HP 3000 Manuals HP 3000 Manuals
Glossary (Continued)
job limit A limit set to manage jobs. The system
manager or operator can restrict system
usage by limiting the number of jobs allowed
to run on the system. If the LIMIT command
is used to set the job limit to 0 (zero), no
additional jobs can log onto the system.
job listing See listing.
job number A system assigned identification number
given to each job when it is submitted for
processing.
job state A generic term for the preliminary stages,
excluding initial validation, a new job or
session must pass through during its
lifespan. See executing states.
keyboard A keyboard is attached to a terminal and is
a means of inputting data to communicate
with the system.
Keyed Sequential Access A file access method supported on the HP
Method (KSAM) 3000 (and included with the Fundamental
Operating Software) in which records may be
accessed either sequentially or randomly by
primary or alternate record keys.
keyword A word assigned a specific meaning by the
operating system, a subsystem, computer
language, or utility.
keyword parameters Words that have special meaning to the
command interpreter and are used to modify
the intent or effect of an MPE command.
Keyword parameters, unlike positional
parameters, may appear in any order after a
command has been entered on the command
line. An entire keyword parameter group,
such as PASS=password, must be separated
from other keyword parameters by a semicolon
(;).
LDEV number See logical device number.
library A file containing a set of procedures and
variables that may be accessed by programs.
line editor A line editor requires you to press Return
to end one line of text and to begin
another. EDIT/3000 is an example of a line
editor.
listing A listing is the output of a job usually in
the form of a printed document.
local node The node where you are physically located
and logged on, and at which you enter
commands.
local system console See system console.
LOCKED state The status of an output spoolfile when it is
being accessed by the SPOOK utility, and
therefore unavailable for printing.
lockword A word used as a security device on files.
A lockword can be assigned to a file when it
is created or renamed, and must be supplied
to regain access to the file. The word may
be from one to eight alphanumeric characters
long and must begin with an alphabetic
character.
log file A file that maintains a record of events.
Each event is recorded in a separate log
record, and is correlated with the job or
session causing the event.
logical device number An LDEV number is assigned to all hardware
components of a computer system and is used
for identification purposes.
logical record A collection of fields or related data,
treated as a unit, residing in a file. A
logical record is defined in a user program.
Its length is smaller than or equal to the
length of the physical record in which it
resides.
logoff A method of terminating a session. To
logoff MPE XL enter the BYE or EXIT command.
logon A method of initiating a session. To logon
to MPE XL, enter the HELLO command and a
valid user and account name, plus a group
name if necessary, and any required
passwords.
logon group The group accessed by defining a group name
when logging on using the HELLO command.
The syntax is username.accountname,
groupname. Once the desired group is
accessed, resident files may be referenced
without fully qualifying them.
logon identity A security device used to verify users to
the system. A logon identity includes a
valid user name and account name in the form
user.account.
logon prompt A system prompt (MPE XL:) that indicates the
computer is ready to initiate a session.
See also prompt.
logon session An identification device used when
logging on. The correct syntax is
sessionname,username.accountname.
logon UDC A user defined command (UDC) automatically
executed at logon. Specified with an OPTION
LOGON statement within the UDC.
magnetic tape A data storage device used to duplicate
online data to an offline media.The
duplicated data may also be copied from the
tape back to disk. MPE XL supports the use
of magnetic tape in reel form.
mainframe computer A computer that generally has a large amount
of memory and operates at high speed,
servicing multiple users and/or batch jobs.
main memory The fast, volatile, random access storage
containing all currently executing code and
data segments, including portions of the
operating system and any utilities in use.
megabyte A measure of memory or storage space equal
to 1,048,576 bytes of characters.
mounting The act of making a data storage device
accessible. To physically mount the device,
you load the media onto the device. To
logically mount the device, you tell the
operating system which device you want to
use and it allows you access to that
resource.
MPE XL Multi-Programming Executive with Extended
Large Addressing: The operating system for
the 900 Series HP 3000 computers. MPE XL
manages all system resources and coordinates
the execution of all programs running on the
system.
multiple RIN capability (MR A capability assigned to accounts and users
capability) allowing a user multiple RINs (resource
identification numbers) so they can lock
more than one resource or device at a time.
