - Device and memory errors are stored in the
database with information identifying the specific unit and
the problem.

•

Records an Event - Each error log record is tagged with a
code to
indicate the type of system event.
Any record that
is not recognized as an error is entered into the historical
database as an event.
When VAXsim displays events, it
translates the code into a descriptive message.

•

Discards the Record - Many entries in the error log result
from activities not directly related to hardware failures.
Errors,
such as periodic time stamps and
write
lock
violations, are of no value to VAXsim and are not included in
its historical database file.

3.1.1

Device Errors

Device errors are classified as follows:
•

Hard Errors - Not recoverable; a probable hardware
failure.

•

Soft Errors - Successfully recovered through retries.
By
definition,
soft errors are those that are corrected by the
system. Unless VAXsim is reporting a lot of soft errors, you
need not be alarmed,
just informed of a possible trend in
soft failures.

•

Media Errors - Considered soft
errors
even
when
not
recoverable because they are unique to the media and do not
require a service call.

3-1

component

TECHNICAL NOTES
•

3.1.2

Informational Errors - Cannot be evaluated by VAXsim; may
may not be important.

Memory Errors

Memory errors are hard or soft. Note that a soft
that is greater than zero is common.

memory

error

rate

•

Hard (Uncorrectable) Errors - Cannot be corrected; READ
SUBSTITUTE (RDS)

DATA

•

Soft
(Single bit)
Errors - Corrected
subsystem; CORRECTED READ DATA (CRD)

within

memory

the

NOTE
Digital Equipment Corporation's official policy on the
replacement of memory array modules is as follows:
"Memory array modules should not be
replaced because
of single bit errors. Memory array modules should be
replaced for hard, uncorrectable errors."
Since VMS has no
following format:

naming

convention

for

memory,

VAXsim

uses

the

NNx.y
where:
NN = MA for shared multiport memory; MS for local memory

Nexus (or TR) number
Array number

MA2.4 means shared memory at nexus 2, array 4.

3.1.3

Events

Even though events are not necessarily errors, they appear in the VMS
system error log and are accumulated by VAXsim.
Events include
machine checks, UNIBUS/MASSBUS (UBA/MBA) adapter errors, system boots,
restarts, and so on.

3.2

ERROR RATE EVALUATION

Before VAXsim can recognize unusually high error rates, it must first
determine a
typical error rate for each device.
Since most devices
encounter errors during the course of routine operation,
several
factors influence a device's typical error rate, such as:
for

example,

•

Device Characteristics
Magnetic tapes,
typically have more errors than disks.

•

Activity Levels - A device under constant, heavy use can
accumulate errors more rapidly than one that is idle much of
the time.
3-2

TECHNICAL NOTES
•

Local Environmental Conditions - Temperature,
power fluctuations can affect error rates.

humidity,

and

VAXsim allows each device to establish its own typical error rate over
time.
The current status of any device
is always evaluated in
relation to that device's past
(error)
performance.
In order to
describe the error rate evaluation process, a few terms are necessary:
•

Current Evaluation Period - The time range specified by the
SINCE and BEFORE commands; the default is a 24 hour (one day)
period ending at the current, local, system time.

•

Historical Error Rate - The goal of the error rate evaluation
process;
indicates
an average rate of similar errors
typically experienced on a given device.
At the Error
Classification level, this value equals the Error Rate.
Error Rates
are always calculated based on the Current
Evaluation Period,
so that the Counter Total and Error Rate
can be compared with no adjustment.
NOTE
For emphasis, the Error Rate
is called the
Historical Error Rate in the discussions on
error rate calculation and evaluation.
The
Error Rate
is the Error accumulation of all
known evaluation periods prior to the current
evaluation period.

•

Historical Evaluation Period - A previous time period of
the
same duration as the Current Evaluation Period for which
VAXsim has knowledge of a particular device.

•

Historical Period Count - The number of Historical Evaluation
Periods spanned by your database. This count includes all
the evaluation periods prior to,
but not
including,
the
Current Evaluation Period.
The default count is 25 such
periods, and this number can be changed by the DEPTH command,
as described in Chapter 4.

•

Clipping Point - A maximum limit on the number of errors for
any single Historical Evaluation Period that can be used in
calculating the Historical Error Rate.
Each line of information at the Error Detail level has
its
own Clipping Point.
(Section 3.3 details VAXsim's Clipping
function.)

3.2.1

Error Rate Evaluation Algorithm

This section details VAXsim's error rate evaluation algorithm. VAXsim
performs the following calculations at the Error Detail level, where
it determines the Counter Total and Historical Error Rate:
1.

At the Error Detail level, VAXsim counts each error type.
The count is displayed with an appropriate description.
The
count is also added to the Counter Total displayed at the
associated Error Classification level.

3-3

TECHNICAL NOTES
It is important to note that this total becomes the Clipping
Point for errors of the specific type on the specific device.

Any earlier errors of the same type are summed into a
is displayed at the associated Error
Historical Total that
Classification level.
If the error count within any given Historical Evaluation
Period is greater than the Clipping Point determined in the
previous step, the excess portion is ignored.
If, for example, the Clipping Point is 30 and the count for a
given period is 50, only 30 is added to the Historical Total.

The preceding steps are repeated until all errors
single Error Classification level are counted.

Finally, the Historical Total is divided by the Historical
Period Count to determine the Historical Error Rate at a
given Error Classification level for a given device.

Section 3.3 compares
Clipping function.

3.3

error

rate

evaluation

with

and

within

without

the

CLIPPING FUNCTION

The purpose of VAXsim's Clipping function is to moderate the long term
effect of sporadic evaluation periods containing extremely high
(unusual) error rates. Without a Clipping function,
a very large
burst of errors can reduce VAXsim's ability to discriminate between
smaller fluctuations that may occur after the problem that caused the
extremely high error rate(s) is resolved.
Figure 3-1 demonstrates error rate evaluation without the Clipping
function.
Figure 3-2 shows the effect of using the Clipping function
for the same error rate evaluation.
In both figures, there are 13 evaluation periods. All past evaluation
periods
(1-12)
show a Historical Counter Total of zero with the
exception of evaluation periods six and seven, where the error count
rises to 1,000 and 1,400, respectively. The Counter Total for the
Current Evaluation Period (13) equals 150.
In Figure 3-1, the Historical
previous
evaluation periods
evaluation periods as follows:

Error Rate
divided by

equals the
the number

Historical Total

sum of the
of previous

2,400

Historical Error Rate

200
Historical Period Count

Without the Clipping function,
VAXsim would not flag the Current
Evaluation Period's Counter Total of 150 because it is lower than the
Historical Error Rate of 200.

3-4

TECHNICAL NOTES
Errors
1,500
1,400
1,400
1,300
1,200
1,100
1,000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
Historical Average Without Clipping
200

150

100

---~~~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~~~'----..,.--'

Current
Evaluation
Period

Historical Evaluation Periods

Figure 3-1:

Error Rate Evaluation Without Clipping

In Figure 3-2, the Historical Error Rate still equals the sum of
the
previous
evaluation periods divided by the number of previo~s
evaluation periods. Since the error counts in Evaluation Periods six
and seven exceed the Clipping Point of 150, as determined by the
Counter Total, VAXsim takes the Clipping Point (times two evaluation
periods) and ignores the excess error rate as follows:
Historical Total

300

Historical Period Count

Historical Error Rate =

Based on the Historical Error Rate of 25,
Evaluation Period's Counter Total of 150.

3-5

VAXsim

flags

the

Current

TECHNICAL NOTES
Errors
1,500
1,400
1,400
1,300
1,200
1,100
1,000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200

150
Historical Average
With Clipping

100

'---~~~~~~~~-,~~~~~~~~~~

Historical Evaluation Periods

Figure 3-2:

Current
Evaluation
Period

Error Rate Evaluation With Clipping

Continue to the following section to see how VAXsim uses the evaluated
error
rates to determine error status and visual error status
indicators.

3.4

THE MARGIN IN ERROR EVALUATION

The error rate evaluation algorithm computes two values that VAXsim
needs to determine when to flag
rising error rates:
the Counter
Total, which reflects the current error count and
the Error Rate,
which reflects the historical error rate.
In order to allow for normal fluctuations in the error rate before
flagging an error condition,
however, VAXsim also needs a margin
factor.
The combination of the error rate and this margin determines
the Threshold.
The Threshold value (shown at the Error Classification
level) indicates how far a particular device
is from a warning or
alarm condition.
The
rest of this section explains how the VAXsim
error evaluation process uses the Margin setting to determine the
Threshold.
NOTE
For emphasis, the Error Rate is referred
Historical Error Rate in this section.

the

VAXsim automatically increases the sensitivity to hard errors and
decreases the sensitivity to soft, media, and informational errors.
3-6

TECHNICAL NOTES
For hard errors, VAXsim's Thresholds
indicators are as follows:

for

warning

and

alarm

status

•

For a Warning indication, the Counter Total is greater than
(Historical Error Rate + 1/2 Margin) but less than or equal
to (Historical Error Rate + Margin).

