[mod.computers.vax] Disk serial number as VAX system ID

tedcrane@TCGOULD.TN.CORNELL.EDU (Ted Crane) (04/08/87)

Newer VAXes have no system serial number to speak of (and there have been
a few articles speaking of how they don't exist).  We are considering
other methods of identifying a system.

Two possible methods exist: the Ethernet physical address (taken from the
DEUNA, DEQNA, etc. driver), and the serial number of the system disk.
The VMS Ethernet drivers appear to have a method to determine the physical
address.

Is there a documented way within VMS to determine the serial number of
the system disk (or any disk, for that matter)?  Or can anyone suggest an
undocumented way to get it (is it present in the UCB, for example)?

Or do you have a better idea?  I'll post a summary of replies and ideas
sent to me in the mail.