OpenVMS Software Overview

This document, dated May 1993, provides an overview of the OpenVMS VAX (Version 6.0) operating system. It describes the software capabilities, computing environments, and intended audience for the system.

The document is structured into three main parts:

• Part I: OpenVMS Computing – Introduces the OpenVMS operating system, its styles of computing (batch, interactive, real-time), configurations (standalone, VAXcluster, networked), and support for open standards, distributed computing, and high-integrity production systems.
• Part II: OpenVMS Systems Software – Provides a technical overview of the OpenVMS base operating system components, including the kernel, core services, system security, and integrated utility programs. It also covers software for application development and user interfaces, such as DCL and DECwindows Motif.
• Part III: Open Distributed Computing Environments – Discusses integrating OpenVMS systems into heterogeneous network environments using networking software (DECnet, TCP/IP), NAS (Network Application Support) for multivendor integration, and transaction processing, including the roles of servers in client/server and PATHWORKS environments.

The manual includes an appendix listing standards supported by OpenVMS and is intended for general users, managers, and developers interested in the OpenVMS system.