•

For an alarm indication, the Counter Total
(Historical Error Rate + Margin).

For the remaining error classes,
status indicators are as follows:

VAXsim's

greater

Thresholds

than

for

warning

greater

•

For soft and media Warnings, the Counter
than (Historical Error Rate + Margin)

Total

•

For informational Warnings, the Counter Total is greater than
(Historical Error Rate+ 2 *Margin).

These computations are summarized in Table 3-1.
Table 3-1:
Error Class
(Condition)

VAXsim Error Indication Computations

Computation of Thresholds

Hard
(Warning)

1/2 * Margin + Historical Error Rate

Hard
(Alarm)

Margin + Historical Error Rate

Soft/Media
(Warning only)

Margin + Historical Error Rate

Informational
(Warning only)

2 * Margin + Historical Error Rate

Without the Clipping function,
described
in the previous section,
large bursts of errors distort these computations, rendering them
meaningless.

3.5

VAXSIM SOFTWARE COMPONENTS

The VAXsim system consists of four files:
1.

SYS$ERRORLOG:VAXsim CLUSTER.DATA -- Database
history
file
where VAXsim stores accumulated error log information; this
file is created on site.

SYS$HELP:VAXsim$HELP.HLB -- Online HELP
information;
file is supplied on the installation medium.

3-7

this

TECHNICAL NOTES
3.

SYS$MANAGER:VAXsim$STARTUP.COM -- System start-up procedure
to create the VAXsim Monitor process that collects error log
data; this file is supplied on the installation medium.

SYS$SYSTEM:VAXsim.EXE -- Executable image file; performs both
the VAXsim_Monitor and Display functions.

3-8

CHAPTER 4
VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION

This chapter outlines VAXsim commands. The first part groups commands
in tables according to the following functions:
•

Display Commands

•

Directional Commands

•

Special Commands

•

Time-Related Commands

The tables are handy references when you know what you want to do
are unsure of the command or its syntax.

but

The remainder
of
this
chapter
lists
each
VAXsim
command
alphabetically, detailing its syntax, default, operation notes, and
examples. Since this part of the manual is for reference only, the
material is presented in a concise format.
Technical details are reserved for Chapter 3, Technical Notes.

4-1

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.1

DISPLAY COMMANDS

Display commands enable you to affect the current VAXsim screen
display.
Table 4-1 lists the VAXsim display commands, what they do,
their syntax, and how they relate to other commands.
For more information on any Display command, refer to
summary in this chapter.
Table 4-1:
Command

the

Display Commands

Action

Syntax

Antonym

ADD
A

Adds nodes to the
display database

ADD nodename [ s]

CYCLE
CY

Dynamically reviews
displays on one level

CYCLE nn
nn=seconds

DISPLAY
DI

Selects display mode:
Box, Line, Summary, or
Histogram

DISPLAY mode

REMOVE
RE

Removes nodes from the
display database

REMOVE nodename[s] ADD

SHOW
MESSAGE
SH M

Displays most recent
broadcast message

SHOW MESSAGE

SHOW MODE
SH MO

Displays mode and
Autocorrect, ReGIS,
Clipping status

SHOW MODE

SHOW
Displays current
PARAMETERS parameter values
SH P

SHOW PARAMETERS

SHOW
VERSION
SH V

Displays VAXsim version
number

SHOW VERSION

WATCH

Freezes VAXsim on one
display

WATCH

alphabetic

4-2

REMOVE

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.2

DIRECTIONAL COMMANDS

Directional commands enable you to move within VAXsim.
Table 4-2
lists directional commands, what they do, their syntax, and how they
relate to other commands.
For more information on any Directional
alphabetic summary in this chapter.
Table 4-2:
Command

Direction

command,

Syntax
BACK nn
nn=of fset

DOWN
D

Down one level

DOWN nn
nn=Branch ID
DOWN branch
label

UP, TOP

LEFT

Left, large
display

LEFT nn
nn=of fset

RIGHT

NEXT
N

Horizontal,
Positive

NEXT nn
nn=of fset

BACK

RIGHT
R

Right, large
display

RIGHT nn
nn=of f set

LEFT

TOP
T

Up to System
level

TOP

DOWN, ZOOM

UP nn
nn=of fset

DOWN, ZOOM

the

Antonym

Horizontal,
Negative

ZOOM

Directional Commands

BACK
B

refer

Down multiple
ZOOM nn
levels along an nn=Br·anch ID
error path
ZOOM branch
label

UP,TOP

* Note that LEFT and RIGHT options are effective only when the current
VAXsim display exceeds your screen width.

4-3

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.3

SPECIAL COMMANDS

Special commands perform a variety of maintenance functions, including
reevaluating the database and adjusting the display for color. Table
4-3 lists the Special commands, what they do, and their syntax.
For more information on any Special command, refer to
summary in this chapter.
Table 4-3:
Action

AUTOCORRECT
AU

Enables/disables
Autocorrection
facility

AUTOCORRECT
AU ON
AU OFF

CLIPPING
CL

Turns the clipping
function on/off

CLIPPING
CLIP ON
CLIP OFF

EXIT

Leaves VAXsim,
returns to DCL ($)

EXIT

Adjusts
Warning/Alarm
triggering

MARGIN
MARGIN/SELECT
MARGIN/CLASS

Prints screen on
attached graphics
printer

PRINT
PRINT/LARGE
PRINT/SMALL

REGIS
REGI

Adjusts for ReGIS
Te.rminal

REGIS
REGIS ON
REGIS OFF

UPDATE
UPD

Reevaluates the
display database

UPDATE
UPDATE/ALL

MARGIN
M

alphabetic

Special Comands

Command

the

Syntax

4-4

Antonym

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.4

TIME COMMANDS

Time commands enable you to adjust the current evaluation period.
Table 4-4 lists the Time commands, what they do, their syntax, and how
they relate to other commands.
For more information on any Time
summary in this chapter.
Table 4-4:
Command
BEFORE

4.5

refer

the

alphabetic

Time Commands

Adjustment

Syntax

Antonym

End time/date

BEFORE date
SINCE
BEFORE time
BEFORE date:time
BEFORE
YESTERDAY/TODAY

Start time/date

SINCE date
SINCE time
SINCE date:time
BEFORE
YESTERDAY/TODAY

SINCE
SI

command,

BEFORE

ALPHABETIC SUMMARY

The remainder of this chapter lists VAXsim commands alphabetically and
provides a brief explanation of the command's use, its syntax, notes,
and examples.
For more information, refer to Chapter 2.

4-5

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION

4.5.1

ADD Command

ADD
A
OPERATION:
Adds error information from the specified node(s) in a network to
the
display
database within your process memory.
VAXsim
automatically reevaluates each node in the database each time it
encounters an ADD command.
ABBREVIATION:
A
SYNTAX:
ADD nodenarne list
where:

nodename list is a list of one or
separated by commas.

valid

nodenames

NOTES:
If you add one node, VAXsim displays the Subsystem level of
node.
If you add multiple nodes,
containing all the nodes.

VAXsim

displays

the

System

that
level

If you add a nonexistent node for any reason, it will appear as a
dotted-line "phantom block" in the box display; an error message
will also appear. The above rule for multiple additions applies
as well to phantom nodes.
EXAMPLES:
ADD HENRY
ADD HENRY,LEAR,CAESAR,IAGO

4-6

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.2

AUTOCORRECT Command

AUTOCORRECT
AU
OPERATION:
Enables or disables the Autocorrect facility, a feature of VAXsim
that can interpret mistyped commands correctly, and allow their
execution without your correcting them.
ABBREVIATION:
AU
SYNTAX:
AUTOCORRECT ON
AUTOCORRECT OFF
DEFAULT:
AUTOCORRECT OFF
NOTES:
In some cases, Autocorrect asks you to confirm the command you
intended to type by displaying its assumed command followed by
the prompt "(Correct?}".
If the assumed command is correct, type
"Y." The purpose of this action is to avoid undesirable effects
(such as data loss}
that could result from any ambiguity.
Autocorrect will ask for confirmation for the following commands:
EXIT, REMOVE, SPAWN, WATCH, ADD, CLIPPING, CYCLE, and DEPTH.
The autocorrect feature permits considerable
latitute
for
mistypings;
as
a general rule,
it will
recognize unique
abbreviations if they are present in the
incorrect character
string.
The command SHOW MODE will show the current status.
EXAMPLES:
AUTOCORRECT ON
AUTOCORRECT OFF
AU ON
AU
AUT OFF

4-7

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.3

BACK Command

BACK
BA
OPERATION:
Moves you horizontally in the tree,
in descending Branch ID
Number order.
BACK "wraps around" from Branch ID 1 to the
highest-numbered block:
from Number 1 to Number 9, for example.
ABBREVIATION:
BA
SYNTAX:
BACK
BACK nn
where:
nn is an offset expressed as a positive integer,
the number of branches to move by.

