System Software Information (1988)

This document, titled "SYSTEM SOFTWARE INFORMATION" (Order Number: AA-50740-RK), is an internal reference guide published by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) in June 1988, with information valid as of June 30, 1988. It explicitly states that it is "FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY" and "DO NOT DISTRIBUTE TO CUSTOMERS," rendering all previous versions obsolete.

Purpose: The primary purpose of this guide is to assist DEC's internal sales and support groups by providing a centralized and tabulated reference for the company's software products. Its structured format aims to simplify the comparison of features available across various operating systems.

Content Overview: The document offers comprehensive information on DEC's major operating systems and their ecosystem, organized into several key areas:

1. Operating System Support: Detailed listings for PDP-11 (e.g., CTS-300, IAS, RSTS/E, RSX-11M, RT-11), VAX/VMS, PDP-8 (e.g., DECmate Kits, WPS-8), DECsystem-10 (TOPS-10), DECsystem-20 (TOPS-20), and ULTRIX-32. Each entry typically includes product name, order number, SPD number, and a chronological breakdown of software versions with corresponding documentation.
2. Hardware Support: Extensive tables indicating compatibility and support ("X") for various hardware items across different operating system versions, including:
   • CPUs and CPU Options
   • Clocks, Disks, and Tapes
   • Printers, Card Readers, and Terminals
   • Communications Interfaces (Asynchronous and Synchronous)
   • Process I/O and Miscellaneous components
   • Computer Special Systems (CSS)
3. Language and Data Services: Overviews of supported programming languages (e.g., BASIC, COBOL, DIBOL, FORTRAN, PASCAL, LISP, MUMPS) and data management systems (e.g., DBMS, DATATRIEVE, RMS), categorizing them as "layered" or "bundled" products.
4. System Features: Tables outlining key operating system characteristics such as single/multi-user capabilities, batch mode, multiprogramming, real-time support, time-sharing, memory requirements, hardware protection, and file systems.
5. Networks and Communications: Dedicated sections on DECnet (including connection capabilities, product functions, and phase III/IV details), Internet (emulator options), and Packetnet (PSI) options and functions.
6. Distribution Media: Information on the types of media used for software distribution, such as magnetic tapes and diskettes.

The document uses a standardized notation where "X" denotes support, "-" indicates no support or no intention of support, and a blank entry means future support is uncertain or information is unavailable. Each product's entry highlights its current release (in the right-hand column) and provides historical information in preceding columns.