MR capability is usually restricted to only
a few users, since simultaneous resource
locking can lock (or hang) the entire
system.
multiprocessing The simultaneous execution of two or more
programs by two or more interconnected CPUs.
multiprocessor A processor that can be added to the main
processor to increase computing power.
multiprogramming The concurrent execution of multiple
programs by a single processing unit.
Multi- Programming The MPE V/E HP 3000 operating system. MPE
Executive (MPE) consists of programs that handle exchanges
between HP terminals, printers, storage
devices, memory, and executing programs.
MPE XL Multi-Programming Executive with Extended
Large Addressing: The operating system for
the 900 Series HP 3000 computers. MPE XL
manages all system resources and coordinates
the execution of all programs running on the
system.
multiple RINs Allowing an account, group, or user multiple
RINs (by specifying Multiple RIN (MR)
capability with the ALTACCT, ALTGROUP, or
ALTUSER commands) allows users to lock more
than one resource at a time.
network administrator A user, selected by the sstem manager,
capability (NA capability) who is assigned to manage the data
communications subsystem at a specified
location.
Network Remote Job Entry A facility to provide batch System Network
(NRJE) Architecture (SNA) communications. SNA NRJE
allows users to transmit large batch jobs
and files from an HP 3000 to an IBM
mainframe for processing and to receive
output and files from an IBM mainframe.
Network Services (NS) Network Services (NS) software products
provide user interface to the network. They
allow batch jobs submittals, file transfers,
virtual terminal access, and other services.
node One end of a communications link or a
computer system in a network. For example,
if two HP 3000 computers are connected via a
DS line, each system is considered a node.
node manager capability (NM A capability assigned to users allowing them
capability) to control communications subsystems at
their node.
node name A string of up to 31 characters, not
including control characters or spaces, that
uniquely identifies a node on a local area
network (LAN)|
non-shareable device A capability assigned to accounts and users
capability (ND capability) allowing account members to own
non-shareable devices such as unspooled tape
drives and line printers, serial disks,
private volumes (on MPE V/E), and foreign
disks.
non-system volumes Non-system, or mountable, volumes are member
volumes of a volume set. They do not need
to be mounted for the operating system to
run.
offline state The condition of a device when it is not
available to the system, for example, not
under the direct control of the CPU.
online state The condition of a device when it is
available to the system. An online device
allows the user to interact with the system.
open The act of obtaining access to a resource.
OPEN state The state of a spoolfile when it is being
accessed by a user program or MPE. An OPEN
input spoolfile occurs when data is being
collected from the input device (usually a
terminal or tape drive). An OPEN output
spoolfile is the disk file being created by
the output spooler.
operating system The software that allows the computer to
operate. It consists of programs such as
basic file and I/O manipulators. All
subsystems run upon the operating system.
operator command MPE commands executed at the System Console
by the System Operator. Operator commands
may be distributed to specific users at the
Operator's discretion with the ALLOW,
ASSOCIATE, and JOBSECURITY commands.
OPERATOR.SYS The user and account that MPE automatically
logs on to at the console when the system is
started. OPERATOR.SYS may or may not be
assigned special capabilities. Unlike the
system supervisor (who is assigned OP
capability), or the system manager (who is
assigned SM capability), there is no
mnemonic that entitles the operator to
execute a special subset of commands. The
operator's power and responsibilities derive
solely from control of the system console
and any capabilities assigned to it by the
account manager of the SYS account.
optional parameter A parameter that is not required when
entering a command or calling an intrinsic.
In reference manuals, optional parameters
are surrounded by square brackets ([ ]).
outfence The system outfence is a number in the range
of 1 (lowest priority) to 14 (highest
priority), used to control access to the
system printer. If a job does not have an
input priority higher than the system
outfence (default 7), it will not print.
output Data transferred from internal to secondary
(external) storage in a computer. Also, the
process of transferring information from the
computer to a peripheral device.
output priority A number in the range of 1 (lowest priority)
to 13 (highest priority) assigned to an
output spoolfile either by the system (a
default value) or by a user. It is used by
MPE to determine the order in which files
will be printed.
pack A set of one or more disk platters stacked
inside a plastic cylindrical container. A
pack is usually called a disk pack. A disk
pack stores data.
packet A unit of information passed between Levels
II and III (Data Link Layer and Network
Layer) of the Open Systems Interconnection
(OSI) model.
page In MPE XL a page is defined as a set of 2048
contiguous bytes (2KB) which is used as the
basic unit for memory mapping. All swapping
is done in multiples of pages.