and

DEFAULT:
One block
NOTES:
Using the offset enables you to move more than one position.
BACK operates in all display modes.
EXAMPLES:
BACK
BACK 2

4-8

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.4

BEFORE Command

BEFORE
BE
OPERATION:
Enables you to adjust the end of the evaluation period to view
the error history or overall performance of devices or nodes in
your display database. You can set time, date, or both.
ABBREVIATION:
BE
SYNTAX:
BEFORE DD-MMM[-[YY]YY]
BEFORE HH:MM[AM/PM]
BEFORE DD-MMM-YYYY:HH:MM[AM/PM]
BEFORE "DODD HH:MM:SS:CC" (Delta Time)
BEFORE DODD (Delta Time)
BEFORE
where:

DD
DODD
MMM
yyyy

HH
MM
SS

AM/PM

1-31 for absolute time
1-9999 for delta time
The three-character abbreviation for month:
JAN, FEB, MAR, APR, MAY, JUN,
JUL, AUG, SEP, OCT, NOV, DEC.
Year (19 is optional; defaults to current
year)
Hours (1-24)
Minutes (00-59)
Seconds (00-59)
Hundreths of seconds (00-59)
Valid when HH = 1-12

DEFAULT:
Missing fields default to the current,
time.

local,

system

date

and

NOTES:
You can optionally specify AM or PM by
field without a blank space.

adding

the

time

You can specify a time and date together by separating
and date fields with a colon.

the

time

Delta time enables you to fix the width of the evaluation period.
BEFORE 7,
for example,
moves the end of the evaluation period
back a week from today.

4-9

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
BEFORE Command (Continued)
If you enter BEFORE with no parameters VAXsim resets the
evaluation period to the current date and time.
EXAMPLES:
BEFORE
BEFORE
BEFORE
BEFORE
BEFORE
BEFORE
BEFORE

10: 00AM
10AM
l-DEC-83:10:30AM

7
YESTERDAY
TODAY

4-10

end

the

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.5

CLIPPING Command

CLIPPING
CL
OPE.:RATION:
Enables or disables the use of the Clipping function in the error
rate calculation.
(See Section 3.3.
for more information.)
ABBREVIATION:
CL
SYNTAX:
CLIPPING
CLIPPING ON
CLIPPING OFF
DEFAULT:
CLIPPING ON
NOTES:
If you enter the CLIPPING command
defaults to CLIPPING ON.

without

parameter,

The command SHOW MODE will show the current status.
EXAMPLES:
CLIPPING OFF

4-11

VAXsim

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.6

CYCLE Command

CYCLE
CY
OPERATION:
Directs VAXsim to automatically display all available information
for each node in your display database at your current level.
ABBREVIATION
CY
SYNTAX:
CYCLE
CYCLE nn
where:

nn equals
displays

the

number

seconds

pause

between

DEFAULT:
10 seconds
NOTES:
After you enter the CYCLE command, VAXsim goes to the leftmost
position of the current level and starts displaying the items on
the level, pausing between each screen display.
After VAXsim
completes one pass,
it does an update (see UPDATE command) and
sets a timer for seven minutes. VAXsim continues to display each
item on the level and when the timer expires, automatically
updates the database.
If several nodes are currently in the display database, each node
is monitored in turn.
To go back to interactive mode, press CTRL/C. VAXsim returns
the screen display from which you entered the CYCLE command.
CYCLE operates in all display modes.
EXAMPLES:
CYCLE
CYCLE 15

4-12

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.7

DEPTH Command

DEPTH
DE
OPERATION:
Enables you to modify the number of evaluation
determine the Error Rate.

periods

used

For the Histogram display, DEPTH therefore modifies the number of
time
bars representing evaluation periods.
Note that for
Histogram mode, the maximum possible DEPTH is 80.
ABBREVIATION:
DE
SYNTAX:
DEPTH
where:

nn
nn equals the desired number of evaluation periods

DEFAULT:
25
NOTES:
The larger the DEPTH value, the less
errors has on the Error Rate.

effect

large

burst

The smaller the DEPTH value, the more effect
errors has on the Error Rate.

large

burst

Setting DEPTH equal to zero forces the Error Rate to zero,
that the error evaluation rate is based on margin only.

EXAMPLES:
DEPTH
DEPTH

15
40

4-13

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.8

DISPLAY Command

DISPLAY
DI
OPERATION:
Enables you to select one of the following VAXsim display modes:
Line Mode, Summary Mode, and
Box Mode
(the default mode),
used by itself,
is
Histogram.
The command word DISPLAY,
sufficient to produce the Box Mode display.
DISPLAY HISTOGRAM can be used with the qualifier /YSCALE=n, where
n is the upper limit of the "Y", or error count, scale.
For
example:
DISPLAY/YSCALE=l00 HISTOG
ABBREVIATION:
DI
SYNTAX:
DISPLAY
DISPLAY mode nodename
DISPLAY mode nn
where:
mode is one of the following display mode names: BOX,
LINE, SUMMARY, or HISTOGRAM, and nn and nodename are branch ID
number or name respectively.
DISPLAY/YSCALE=n HISTO nn
where:
n is the upper limit of the "Y" scale--that is, the
vertical error-count scale.
NOTES:
The keyword DISPLAY alone (without a mode) causes Box Mode to
displayed,
no matter what mode is currently on the screen.
Box Mode is currently on display, the keyword has no effect.)

be
(If

For all other changes of display--from Histogram to Line Mode,
for example--the mode must be specified (DISPLAY LINE). Remember
also that you need a ReGIS terminal to display the Histogram.
DEFAULTS
The initial display default is Box Mode on video
Line Mode on hardcopy terminals~
EXAMPLES:
DIS
DISPLAY HISTO
DISPLAY SUM
DISPLAY HIST 6
DIS/YSCALE=50 HISTO 3

4-14

terminals,

and

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.9

DOWN Command

DOWN
D

<Next Screen> key on VT200 editing keypad
OPERATION:
Enables you to move to a more
specifying Branch ID Number.

detailed

level

the

tree

ABBREVIATION:
D

SYNTAX:
DOWN
DOWN nn
nn
where:

nn is the Branch ID Number

DOWN name
where:

name is the Branch nodename or a unique abbreviation

DEFAULT:
One level
NOTES:
If you enter DOWN with no parameter, VAXsim chooses the branch
having the highest error count and moves down to the next level.
If you enter DOWN with a Branch ID Number, or simply the Branch
ID Number itself, VAXsim moves to that branch's next level of
detail.
DOWN operates in all display modes.
EXAMPLES:
DOWN
DOWN 3
3
DOWN HAMLET
DOWN HAM

4-15

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.10

EXIT Command

EXIT
E

OPERATION:
Enables you to leave the VAXsim program and return control to the
VMS command level, represented by the $ prompt.
ABBREVIATION:
E

SYNTAX:
EXIT
NOTE:
CTRL/Z is equivalent to the EXIT command.
EXAMPLE:
EXIT

4-16

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.11

HELP Command

HELP
H

<Help> key
<PF2> key on numerical keypads
OPERATION:
Provides online information
interface,
including all
HELP interface itself works
keywords which you can type
management, and so forth.

about all aspects of the VAXsim user
commands listed in this chapter.
The
like VMS HELP,
providing menus of
for specific information on commands,

ABBREVIATION:
H

SYNTAX:
HELP
NOTE:
If you know the keywords for the specific area where you need
information,
you can view the information quickly by specifying
those keywords with the HELP command; for example: HELP COMMAND
ADD.
EXAMPLES:
HELP
H

H MANAGEMENT
H COMMAND ZOOM

4-17

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.12

LEFT Command

LEFT
L

OPERATION:
Displays branches of a large structure that exceeds the current
width of the screen display:
for example, all the HSC-connected
disks in a VAXcluster system. LEFT "wraps around" to the unseen
extreme right edge of the display when you attempt to move "left"
past the leftmost or lowest-numbered blocks.
ABBREVIATION:
L

SYNTAX:
LEFT
LEFT nn
where:
nn is an offset expressed as a positive integer,
the number of boxes to move by.

and

DEFAULT:
One display column
NOTES:
VAXsim indicates an oversized configuration by displaying "More,"
preceded by the number of unseen blocks to the right or left,
along with an arrow.
For example:

<--- 22 More

3 More --->

If you enter LEFT with no parameter, VAXsim moves the
the left by four display columns or one "screen."

screen

Each display column consists of four consecutive blocks. Display
column one, for example, includes blocks with Branch ID numbers 1
through 4. Display column two includes blocks with Branch ID
numbers 5 through 8, and so forth.
LEFT operates in all display modes.
EXAMPLE:
LEFT
LEFT 3

4-18

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.13

MARGIN Command

MARGIN
M

OPERATION:
Enables you to adjust the computations that trigger the
and alarm visual indications for the VAXsim session.
You can set margins selectively:
class of error.

branch,

device

internally

warning

type,

and

ABBREVIATION:
M

SYNTAX:
MARGIN nn
where:

nn equals an integer
absolute value

that

used

MARGIN/SELECT={nodename or type}/CLASS=error class nn
where:
{RA81,
set

nodename or type is a branch id or a
type of device
for example)
for which the specified margin is uniquely

error class is a class of errors
HARD, SOFT, or MEDIA.

recognized

VAXsim:

INFO,

DEFAULT:
15 errors on a nodename basis
NOTES:
VAXsim compares the short-term Counter Total and the Margin to
the overall history reflected in the Error Rate and adjusts the
visual error status indicators accordingly.
If you make the margin smaller, 10, for example, you are giving
less leeway between the Current Count and the Historical Error
Rate, causing VAXsim to display an error status condition sooner
than it would using the default.
If you make the margin larger, you are allowing for a wider
margin of error,
causing VAXsim to display an error status
condition later than it would using the default.
MARGIN affects the Display segment of VAXsim, and not the Monitor
segment;
for example, it does not affect the triggering of OPCOM
messages.
You cannot use the /CLASS option without the /SELECT option.
represents all error
which
/CLASS accepts the wildcard "*"
classes.
You must specifically restore the default margin with another
MARGIN command. To cancel a MARGIN/SELECT setting, re-enter the
MARGIN command with a value of zero.

