Guide to Extended File Specifications

This manual, OpenVMS Guide to Extended File Specifications, details the implementation of ODS-5 (On-Disk Structure Level 5) within the OpenVMS environment (Version 7.3). Key topics covered include:

• Features: Introduces ODS-5, which supports long file names (up to 236 characters), case preservation, and deep directory structures (up to 255 levels).
• Management: Provides instructions for system managers on enabling ODS-5, managing access controls, and using updated system utilities like ANALYZE/DISK_STRUCTURE and BACKUP for volume conversions.
• User Interface: Explains the impact of ODS-5 on DCL command parsing, the usage of the escape character (^), and displaying files in mixed-case.
• Application Development: Offers guidance on evaluating application support for extended specifications and steps for upgrading applications to utilize the NAML (Long Name) block.
• Technical Details: Includes extensive technical information on system service changes, Record Management Services (RMS) modifications, and Files-11 XQP changes, alongside comprehensive character set documentation (ISO Latin-1 and Unicode).