parameter A value in a list of values that is passed
to a procedure. The parameter is used in
calculations or operations in the procedure.
path The course within a computer that a message
takes, typically through software protocol
handlers.
performance tuning Essentially is a matter of locating the
bottleneck and then eliminating or reducing
it.
peripheral A hardware device attached to and controlled
by a computer, such as a terminal, a tape or
disk drive, or a printer.
permanent file A disk file with an entry in the system
directory. To delete the file, it must be
erased from the system with the PURGE
command or with certain invocations of the
FCLOSE intrinsic.
permanent space Disk space reserved for use by permanent
structures such as files, the label table,
or the free space map.
platter A single disk coated with magnetic material.
One or more platters are mounted on a
central spindle, and together they form a
disk pack. Information may be recorded on
one or both sides of each platter within the
pack.
pointer The address of a piece of data or a data
structure used by the programmer in data
manipulation.
positional parameters One or more terms, appearing in a specific
order on the command line, that modify the
intent or effect of the command. If a
positional parameter is omitted, the user
must supply a comma in its place.
private volumes MPE V/E removable disk volumes that are not
included in the system I/O configuration
table and, therefore, must be brought online
with an explicit LMOUNT command. To access
a private volume, a user's logon group and
account must be assigned to a specific
volume set with the VS parameter of the
ALTGROUP and ALTACCT commands. Private
volumes are non-system domain devices.
Equivalent to MPE XL mountable or non-system
volumes.
privileged mode capability A capability assigned to accounts, groups,
(PM capability) or users allowing unrestricted memory
access, access to privileged CPU
instructions, and the ability to call
privileged procedures.
process The unique execution of a program or
procedure by a particular user at a
particular time. If several users execute
the same program, each is a separate
process. Similarly, if the same user runs
several programs, each execution is also
considered a distinct process.
process handling capability A capability optionally assigned to
(PH capability) accounts, groups, and users, allowing a
currently executing process to create other
processes. PH capability also allows
process suspension, interprocess
communication, and process deletion. Since
the proliferation of processes results in
heavy system resource usage, PH capability
is typically restricted to only a few users.
process identification A number assigned to a process by MPE when
number (PIN) the process is created. It is used
internally by MPE (in the process control
block (PCB) table) and during requests for
system resources at the console (when the
operator responds to requests by referencing
the PIN in the REPLY command).
program A sequence of instructions that tells the
computer how to perform a specific task.
programmable READ-only A PROM chip contains programs that remain
memory (PROM) permanently in the computer.
programmatic sessions A capability allowing a user to execute the
capability (PS capability) STARTSESS command and to call the STARTSESS
and ABORTSESS intrinsics.
prompt The character(s) displayed at the terminal
screen indicating that the system is ready
for a command. The MPE command
interpreter's prompt is a colon (:). Other
subsystems have different prompts.
protocol A defined set of communication signals that
ensure correct protocol specifies the format
and relative timing of information
exchanges.
PUB group A group, created when an account is created,
whose files are usually accessible to all
users within the account.
PUB.SYS The public group of the system account.
PUB.SYS is where programs and applications
available to all users of the system reside.
purge To delete a permanent file from the system
with the PURGE command. The PURGE command
is also used to delete an account structure
entry such as a user name, group name, or an
account.
queue A list that allows additions at one end and
deletions at the opposite end. Items in a
queue are usually processed on the first in,
first out (FIFO) principle, in that the
first item entered is the first item to be
processed. For example, the output produced
by a program is generally stored on disk in
a queue until a printer becomes available.
As each output is printed the next in
priority is selected and processed.
quiet mode A session mode in which messages sent from
other jobs or sessions to a terminal are not
displayed. Users control quiet mode with
the SETMSG command. To determine who is
running quietly, execute the SHOWJOB
command. Those sessions not receiving
messages are indicated by the word QUIET in
the third column of the listing. A WARN
message from the system console overrides
quiet mode, and should be used for all
critical communication, such as informing
the user of an impending system shutdown.
random access The direct access to data stored in a
device. For example, if a user or program
requires the 17th record in a file stored on
random access media, that record may be
selected for the read/write operation
without scanning the preceding 16 records.
Typical random access storage devices
include main memory and disk drives.
random access memory (RAM) A part of memory that contains information
that is temporarily stored in the computer.