4-19

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
MARGIN Command {Continued)
EXAMPLES:
MARGIN 10
MARGIN/SELECT=REALTIME 50
MARGIN/SEL=DRllW/CLASS=HARD 40
MAR/SEL=DISK/CLASS=*

4-20

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.14

NEXT Command

N
OPERATION:
Enables you to move horizontally in the tree, in ascending Branch
ID
Number
direction.
NEXT
"wraps
around"
from
the
highest-numbered branch to Branch ID 1.
SYNTAX:
NEXT
NEXT nn
where: where:
nn is an offset expressed as a positive
and is the number of branches to move by.

integer,

DEFAULT:
One block
NOTES:
If you are at Branch ID Number 1, NEXT moves you to Branch ID
Number 2 on the same level.
If Branch ID Number 2 does not
exist, VAXsim displays an error message.
NEXT operates in all display modes.
EXAMPLE:
NEXT
NEXT 2

4-21

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.15

NOTIFY Command

EDITOR NOTIFY/ENABLE
EDITOR NOTIFY/DISABLE
EDI NOTI/E
EDI NOTI/D
OPERATION:
Enables you to specify what class(es) of operators are to receive
the OPCOM message when error-status conditions change.
ABBREVIATION:
EDI NOTI/E
EDI NOTI/D
SYNTAX:
$ VAXsim EDITOR NOTIFY/ENABLE = list
$ VAXsim EDITOR NOTIFY/DISABLE = list
where:

list

= operator class(es)

DEFAULT:
Message defaults to system console (CENTRAL) only
NOTES:
You may use the NOTIFY
command interface.

command

only

through

the

DCL

foreign

NOTIFY allows you to specify that notification messages be sent
via the VMS MAIL facility.
This option is controlled by the
special "operator" class MAIL_MESSAGE.
Once you enable a class, it remains enabled until you disable the
class with the EDITOR NOTIFY/DISABLE option.
See the Node Info display
classes.
-

for

listing

EXAMPLES
$ VAXsim EDITOR NOTIFY/DISABLE = ALL OPERATORS
$ VAXsim EDITOR NOTIFY/ENABLE
OPERl
$ VAXsim EDITOR NOTIFY/ENABLE = MAIL

4-22

enabled

operator

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.16

PRINT Command

PRINT
p

OPERATION:
Enables you to print a screen display using an attached
printer.

graphics

ABBREVIATION:
p

P/L
P/S
SYNTAX:
PRINT
PRINT /LARGE
PRINT/SMALL
DEFAULT:
PRINT/SMALL
NOTES:
To use the PRINT command, you must attach the graphics printer to
the printer port on your terminal and enable the ReGIS option.
(Refer to Chapter 2, General Usage, for more information.)
The LARGE option prints a double-size copy,
the size of the screen display.

approximately

twice

The SMALL option prints a copy approximately the same size as the
screen display.
EXAMPLES:
PRINT
PRINT /SMALL

4-23

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.17

REGIS Command

REGIS
REG!
OPERATION:
Displays information using the ReGIS feature.
If a color monitor
is in use, VAXsim translates visual error status to color.
ABBREVIATION:
REG!
SYNTAX:
REGIS
REGIS ON
REGIS OFF
DEFAULT:
REGIS OFF
NOTES:
The command SHOW MODE will display the current ReGIS state.
See Table 2-3
for an outline of the
indicators for various terminal devices.
EXAMPLES:
REGIS
REGIS ON
REGIS OFF

4-24

visual

error

status

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.18

REMOVE Command

REMOVE
RE
OPERATION:
Deletes nodes from your display database.
ABBREVIATION:
RE
SYNTAX:
REMOVE nodename list
where:

nodename list is a list of one or
separated by commas

valid

nodenames

NOTES:
The REMOVE command deletes all information for the specified node
from
the
display database only.
Historical data remains
unchanged.
Refer to Chapter 2, General Usage, for more information.
EXAMPLES:
REMOVE ROMEO
REMOVE ROMEO,JULIET,ARIEL,CALIBN

4-25

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.19

REPORT Command

REPORT
REPO
OPERATION:
Enables you to display a synopsis
generated by the NOTIFY command
program.

of the
without

broadcast messages
entering the VAXsim

ABBREVIATION:
REPO
SYNTAX:
$ VAXsim REPORT
NOTES:
REPORT is available only to users whose class is specified by the
NOTIFY command.
(See the NODE INFO display for a listing of
enabled operator classes).
REPORT is a DCL level command that
prompt.
EXAMPLE:
$ VAXsim REPORT

4-26

must

entered

the

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.20

RIGHT Command

RIGHT
R

OPERATION:
Displays branches of a large structure that exceeds the current
width of the screen display:
for example, all the HSC-connected
disks in a VAXcluster system. RIGHT "wraps around" to the unseen
leftmost edge of the display when you attempt to move "right"
past the rightmost or highest-numbered blocks.
ABBREVIATION:
R

SYNTAX:
RIGHT
RIGHT nn
where:
nn is an offset expressed as a positive integer,
the number of boxes to move by.

and

DEFAULT:
One display column
NOTES:
VAXsim indicates an oversized configuration by displaying "More,"
preceded by the number of unseen blocks to the right or left,
along with an arrow.
For example:

<--- 22 More

3 More

--->

If you enter RIGHT with no parameter, VAXsim moves the screen
the right by four display columns or one "screen."

Each display column consists of four consecutive blocks. Display
column one, for example, includes blocks with Branch ID numbers 1
through 4. Display column two includes blocks with Branch ID
numbers 5 through 8, and so forth.
RIGHT operates in all display modes.
EXAMPLE:
RIGHT
RIGHT 3

4-27

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.21

SHOW MESSAGE Command

SHOW MESSAGE
SH M
OPERATION:
Displays, in the Status Area, the most recent broadcast message
received by your terminal during the current VAXsim session:
for
example, a MAIL message or a NOTICE message from the operator.
ABBREVIATION:
SH M
SYNTAX:
SHOW MESSAGE
NOTES:
To restore
PARAMETERS.

the

current

Status

Area

parameters,

If no message has been received during the
session, SHOW MESSAGE will report that fact.
EXAMPLE:
SHOW MESSAGE

4-28

type

SHOW

current

VAXsim

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.22

SHOW MODE Command

SHOW MODE
SH MO
OPERATION:
In the Status Area,
displays the following
information:
the
current display mode (Box, Line, Summary, Histogram), and whether
the Autocorrection, ReGis, and Clipping features are currently on
or off.
To refresh the status area, enter the SHOW PARAMETERS command.
ABBREVIATION:
SH MO
SYNTAX:
SHOW MODE
EXAMPLE:
SHOW MODE

4-29

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.23

SHOW PARAMETERS Command

SHOW PARAMETERS
SH P
OPERATION:
Refreshes the VAXsim Status Area display for the current mode.
This
command is useful when an error or a MAIL message
notification has obscured the status display--for example, after
you have entered the SHOW MESSAGE command to display the most
recent message.
ABBREVIATION:
SH P
SYNTAX:
SHOW PARAMETERS
DEFAULTS:
•

Current Evaluation Period defaults to the previous 24 hours.

•

Current Margin defaults to 15.

•

Clipping option defaults to ON.

•

ReGIS option defaults to OFF.

•

In the Histogram, Bar Width defaults to about 24
Depth defaults to 25.

