ctp@POP.CS.UTEXAS.EDU.UUCP (01/14/87)
There are a few basic questions that get asked from time to time that
indicate that people don't know much about DECUS and how to use its
services. Monthly I post a list of answers to DECUS related questions
that may be of interest to the net. If you have a suggestion on
something that should be added to this posting please let me know.
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Some basic answers to DECUS questions:
1) What does DECUS stand for and how do you pronounce it?
Digital Equipment Computer Users Society
The pronunciation is open for discussion. My belief is that the
correct way is DEE-CUS as opposed to DECK-US.
2) How can I contact DECUS?
DECUS U.S. Chapter
219 Boston Post Road, BP02
Marlboro, Massachusetts 01752-1850
(617) 480-3418
3) What services does DECUS provide its members?
DECUS offers many services to its members. Some of the more
notable are:
a) The DECUS U.S. Chapter Symposia, held twice each year. The next
Symposia will be in Nashville, Tennessee, April 27 - May 1, 1987.
If you can not attend, proceedings are available for these
meetings (usually \$15 per meeting).
b) The DECUS Program Library, a VERY large collection of software
for almost every computer DEC has ever made which is available
for essentially the cost of reproduction and distribution.
c) The combined SIG Newsletters, a monthly collection of the
Special Interest Group Newsletters which is available on a
yearly subscription basis (\$35 annually)
d) Regional Conferences, local users groups from time to time host
DECUS mini-symposia focoused on some subset of Digital products.
For example the Rocky Mountain VAX Local Users Group is hosting
a Regional Conference in Denver, Colorado, March 5-6, 1987.
(Contact Donna Santoro, Banner Associates, (307) 745-7366 for
more information.)
4) What is a SIG?
SIGs are Special Interest Groups. There are many such SIGs in
DECUS. Some are: Artificial Intelligence, Business Applications,
Commercial Languages, DAARC, Data Management, Datatrieve/4GL,
EDUSIG, Graphics, Hardware Micro, IAS, Languages and Tools, Large
Systems, MUMPS, Networks, Office Automation, Personal Computer,
RSTS, RSX, RT, Site Management & Training, UNISIG (UNIX, ULTRIX),
and VAX Systems.
SIGs sponsor sessions at symposia, publish newsletters and in other
ways provide services to DECUS members interested in particular
subsets of problems and applications of DEC computers and software.
5) What is a LUG?
A LUG is a Local Users Group. There are many LUGs thoughout the
U.S., Canada and the rest of the world. LUGs usually are
associated with one or more SIGs. For example many LUGs deal with
the problems of VAX systems only. To find a LUG near you, contact
the DECUS office.
6) How much does it cost to join DECUS?
Membership in DECUS is free.
Last modified 08-Jan-1987
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Clyde T. Poole, Large Systems SIG Newsletter Editor, DECUS U.S. Chapter
ARPA: ctp@sally.utexas.edu VOICE: (512) 471-9551
UUCP: {harvard,ihnp4,seismo}!ut-sally!ctp CIS: 75226,3135
Overland: UT at Austin, Department of Computer Sciences
Taylor Hall 2.124, Austin, TX 78712-1188
"Life is a bitch ... and then you die"