When the computer is turned off, random
access memory is erased. The opposite of
read-only memory.
read To request and accept input data from a
source.
ready state The condition of an input spoolfile when it
is available for access by the spooler
program or user. READY output spoolfiles
are complete files waiting to be printed.
They may also be manipulated with the SPOOK
utility.
record A collection of fields or related data
treated as a unit, residing in a file. A
contiguous group of bytes whose structure is
known by the file system.
record width The amount of data that is transmitted to
and from a device at one time. For example,
the standard record width for terminals is
80 bytes. The record width for disk devices
is 128 words.
recursion The ability of a procedure or function to
call itself.
RELOAD To coldload the entire HP 3000 system,
including all MPE files, the accounting
structure, I/O configuration tables, and
user files from the backup medium. A RELOAD
is normally used when no other coldload
option has succeeded. MPE XL equivalent is
the ISL INSTALL utility.
remote access Communication with a computer from a
physically separate location.
remote database A centrally located database which users
throughout a network can access and update.
In contrast, a distributed database has
different portions of the database stored at
different nodes.
remote mode A mode in which a terminal transmits and
receives data from a remote (or host)
computer.
remote network Any network in the catenet to which the
local node does not belong.
remote node A node that is not physically located where
you are and which you communicate with via
data communication.
remote session A session initiated from an area physically
separated from the computer.
remote system A computer system physically separated from
other computer systems.
remote system console A terminal which provides remote access to
the SPU as a system console or terminal
session.
remote terminal A terminal that is indirectly connected to
the computer, using a modem and telephone
hook up.
removable packs See private volumes.
report A display of information about accounts,
groups, and users generated with the REPORT
command. The information, listed in
columns, contains both the current value and
maximum limit for file space (in sectors),
CPU time (in seconds), and connect time (in
minutes). System managers may report on all
groups in all accounts; account managers may
report on all groups in their own account;
standard users may report on only their
logon group.
required parameter A parameter that is required when entering a
command or calling an intrinsic. In
reference manuals, required parameters are
surrounded by braces ({}).
resource Any device or item used by a computer, for
example I/O devices, disk files, or
programs.
resource identification A number identifying a user-defined
number (RIN) resource. Users are normally allowed to
lock only a single RIN, which means they may
have exclusive access to one resource at a
time, such as an I/O device, a file, or a
program.
restricting data A way of limiting access to data by grouping
data into volumes, volume classes, and
volume sets.
resume To restart execution of a procedure or
program after it has been suspended.
run To execute a program.
run time The environment in which a process is
running or executing.
Save Files Capability (SF The capability allowing users to save the
Capability) files they create. It is assigned by
default to accounts and users.
scratch tape A tape that is blank or contains out-of-date
data and can be reused.
scrolling The act of adding a new line of data to a
video terminal's screen by adding it to the
bottom of the screen and shifting all
previous lines upward.
search path An MPE XL mechanism that controls which file
is opened once a command is determined not
to be a UDC nor an MPE command.
sector A portion of a track on a disk, and the
smallest addressable piece of the disk.
MPE-formatted disks use 128-word sectors
(256 bytes).
security 1) The provisions that prevent unauthorized
users from entering the system, accessing
data, or using resources, programs, or
capabilities. 2) The provisions included in
MPE to protect the system from unauthorized
use. MPE offers several means to create a
secure environment. The most basic level of
security includes organizing files into
groups and users into accounts, either of
which may be assigned a password. Security
also refers to the ability to read, write,
append, lock, and execute files, optionally
assigned to accounts by the system manager
and to groups and users by the account
manager.
segmented library (SL) A file structure containing code segments
that are shareable, general-use MPE,
utility, and subsystem procedures not unique
to a particular process. The three levels
of SLs are group library SL, available to
any user who can access the group; the
public library SL, accessible to account
users; and the system library SL, used by
all system users.
segmenter A subsystem of the MPE V/E operating system
that performs all execution. Its primary
function is to gather and link into segments
most of the resources needed to form an
executable program file.
separator A symbol that separates the parameters of an
instruction. Some examples of separators
are commas, spaces, and semicolons.
sequential A manner in which information may be read
from or written to a device. Sequentially
accessed files are stored in such a way that
the logical order of the file's records is
identical to their physical layout on disk
or tape.
serial A method of transmitting information, one
bit at a time.
serial interface A single data line that transfers data bytes
sequentially between devices.
server A node unit of a network that provides a
specific service to network users.
session A mode in which the HP 3000 is used
interactively by entering commands and data
through a terminal's keyboard and receiving
immediate responses to input. A session is
initiated with the HELLO command. A session
is ended with the BYE command, or a second
HELLO command that logs the user off the
first, session and onto another session.
spoolfile A file on a mass storage device (usually a
disk drive) that is either spooled from an
input device or spooled to an output device.