EXAMPLE:
SHOW PARAMETERS

4-30

hours,

and

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.24

SHOW VERSION Command

SHOW VERSION
SH V
OPERATION:

Enables you to display the current VAXsim version number.
ABBREVIATION:
SH V
SYNTAX:
SHOW VERSION
EXAMPLE:
SHOW VERSION

4-31

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.25

SHUTDOWN Command

SHUTDOWN
SHUT
OPERATION:
Stops the VAXsim Monitor that collects data as a detached system
process.
This command cannot be used during an interactive
session. SHUTDOWN, abbreviated as SHUT, must be entered to the
VMS command interpreter as a foreign command.
This is the preferred method of shutting down the VAXsim Monitor
process
because
it allows some cleanup activities- to be
performed.
SYNTAX:
The following commands can be entered at the DCL level of VMS
added to your SYSHUTDWN.COM command file:
$ VAXsim

·= $VAXsim

$ VAXsim SHUTDOWN
NOTE:
To invoke a shutdown, you need group privileges.

4-32

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.26

SINCE Command

SINCE
SI
OPERATION:
Enables you to alter the beginning of an evaluation period.
ABBREVIATION:

SYNTAX:
SINCE DD-MMM[-[YY]YY]
SINCE HH:MM[AM/PM]
SINCE DD-MMM[-[YY]YY] [:HH:MM[AM/PM]]
SINCE "DODD HH:MM:SS.CC" (Delta Time)
SINCE DDDD (Delta Time)
SINCE
where:

DD
DDDD
MMM
yyyy
HH
MM
SS

AM/PM

DEFAULT:
Approximately 24 hours before the End time.
NOTES:
You can optionally specify AM or PM by
field without a blank space.

adding

the

time

You can specify a date and time together by separating
and time fields with a colon.

the

date

Delta time enables you to fix the width of the evaluation period.
SINCE 7, for example, moves the start of the evaluation period to
a week before the current End time.
If you enter SINCE with no parameter, VAXsim resets
time to 24 hours prior to the current End time.
SINCE accepts standard VMS time specification formats.
EXAMPLES:
SINCE
SINCE
SINCE
SINCE
SINCE
SINCE
SINCE
SINCE

leJPM
10: 0 0AM
l-NOV:l0:00AM
1-JAN
7
YESTERDAY
TODAY

4-33

the

Start

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.27

SPAWN Command

SPAWN
SPAW
OPERATION:
Enables you to create and execute a subprocess to
commands without affecting your place in VAXsim.

execute

DCL

ABBREVIATION:
SPAW
SYNTAX:
SPAWN ["DCL command line"]
SPAWN/WAIT ("DCL command line"]
SPAWN/NOWAIT "DCL command line"
SPAWN/NOERASE ["DCL_command_line"]
DEFAULT:
SPAWN/WAIT
NOTES:
If you are at the $ prompt, you can enter multiple DCL
but you must log out to return to VAXsim.
When you enter a DCL command on the
command, only that command is executed
to VAXsim. Enclose the DCL command in
enter it on the same line as the SPAWN

commands,

same line as the SPAWN
before control is returned
quotation marks when you
command.

If you use SPAWN or SPAWN/WAIT, VAXsim hibernates until the DCL
command
is
finished executing.
Conversely,
if you enter
SPAWN/NOWAIT, control returns directly to VAXsim before the DCL
command finishes.
SPAWN/NOWAIT must have the DCL command on the same line because
as soon as the command starts executing, control is returned to
VAXsim.
If you enter SPAWN/NOERASE, the VAXsim
screen.

display

Control always returns to the VAXsim screen
you entered the SPAWN command.
EXAMPLES:
SPAWN "ANALYZE/ERROR LOG"
SPAWN/WAIT
-

4-34

remains

display

from

the
which

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.28

TOP Command

TOP
T

OPERATION:
Enables you to move to and display the System level from anywhere
in the tree.
ABBREVIATION:
T

SYNTAX:
TOP
NOTES
TOP operates in all display modes.
EXAMPLE:
TOP

4-35

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.29

UP Command

<Prev Screen> key on VT200 editing keypad
OPERATION:
Moves you to a less detailed level in the tree.
ABBREVIATION:

u
SYNTAX:
UP
UP nn
where: nn is an offset expressed as a positive integer,
the number of levels to move up
DEFAULT:
One level
NOTE:
UP operates in all display modes.
EXAMPLE:
UP
UP 2

4-36

and

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.30

UPDATE Command

UPDATE
UPD
OPERATION:
Reevaluates either a portion or all of your display database from
active hosts,
including the local system.
If you are viewing a
particular node's data when you enter the UPDATE command, VAXsim
only updates that node's data from its historical database file.
If you are either at the System level or you enter the UPDATE/ALL
command, VAXsim updates all nodes in the display database with
current information from all active hosts.
ABBREVIATION:
UPD
SYNTAX:
UPDATE
UPDATE/ALL
NOTES:
The UPDATE command loads new information over the existing
database.
If,
for any reason, a node is inaccessible, VAXsim
keeps existing data and displays a message.
The ADD, REMOVE, CYCLE, and WATCH commands also force
of the database.
UPDATE operates in all display modes.
EXAMPLE:
UPDATE
UPD/ALL

4-37

UPDATE

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.31

WATCH Command

WATCH

OPERATION:
Enters dynamic display mode, enables VAXsim to remain
and to monitor a single display.

stationary

ABBREVIATION:

w
SYNTAX:
WATCH
NOTES:
When VAXsim is in dynamic display mode (WATCH), the
reloaded every seven minutes.

database

To cancel the WATCH command and return to interactive mode, press
CTRL/C.
WATCH operates in all display modes.
EXAMPLE:
WATCH

4-38

VAXSIM COMMANDS REFERENCE SECTION
4.5.32

ZOOM Command

ZOOM

<Find> key on VT200 editing keypad
OPERATION:
Moves you to a more detailed level of the tree.
ABBREVIATION:

SYNTAX:
ZOOM
ZOOM nn
where:

nn is a Branch ID Number

ZOOM name
where:

name is the Branch nodename or a unique abbreviation

NOTES:
ZOOM enables you to descend multiple levels
in a
single
operation.
You can specify ZOOM alone or with a Branch ID.
ZOOM quickly pinpoints one or more error status conditions.
If only one error status condition exists, the ZOOM command moves
down the entire branch to the bottom level.
If more than one error status condition exists, the ZOOM command
moves down the common branch as far as it can and stops where you
must decide which error to investigate.
ZOOM operates in all display modes.
EXAMPLES:
ZOOM
ZOOM 3
ZOOM CAESAR
ZOOM CA

4-39

APPENDIX A
VAXSIM ERROR MESSAGES

A.l

ERROR MESSAGE FORMAT

VAXsim error messages conform to the VAX/VMS
format as follows:

operating

system

error

%FACILITY-L-ID, text
where:
FACILITY

The name of the VAX/VMS facility; in this case, VAXsim

A severity level indicator as follows:
Code

Meaning

Error
Information
Warning

w
ID

An abbreviation describing the error message text

text

The actual message

The remainder of this appendix lists VAXsim error messages with an
explanation of the error and corrective action. The term <string>
indicates words, numbers, or file names that are unique to the error
situation.

A-1

VAXSIM ERROR MESSAGES

A.2

ERROR MESSAGES

%VAXsim-E-AUTHORIZE, incorrect password - you are not
this operation
Explanation:
Action:

authorized

for

You lack sufficient privilege for this operation.

Consult system manager

%VAXsim-E-BADQUAL, illegal qualifier used
Explanation: You specified an illegal or
with a VAXsim command.

nonexistent

qualifier

Action: Refer to the
command qualifiers.

section

correct

Commands

Reference

for

%VAXsim-E-BADPARM, <string> is an illegal parameter for this command.
Explanation:

You specified an illegal parameter for a command.

Action:
Refer to the
command qualifiers.

Commands

Reference

section

for

correct

%VAXsim-W-BADTIME, present SINCE/BEFORE time combination is invalid
Explanation: The window is invalid because you
date that is before the Start date.
Action:
date.

entered

End

Readjust the window so the Start date is before the

End

%VAXsim-W-EDGEWRAP, Wrap around, now at <string> edge
Explanation:
You have reached the rightmost or leftmost edge
the tree using the NEXT or BACK command.
Action:

There is no action required.

%VAXsim-I-NODETAILS, Examine error log for further resolution
Explanation:
Action:

Contained in message

%VAXsim-W-NOENTITY, unable to find entity named <string>
Explanation:
command.
Action:

You have specified a nonexistent branch name with a

Check the Branch ID Names in the display.

A-2

VAXSIM ERROR MESSAGES
%VAXsim-W-NOMONITOR, VAXsim Monitor not running
Explanation: No database
process;
this condition
running.
Action:
Guide.

is available to the VAXsim Display
could be due to VAXsim Monitor's not

Start VAXsim_Monitor; see

User

Guide

Installation

~~-

%VAXsim-W-IVKEYW, Unrecognized value keyword <string>
Explanation:
You have entered
incorrect CLASS or SELECT name.
Action: Refer to the
command syntax.

Commands

the

MARGIN

Reference

command

section

with

for

correct

%VAXsim-W-NOMORE, No "More" to <string> side
Explanation:
You issued a LEFT or RIGHT command and there was no
more data in that 'direction.
Action:

Use a smaller offset or move in the opposite direction.

%VAXsim-I-NOOBVIOUS, there is not an obvious descent path
Explanation: You have issued the ZOOM command but there is no
basis on which VAXsim can proceed; for example, there may be no
error history for this branch.
Action:

There is no action required.

%VAXsim-I-NORMAL,
information)
Explanation:
Action:

successful

recovery

(Error

log

may

have

Retry was successful after device error.

Consult error log if more information is desired.

%VAXsim-E-NOSPAWN, SPAWN feature is disabled for captive account
Explanation:
account
Action:

You have issued a

SPAWN

command

from

captive

There is no action required.

%VAXsim-E-PWDLENGTH, Password must be at least n characters long
Explanation:
Action:

The password you have entered is too short.

Choose and enter a password of n or more characters.

A-3

VAXSIM ERROR MESSAGES
%VAXsim-E-PWDVFYERR, New password verification error
changed

password

not

Explanation:
In response to the request for verification, you
have mistyped your new password. Therefore, your password is
unchanged.
Action:

Re-enter the new password.

%VAXsim-I-WATCHING, Use AC to return to command mode
Explanation: You entered either the CYCLE or WATCH
are now in dynamic mode.
Action:

command

and

Use CTRL/C to exit.

%VAXsim-E-INSFARG, missing or unrecognized command argument(s)
Explanation: You either failed to enter an argument
it incorrectly.

entered

Action:
syntax.

for

correct

integer

Refer to the

Commands

Reference

section

%VAXsim-E-INVNUM, invalid format, must be integer <string>
Explanation:
parameter.

The

command

you

entered

requires

Action:
Reenter the command with a number or refer
Commands Reference section for the correct syntax.

the

%VAXsim-E-NEEDFIRST, <string> required for <string>
Explanation:
You failed
desired operation.

satisfy

the

prerequisites

for

Action:
Follow the directions provided in the error message or
refer to the Commands Reference section for more detailed
information.
%VAXsim-E-NOBRANCH, branch <integer> not available here
Explanation:
this level.
Action:

The Branch ID number you entered is not

valid

for

Look at the screen and choose a valid Branch ID number.

A-4

VAXSIM ERROR MESSAGES
%VAXsim-W-NOMATCH, name <string> not found
Explanation: You entered a REMOVE command with a node name that
does not match any of the node names contained in your display
database.
Action:
Enter the TOP command to determine the nodes present in
your display database.
Reenter the command using a valid node
name.
%VAXsim-W-NOWAY, could not do <string>, path ends here
Explanation:
You attempted
display database.
Action:

move

beyond

the

edge

the

Use a smaller offset or move in a different direction.

%VAXsim-E-NUMTOOHI, number out
<integer>)
Explanation:
command.
Action:

range:

(upper

The number you entered exceeds the range

limit=

for

your

Enter a number that is within the stated limit.

%VAXsim-E-NUMTOOLOW, number
<integer>)

out

range:

(low

limit=

Explanation: The number you entered falls short of the range for
your command.
Action:

Enter a number within the stated limit.

%VAXsim-E-TOOMNYARG, unexpected or unrecognized command argument(s)
Explanation:
Action:
syntax.

The syntax you entered is incorrect.

Refer to the Commands Reference section for the

A-5

correct

APPENDIX B
TERMINAL AND PRINTER OPTIONS

B.l

TERMINAL OPTIONS

This appendix outlines the terminal and printer
currently supports.

B.1.1

options

that

VAXsim

VT52 Option

If you are using a VT52 terminal instead of
conventions apply:
•

VT100,

the

following

Instead of blinking the block, VAXsim depicts a warning
condition by outlining the block with question marks (?).

Instead of outlining the block in reverse video, VAXsim
• depicts
an alarm condition by outlining the block with
asterisks (*).

B.1.2

VAXsim Hardcopy Option

VAXsim is not intended to be run from a hardcopy terminal.
If you
must run VAXsim from an LA120 or other compatible hardcopy terminal,
however, these tips can help you avoid excessive form feeds and
time-consuming printouts of each screen.

$ SET TERMINAL/PAGE=24
or
$ SET TERMINAL/FORM

B.1.3

ReGIS Color Display Option

VAXsim's ReGIS color display option enables you to use color to
indicate error status.
Green,
yellow, and red indicate normal,
warning, and alarm conditions, respectively.
In order to enable the ReGIS option,
you must connect the ReGIS
terminal and enter the VMS SHOW TERMINAL command to ensure that VMS
has set the ReGIS characteristic.

B-1

TERMINAL AND PRINTER OPTIONS
VAXsim defaults to ReGIS OFF.
entering:

You can activate the

ReGIS

option

VAXsim> REGIS ON
Remember that a ReGIS terminal is necessary to display the Histogram;
make sure also that you have issued the SET TERMINAL/ReGIS command.

B.2

GRAPHIC PRINTER OPTION

VAXsim's graphic printer option enables
diagrams of desired screen displays.

you

create

hardcopy

To copy the desired display, enter one of the following commands:
VAXsim> PRINT/LARGE
or
VAXSIM> PRINT/SMALL
The LARGE option prints a double-size copy, approximately twice the
size
as the screen display.
The SMALL option prints a copy
approximately the same size of the screen display.
SMALL is the default. When you enter the
option is turned on automatically.

B-2

command,

the

ReGIS

APPENDIX C
GLOSSARY

Absolute time
A specific time range that has fixed Start and End times and
dates.
The week starting on June 3, 1984 and ending on June 10,
1984 is an absolute time range because the ends of the evaluation
period are fixed.
ADD
Loads a node's error log information into the
You can add one or more nodes at a time.

display

database.

Alarm condition
Determined by comparing the Counter Total to the Error Rate,
given the Margin of allowable error.
Once that threshold is
reached or exceeded, VAXsim outlines the block in reverse video.
The alarm condition is reserved for hard errors only.
AUTOCORRECT
Enables or disables the Autocorrect facility, which is capable of
executing mistyped VAXsim commands (ZOK for ZOOM, for example) by
assuming the command you meant to type.
In some
cases,
Autocorrect asks you to confirm the assumed command for purposes
of data security.
BACK
Moves horizontally in the tree in descending Branch ID Number
order.
If you are at ID number 1, BACK moves you to ID 0.
You
can use an offset to move more than one position.
BEFORE
Adjusts the End time and date.
Branch ID Number
Enables you to move within VAXsim.
The Branch ID
located on the lower right-hand corner of the block.
Branch Label
Identifies the block.
line of information.

always

The Branch Label is always a block's first

CLIPPING
Enables or disables the use of the Clipping function in the error
rate calculation.
Clipping Point
A maximum limit on the number of errors within any single
Historical Evaluation Period which may be used in the calculation
of the Historical Error Rate;
used to moderate the long-term
effect of a few periods containing extremely high (unusual) error
rates.
C-1

GLOSSARY
Command
Invokes the desired action; VAXsim offers a variety of commands
that enable you to add and delete nodes, move within the tree,
and perform adjustments.
The ADD command enables you to add
nodes to the display database, for example. Most commands can be
abbreviated to the first one or two letters.
Command Line Editor (CLE)
Provides for online command editing.
are available:

The following editing

keys

Left Arrow Right Arrow Up Arrow
Down Arrow Delete
Line Feed

Moves the cursor to the your left
Moves the cursor to the your right
Recalls the previous command in CLE buffer.
Recalls the next command in CLE buffer.
Deletes the character to the left of the
cursor
- Deletes the last command to the left

See Control characters for additional features.
Control characters
Enable you to invoke an action by pressing the CTRL key and the
desired
letter key.
CTRL/Z enables you to exit VAXsim and the
HELP facility.
VAXsim's control keys are as follows:
CTRL/B -

Enables you to recall the last of 20
commands stored in the CLE ring buff er

CTRL/R -

Enables you to redisplay the line being entered

CTRL/U -

Enables you to delete the line

possible

CTRL/W - Enables you to refresh the screen display
CTRL/Z - Enables you
facility

exit

VAXsim

and/or

the

HELP

VMS control characters such as CTRL/S and CTRL/Q are also valid.
Counter Total
The actual number of errors the unit logged during the current
evaluation period.
The Counter Total appears only at Error
Classification level.
CYCLE
Fixes VAXsim on a particular level and pauses at each display for
ten seconds
(default).
To return to interactive mode, press
CTRL/C.
Delete (Key)
Deletes one character to the left of the cursor.
Delta time
Fixes the duration of the evaluation period.
does delta time.

C-2

As time

moves,

GLOSSARY
Device error
VAXsim groups device errors into five types as follows:
1.