Spoolfiles may be either OPEN, ACTIVE,
READY, or LOCKED. These states describe
different stages of the spooling process
depending upon whether the file is an input
or output spoolfile.
spooling SPOOL is an acronym for simultaneous
peripheral operations online. The MPE XL
spooling facility permits the concurrent use
of output devices and batch job input. If
multiple users send output to a nonshareable
device, such as a tape drive or line
printer, their output is directed to
spoolfiles on disk. The output is printed
on a priority basis as the printer becomes
available and the users can proceed with
other processing activities without waiting
for the printer. Multiple batch jobs may
also be submitted concurrently. The jobs
are spooled to disk and executed according
to the priority level specified by its
submitter with the JOB command.
spool queue Disk space where spool files are kept.
START An initial system loader (ISL) utility, and
its options, used to start the system from
disk, building the system data structures.
This utility is used to recover from a hang
or failure or to reboot the system after
scheduled downtime. The START RECOVERY
option is equivalent to the MPE V/E
WARMSTART procedure, and the START
NORECOVERY option is equivalent to the MPE
V/E COOLSTART procedure.
$STDIN A system-defined file name that refers to
the standard input device used to initiate a
session or job; usually a terminal keyboard,
card reader, or tape drive.
$STDLIST A file name indicating the standard job or
session listing file corresponding to the
particular input device being used. The
listing device is usually a printer for
batch jobs and a terminal for sessions.
storage device A device (such as a disk pack, a disk
cartridge, a flexible disk, magnetic tape,
or cartridge tape) onto which data can be
stored and subsequently retrieved.
STORE 1) The process of saving HP 3000 files to
tape or serial disk. Storing is executed by
using the STORE command. 2) A machine
instruction that tells the CPU to take
information from a register and put it in
memory.
stream To run batch jobs or data from a session or
a job by using the MPE STREAM command. Once
a job is streamed, it will execute as a
separate process without requiring any
further user input or supervision.
subqueue priority The subqueue (BS, CS, DS, or ES) assigned to
a process when it is initiated that
determines how it competes with other
processes for CPU time. The highest
subqueue that a job or session may be
assigned is BS, specified with the ;PRI=
parameter of the HELLO or JOB command. The
default subqueue is CS for sessions, DS for
jobs, although users may request a lower
queue if they do not need output
immediately.
subsystem A software program that performs a specific
function, such as compiling programs,
copying files, or editing text. Subsystems
are executed by entering a single command at
the colon prompt. At that point a different
prompt is displayed, and a set of commands
specific to the subsystem become available
to the user. The user must explicitly exit
the subsystem, usually by entering E or
EXIT.
syntax The rules governing the structure of a
language or instruction.
syntax error An error in an instruction due to a
misspelled word, a missing character, or
improper punctuation.
SYS account A special account on the HP 3000, included
with the system when it is first installed.
It contains all MPE files (stored in the
segmented library), supported subsystems,
utility programs, and compilers.
system A group of one or more CPUs that communicate
through buses without the use of data
communications software.
system abort Is an orderly system failure. MPE trys to
clean up by closing files and flushing
buffers when possible.
system configuration The process of tailoring the operating
system to accommodate the current physical
layout and workload of a particular
installation. The configuration is
typically modified when new terminals,
another line printer, or a disk drive are
added. The system also may be reconfigured
to assign new class names to existing
devices, change the size of system tables or
virtual memory, modify system logging, or
alter any other configuration parameter.
system console 1) A workstation given a unique status by
the operating system. It is used by the
Operator to execute specific commands for
the purpose of managing sessions, jobs, and
system resources. It is associated with all
boot or system loader error messages, system
error messages, and certain system status
messages. 2) The terminal, usually logical
device 20, the system operator uses to
monitor system activity, respond to resource
requests, and send messages to user's
terminals. The console (and its associated
privileges and responsibilities) may be
transferred to another logical device with
the CONSOLE command.