Hard error - Not recoverable

Soft error - Successfully recovered with retries

Media error - Considered soft even when not recoverable

Informational error - Cannot be evaluated

Other - Not recorded by VAXsim

DISPLAY
Enables you to select one of the VAXsim display modes: Box Mode,
Line Mode,
Summary,
or Histogram.
DISPLAY alone produces the
default Box Mode. You can specify a Branch ID number or name
with a DISPLAY command.
Display database
A database built in memory when you use VAXsim interactively.
Contains
information about nodes that you have ADDed during the
interactive session. The display database is reevaluated every
time you use the following commands: ADD, REMOVE, CYCLE, UPDATE,
WATCH.
DOWN
Enables you to move to a more detailed level of information. You
can enter DOWN with or without a Branch ID Number.
If you enter
DOWN with no Branch ID, VAXsim chooses the branch with the
highest Counter Total and moves down one level.
If you specify
Branch ID, VAXsim moves down one level in the branch.
You can
also enter a Branch label to specify the branch to which you want
to move.
Error Classification Level
The graphic display one level up from the Error Detail Level.
Each block represents a summary of all error types within the
list below it.
Error Detail Level
The bottom level of your display database where all
error types are listed with their current count values.

recorded

Error Rate
Established by the unit's own performance;
the Error Rate
contains all error log information accumulated prior to the Start
date.
Error status condition
Means that VAXsim is reporting a moderate to excessive number of
errors.
If a block is blinking, VAXsim is reporting a warning.
If a block is outlined in reverse video, VAXsim is reporting an
alarm.
Evaluation Period
The time period specified by the SINCE and BEFORE commands.
The
default
is a 24 hour
(one day) period ending at the current,
local, system time.
Events
Non-errors such as boots and restarts.

C-3

GLOSSARY
DEPTH
Enables you to modify the number of evaluation periods used by
VAXsim to determine the Error Rate.
For Histograms, DEPTH
modifies the number of time bars, each of which represents an
evaluation period. The default Depth is 25.
EXIT
Enables you to leave VAXsim and
indicated by the $ prompt.

return

VMS

command

Level,

HELP
Provides a complete catalog of VAXsim information online.
You
can call HELP by entering HELP or by attaching the desired topic,
such as HELP TIME. To exit HELP, press CTRL/Z.
Historical Error Rate
The result of the evaluation process indicating a rate of similar
errors typically experienced on a given device.
This value
appears in the Error Rate field of each box in an Error
Classification level display.
Histogram
A VAXsim display mode, possible only on ReGIS terminals,
that
shows error counts over time as a bar chart; each bar represents
the length of the specified evaluation period (about 24 hours by
default).
The histogram is displayed by the DISPLAY HISTOGRAM
command. Histograms can have as many as 80 time period bars, as
specified by the DEPTH command; the default is 25.
Historical database
The SYS$ERRORLOG:VAXsim CLUSTER.DATA
file
written
by
the
VAXsim Monitor process that contains an accumulation of error log
information.
Historical Evaluation Period
A time period of the same duration as the Current Evaluation
Period for which VAXsim has knowledge of a particular device.
Historical Period Count
The number of Historical
database.

Evaluation

Periods

spanned

your

Intelligent command parser
Parses and automatically corrects misspelled commands.
The
Intelligent command Parser handles commands with too many or too
few,
missing,
or transposed characters by
displaying
the
corrected command.
All you have to do is verify the command by
entering YES or Y to the verification prompt.
Keypad commands
These are VAXsim commands that can be issued by just typing a key
on a specialized keypad (the editing pad on VT200 terminals, or
the function keypad on VT100 and VT200 terminals)~
The VT200
editing keypad commands are as follows:
•
•
•

ZOOM = <Find> key
DOWN = <Next Screen> key
UP = <Prev Screen> key

Also, the <PF2> key on the function keypad of most
equivalent to the HELP command.

C-4

terminals

GLOSSARY
LEFT
Shifts the display to the left to readjust the screen after
viewing a configuration that exceeds the current display width.
VAXsim signals when you can use the LEFT command displaying
"(More)" on the left-hand side of the screen.
Left arrow
An editing function that enables you to move one character to the
left.
Line feed
Deletes one word to the left, enabling you to reenter the desired
information.
(See command Line Editor.)
Margin
Sensitivity factor which defines how much fluctuation in error
rates the VAXsim display should treat as normal. VAXsim assumes
a default margin of 15 errors.
Memory error
Hard or soft errors attributed to memory; READ DATA
(RDS) or CORRECTED READ DATA (CRD), respectively.

SUBSTITUTE

Monitor process
Processes each error record individually and continuously updates
the historical database by attaching itself directly to VMS
ERRFMT.
Multiple command line format
Enables you to enter more than one command together by joining
them with either the backslash (\) or the vertical bar Cl) as
follows:
SINCE 8:00AM\BEFORE 6:30PMISHOW PARAMETERS.
NEXT
Moves horizontally in ascending Branch ID Number direction.
If
you are at ID number 1, NEXT moves you to ID 2. You can use an
offset to move more that one position. VAXsim provides a message
when you reach the last position on the level.
Node
A VAX system that can be added to the VAXsim display database for
error
log processing.
VAX nodes can be local or remote
(accessible via DECnet) •
Node Info
-Available on the Subsystem level display, the
lists the following information about the node:

Node Info

•

Operating system

•

Last version of the Monitor that logged an error

CPU type and ID

•

Date of the last database reevaluation (UPDATE)

•

Date of the oldest and newest error log entry

block

NOTIFY
Enables you to specify what class(es} of operators are to receive
the OPCOM message when error-status conditions change.
By
default, the message is received by the system console only. See
also REPORT.

C-5

GLOSSARY
Off set
A positive integer prepresenting the number of positions to move.
The following commands use an offset: BACK, LEFT, NEXT, RIGHT,
UP.
The default (offset) is 1.
Phantom block
In VAXsim box displays, a block or node drawn in dotted lines
because no data can be evaluated for it.
The reason for phantom
status may be that you have added a nonexistent node, or that for
some reason data about an existing node is inaccessible to
VAXsim. An error message accompanies a phantom block.
PRINT
Produces a hard copy
printer.

any

screen

display

with

graphics

REMOVE
Deletes a node's error log information from the display database.
REPORT
Enables you to display a synopsis of the
generated by NOTIFY without entering VAXsim.

broadcast messages
See also NOTIFY.

RIGHT
Shifts the display to the right,
enabling you to view a
configuration that exceeds the current screen display width.
VAXsim indicates an oversize screen by displaying (More)
on the
right-hand side of the screen display.
Right arrow
An editing function that enables you to move one character to the
right.
SHOW MESSAGE
Displays,
in the Status Area,
the most recently
received
broadcast
message during the current VAXsim session:
for
example, a MAIL message or NOTICE message from the operator.
SHOW MODE
Displays, in the Status Area, the current display mode and the
status
(on or off)
of the Autocorrection, ReGIS, and Clipping
features.
SHOW PARAMETERS
Useful in refreshing the VAXsim display Status Area in case it is
disrupted by an error message or MAIL notification (for example).
A CTRL/W will refresh the entire screen.
SHOW VERSION
Enables you to check the VAXsim version number.
SHUTDOWN
Shuts down the VAXsim Monitor process,
from the
only, provided you have the required privileges.

command

level

SINCE
Enables you to adjust the Start time and date.
SPAWN
Enables you to create a subprocess to
without affecting your place in VAXsim

C-6

execute

DCL

commands

GLOSSARY
Subsystem level
Displays all the device categories attached to the system named.
VAXsim also displays a count for Events and Node Info on this
level.
System base time and date
SINCE 17-NOV-1858:00:07; VAXsim's fixed time equivalent for
the
Smithsonian base date and time for the astronomical calendar
(November 17, 1858, 00:00 o'clock).
System level
The top or root of the VAXsim tree; displays all the nodes you
have added to the display database.
If you enter TOP, VAXsim
moves you to the System level.
Threshold
The point at which an error rate progresses from normal to
warning status or from warning to alarm status.
The threshold is
determined by comparing the Counter Total to the Error Rate,
given the Margin of allowable error.
Time range
The current evaluation period; affects the error counts on the
screen display.
The SHOW PARAMETERS command displays the current
time range. The default is the previous 24 hour period.
TOP
Enables you to move to the System
tree.

level

from

anywhere

the

Unit level
Shows the set of devices that compose a node's subsystem.
If a
node has a disk subsystem, the Unit level shows the number of
disks and their names.
UP
Enables you to move to a less detailed level of the tree.
can use an offset to move up more than one level at a time.

You

UPDATE
Forces VAXsim to reread the database file on a particular node or
all nodes contained in your display database.
WATCH
Enables you to fix VAXsim on one display
for
continual
monitoring.
To return to interactive mode, press CTRL/C.
Warning condition
Determined by comparing the Count Total to the Error Rate, given
the Margin of allowable error.
Once the threshold is reached,
VAXsim highlights the block by outlining it in reverse video.
Soft, media, and informational errors have thresholds for warning
conditions only.' Hard errors have thresholds for warning as well
as alarm conditions.

C-7

GLOSSARY
Wraparound
The ability of VAXsim's horizontal movement commands {NEXT, BACK,
RIGHT,
and LEFT)
to move the display to the lowest- or
highest-numbered branch if your command takes the
display
off-screen.
For example,
if you are currently displaying the
highest-numbered (rightmost) branch, #11, and you issue a NEXT
command,
the display will move "around" to Branch #1.
{If,
however, you issue a RIGHT 30 command, and there are fewer than
30
columns to the right, VAXsim will "wrap around" only to the
first or leftmost column of the display; the reverse is true of
the LEFT command.)
ZOOM
Enables you to quickly pinpoint one or more error status
conditions.
If only one error status condition exists, the ZOOM
command moves down the entire branch to the bottom level.
If
more than one error status condition exists, the ZOOM commands
moves down the common branch as far as it can and stops where you
must decide which error to investigate.

C-8

INDEX

Absolute Time
See Time
Add
Devices, 2-10
Nodes, 2-8
Display, 2-9
ADD command, 2-8, 4-6, C-1
ANALYZE ERROR LOG, 1-1
Autocorrect, 2-4, 2-5
AUTOCORRECT command, 4-7, C-1
BACK command, 2-13, 4-8, C-1
Illustration, 2-14
Bar chart display
See Histogram, 1-9
BEFORE command, 2-17, 2-18, 2-19,
4-9, C-1
Block
Diagram, 1-5, 1-6
Elements, 1-5
Box Mode, 1-3
Branch ID Number, 1-5, 2-12, C-1
Branch Label, 1-5, C-1
Clipping
function, 3-4 to 3-6
Point, 3-3, 3-4, C-1
CLIPPING command, 4-11, C-1
Command Line Editor, 2-1, 2-3,
C-2
Keys, 2-4
Commands
Definition, C-2
Directional, 4-3
Display, 4-2
Entering, 2-1
Informational
SHOW PARAMETERS, 2-25
SHOW VERSION, 2-25
Introductory, 2-2
Multiple
See Multiple command format
Special, 4-4
Time, 4-5
Commands Reference Section, 4-1
to 4-39
Control Characters, C-2
Counter Total, 1-5, 3-3, C-2
CYCLE command, 2-6, 4-12, C-2
Database
Display, 1-3, 2-10, 2-11, C-3
Adding Devices, 2-10
Adding Nodes, 2-8
Managing, 2-8
Removing Devices, 2-10
Removing Nodes, 2-9
Update, 2-10

Database (Cont.)
Historical, 1-3, 2-6, 2-8, 2-10,
3-1, C-4
Adding Devices, 2-10
Removing Devices, 2-10
Delete Key, C-2
Delta Time
See Time
DEPTH command, 4-13, C-4
Directional Commands, 4-3
DISPLAY command, 4-14, C-3
Display commands, 4-2
Display modes, 1-3
Relationships, 2-25 to 2-28
Displays
Commands for, 4-2
Dynamic, 2-11
Examining, 2-11 to 2-15
Identifying (SHOW MODE}, 2-25
Introduction, 1-5 to 1-11
Oversized, 2-14
DOWN command, 2-12, 4-15, C-3
Illustration, 2-12
Dynamic Display Mode
CYCLE Command, 2-11
WATCH Command, 2-11
ERRFMT process, 1-1
Error
Classification Level, 1-4, C-3
Detail Level, 1-5, 3-3, C-3
Log analysis, 3-1
Messages, A-2 to A-5
Organization, 3-2 to 3-3
Rate, 1-5, C-3
Status, C-3
Alarm, 2-16, B-1, C-1
Normal, 2-16, B-1
Warning, 2-16, B-1, C-7
Status Indicators, 2-16
Types, 1-4
Device, 3-1, C-3
Events, 3-2, C-3
Memory, 3-2, C-5
Error Rate Evaluation, 3-4
Algorithm, 3-3
Error Detail Level, 3-3
Historical Period Count, 3-4
Historical Total, 3-4
Errors
Organization of, 3-1
Evaluation Period, 3-3, C-3
Adjustment, 2-17
Points of Reference, 2-20
EXIT command, 4-16, C-4
Foreign Command Interface, 2-1,
2-6

Index-1

Foreign Commands
See Foreign Command Interface
Hardcopy Option, B-1
HELP, 2-1, 2-5, 2-7, C-4
HELP command, 4-17
Histogram, 1-3, 1-9 to 1-11, C-4
Illustration, 1-10
Relationship to other displays,
2-26, 2-27
Status area parameters, 1-10
Historical Error Rate, 3-3, C-4
Historical Evaluation Period, 3-3,
C-4
Historical Period Count, 3-3, 3-4,
C-4
Intelligent command parser, 2-1,
2-4, C-4
Introductory Commands, 2-2
Keypad commands, 2-5, C-4
Left Arrow, C-5
LEFT command, 4-18, C-5
Level
Error Classification
See Error, Classification
Level
Error Detail
See Error, Detail Level
Subsystem
See Subsystem Level
System
See System Level
Unit
See Unit Level
Line Feed, C-5
Line Mode, 1-3
Line Mode Display List, 1-8
Illustration, 1-8
Logical Names, 2-6
DECnet Access Control Strings,
2-8
Undefined, 2-8
MAIL, 1-3
Margin, 3-6, C-5
MARGIN command, 4-19
Memory
Naming Convention, 3-2
Monitor, 2-6, 2-7, 2-10, 3-1, C-5
Shut-Down, 2-7
Start-Up, 2-7
Moving
Down, 2-12
Right, Left, 2-14
Side to Side, 2-13
Up, 2-12
Multiple command format, 2-1, 2-2,
2-5, C-5
Example, 2-5

NEXT command, 2-13, 4-21, C-5
Illustration, 2-14
Node, C-5
Adding, 2-8
Node Info, C-5
NOTIFY command, 2-28, 2-29, 4-22,
C-5
Offset, C-6
OPCOM, 1-3
Overview, 1-1 to 1-3
Phantom block, 1-7
PRINT command, 4-23, C-6
Printer
Option, B-2
ReGIS
Color option, B-1
Terminal for Histogram, 1-9
Terminal needed for Histogram,
1-3
REGIS command, 4-24, B-2
Remove
Devices, 2-10
Nodes, 2-9
REMOVE command, 2-9, 4-25, C-6
REPORT command, 4-26, C-6
Right Arrow, C-6
RIGHT command, 4-27, C-6
Illustration, 2-15
SHOW ERROR, 1-1
SHOW MESSAGE command, 2-25, 4-28,
C-6
SHOW MODE command, 2-24, 4-29,
C-6
SHOW PARAMETERS command, 2-24,
2-25, 4-30, C-6
SHOW VERSION command, 2-24, 2-25,
4-31, C-6
SHUTDOWN command, 4-32, C-6
SINCE command, 2-17, 2-18, 2-19,
2-22, 4-33, C-6
SPAWN command, 2-30, 4-34, C-6
Special Commands, 4-4
Status area, 1-6
Subsystem Level, 1-4, C-7
Summary Mode, 1-3
Summary Mode Display List, 1-9
System Base Time, C-7
System Level, 1-4, 2-9, 2-13, C-7
System Management, 3-7
Files, 3-7
Logical Names, 2-6
Shut-Down, 2-7
Start-up, 2-7
Terminal
Graphic Printer, B-2
Hardcopy, B-1
Options, B-1 to B-2
ReGIS, B-1

Index-2

Terminal (Cont.)
VT52, B-1
Threshold, C-7
Time, 2-17
Absolute, 2-18, 2-21, C-1
Format, 2-19
BEFORE Point of Reference, 2-20
Commands, 4-5
Delta, 2-19, 2-21, C-2
Format, 2-20
Ranges, C-7
SINCE Point of Reference, 2-20
Time Range
See Evaluation Period
TOP command, 2-13, 4-34, 4-35,
C-7
Illustration, 2-13
Unit Level, 1-4, C-7
UP command, 2-12, 4-36, C-7
Illustration, 2-13
Update
Display Database, 2-10
UPDATE command, 2-10, 4-37, C-7
User interface, 2-1 to 2-6

VAXcluster, 1-4
VAXsim
Display function, 1-3
Error rate evaluation, 3-4
General usage, 2-1 to 2-30
Monitor Start-Up, 2-7
Organization of errors, 3-1
Relationship with VMS, 1-1
Shut-Down, 2-7
Software components, 3-7
Summary of changes, ix to xi
Technical notes, 3-1 to 3-8
Tree Structure, 1-3 to 1-7
VAXsim Monitor, 1-2, 1-3
Version changes in VAXsim, ix to
xi
Visual error indications, 2-16,
3-7
VT52 Option, B-1
WATCH command, 2-6, 4-38, C-7
Wraparound, C-8
ZOOM command, 2-12, 4-39, C-8
Illustration, 2-12

Index-3

VAX System Integrity Monitor (V AXsim)
User Guide
AA-HY 46A-TE

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