system control panel A panel on the computer, containing control
switches and status indicator lights.
system-defined files The files defined by MPE and made available
to all users to indicate standard input or
output devices, special temporary files, and
files opened for output that do not perform
an actual write operation.
system disk The disk volume, mounted as logical device
1. It contains MPE, I/O configuration
information, the accounting structure and
file directory, and utilities and
subsystems. It also contains an area
reserved for virtual memory and may be used
to store user files.
system failure An internally detected error from which
recovery is not possible. Rather than
continue to operate, risking data integrity,
the operating system halts the computer.
system file directory A directory maintained by MPE that records
the name, group, and account of each
permanent file on the system. The directory
contains the size of each file, its location
on the disk, who may access it, and other
information.
SYStem GENerator (SYSGEN) The MPE XL utility used to create or modify
system and I/O configurations; add, remove,
and replace program files and boot files;
replace system libraries; generate a full
system backup, and create a boot tape to
bring up an MPE XL system with the new
configuration. Equivalent to MPE V/E
SYSDUMP and INITIAL.
system logging The MPE XL system logging facility records
details of system resource requests in a
series of log files on disk. The system
manager or operator can select which system
events to record such as job/session
initiation/termination, program termination,
file closing, file spooling completion, and
system shutdown. I/O device failures are
recorded in the system log and are used to
detect problems before they interfere with
overall system operation.
system manager The person who manages the computer
installation, responsible for creating
accounts and assigning capabilities and
resource- use limits to each.
system manager capability A capability assigned to the user name and
(SM capability) account to which the person designated as
system manager logs on. The system manager
is responsible for the structure, security,
and overall operation of the system by
establishing accounts and assigning
capabilities and resource-use limits to
each. The system manager assigns account
manager and system supervisor capabilities
to specific users.
system supervisor A capability assigned by the system manager
capability (OP capability) to the system supervisor's user name and
account. The system supervisor is
responsible for performing backups, altering
the system configuration, and in general,
tuning the computer so that it continues to
perform well and meet the needs of users.
system volume An MPE XL system volume set. It contains a
bootable system image and system
configuration on its master volume. It is
the only volume needed to load and start the
system. It is always mounted and named
MPEXL_SYSTEM_VOLUME_SET.
tape mark The uniquely formatted area on a magnetic
tape that is used to separate files; it also
may be used to delimit the end of the tape
(two file or tape marks). A tape mark is
also referred to as a file mark.
temporary file A file that exists only for the duration of
a session or job.
terminal A hardware device connected to a computer,
used for entering and receiving data. A
terminal consists of a keyboard and a
display screen.
terminal type Hewlett-Packard's classification for
terminal models and their capabilities.
track A data area on disk that forms a concentric
circle, divided into sectors. One full
track passes under the disk head during each
rotation of the disk.
transaction A logical unit of work.
transaction logging A transaction log file is automatically
generated and maintained by the transaction
management facility. This facilitates
recovery from the abnormal end of
transactions and system failures. Files can
be restored to a consistent state by copying
the contents of the log file into the data
file.
transient space Disk space used for temporary processes such
as stacks and operating system data
structures.
transparent Unseen by the user. A process or action
which the user does not need to be concerned
with.
UPDATE 1) The MPE XL ISL UPDATE utility performs a
system load from tape. It replaces the
current base system files on disk, and
optionally replaces configuration files.
The ISL UPDATE CONFIG option is equivalent
to the MPE V/E COLDSTART procedure, and the
UPDATE NOCONFIG option is equivalent to the
MPE V/E UPDATE operation. 2) An MPE V/E
coldload option that loads all files in the
PUB group of the SYS account from the backup
media. I/O configuration data, the
directory, and user files are loaded from
the system disk. UPDATE is typically used
to install a new version of system software
or to load MPE from another computer.
Equivalent to the MPE XL ISL UPDATE utility
UPDATE NOCONFIG option.
use communications A capability assigned to accounts and users
subsystems capability (CS allowing access to the MPE communications
capability) subsystems.
user Anyone logged onto a session, using a local
or remote terminal to interact with the
computer. Each user is identified by a user
and account name, can access files in the
logon group.
user command A set of MPE XL commands that a user has
grouped together to perform a specific task.
A user command is stored in a command file
and does not have to be entered into a
catalog. User commands are last in MPE's
search path for commands.
user defined command (UDC) A command that executes a set of one or more
commands that the user has grouped together
into a single, named procedure file to
perform a specific task. The name of the
procedure file is then used as a part of the
command line.
user level security The file access modes permitted the user.
User level security must duplicate, or be a
subset of, the file access permitted the
user's account and group.
user logging A facility that enables users and subsystems
to record additions and modifications to
files. If necessary, user logging also
provides the means whereby recorded entries
can be used to recover the files themselves.
use volumes capability (UV A capability assigned at the account and
capability) user level allowing users to access private
disk volumes.
utility program An operating system program that performs
specific functions such as file copying,
sorting and merging, memory dump analysis,
or monitoring available disk space.
variable A value that can be changed, as opposed to a
constant, usually represented by a letter or
a group of alphanumeric characters.
variable-length record One of a set of records that vary in size
with respect to each other.
virtual memory 1) MPE XL virtual memory refers to providing
programmers with the appearance that the
available memory space is many times larger
than the actual amount of main or even disk
memory. MPE XL provides this capability by
taking advantage of the system's extremely
large addressing potential. 2) The
allocation of disk space to save a segment
of main memory temporarily. Virtual memory
is an extension of main memory. When there
is insufficient space for a user's stack in
main memory, or if the stack is not being
modified, MPE V/E will swap out the stack
(save it to the system disk in the area
reserved as virtual memory) and load another
stack, or reload the same stack, when space
becomes available. Therefore, many users
can efficiently share main memory.
virtual terminal An NS3000/XL service that provides
interactive access to other systems on a
network. A terminal configured to one
system is virtually connected to all the
other systems on the network.
volume A volume is one disk pack. Each volume is a
member of a volume set and contains a volume
label, a label table, and a free space map.
volume class Volume classes are used for the allocation
and restriction of disk space. A volume
class is a logical subset or partition
within a volume set and can bridge any
number of physical member volumes of a
volume set.
volume name The name given to a volume set or volume
class with the NEWSET command. The name may
be assigned only by a user with CV (create
volume) capability, usually the system
manager or account manager. The volume name
is an ASCII character string of up to eight
alphanumeric characters, beginning with an
alphabetic character.
volume number The part of an address used for a device
number whose meaning is software and device
dependent, but is often used to specify a
particular volume on a multivolume disk
drive.
volume set A volume set is a group of from 1 to 255
related disk packs. One volume of the
volume set must be designated as the master
volume for the set. Each volume set is
assigned a name by which it is identified
and referenced. MPE XL recognizes both
system volume sets and non-system or
mountable, volume sets.
volume set information A part of a master volume of a volume set
table (VSIT) containing the volume set configuration
data.
volume testing The verification that the system will
continue to operate when loaded to each
individual limit, the determination of what
occurs when those limits are exceeded, and
the determination of what occurs when the
system is emptied after being in a full
state.
VOLUTIL The MPE XL volume utility provides volume
initialization and maintenance, volume label
and membership inquiries, and volume
space/sector status. Equivalent to the MPE
V/E VINIT subsystem.
WELCOME message A file containing a greeting and important
system information. It is created by the
System Operator and displayed each time a
user logs onto the system.
wild card A symbol that is used to replace a character
or set of characters. In MPE, the at sign
(@), the pound sign (#), and the question
mark (?) are used as wild card characters.
Other subsystems may use different symbols.
word A word consists of 32 bits (4 bytes) of
information in the 900 Series HP 3000. A
word consists of 16 bits (2 bytes) of
information in other HP 3000 systems.
work around A means of gaining functionality in spite of
a problem, without directly solving the
problem.
work file A temporary file created when a text editor
is invoked. A work file is a copy (in
memory) of a permanent disk file. Any
changes to the work file are lost unless the
user saves the updated version of the file.
workstation Terminals, personal computers, or serial
printers that communicate with a host
computer but have inherent processing
capabilities.
write To put information in a certain place.
write-enable To remove a disk's write-protection,
allowing the disk to be written upon.
write-protect To protect stored data so that it can not be
overwritten.
X.25 A type of communication link that provides
connection of packet switching networks
(PSNs), also known as value added networks
(VANs). X.25 links are useful for
long-distance communication, and can be more
economical than leased lines in some
applications.