[comp.os.vms] Response to "What is DECUS? What is a LUG? What are SIG tapes?"

nagy%warner.hepnet@LBL.ARPA.UUCP (06/13/87)

I thought everyone knew the answers, but a recent rash of a requests
to me have prompted me to publish this answer to the entire net:

DECUS is the Digital Equipment Computer Users Society.  Membership
is open to anyone and is free.  Call on of these numbers for
information on membership:
	(617) 480-3419, 3446, 3659 or 3418

DECUS consists of Special Interest Groups (SIGs) such as the VAX Systems SIG
which address a special area of interest of their members.  The SIGs
publish a combined newsletter (the VAX portion is called the "PageSwapper")
on a monthly basis.  Subscription information is available by calling
(617) 480-3301.

DECUS encourages Local Users Groups (LUGs).  The Chicago Area Real-Time
Society (CARTS) is an example.

Information on SIGs and LUGs can be gotten by calling (617) 480-3289.
Call to find out what LUGs exist in your area.

The DECUS U.S. Chapter holds symposia twice a year. At the symposia, the
VAX SIG collects contributions into a VAX SIG tape which is then distributed
via to the LUGs who are responsible for distributing it to their members.
For instance, CARTS arranges to receive the RSX, VAX and L&T (Languages &
Tools SIG) tapes, reproduce them (on a voluteer basis) and distribute to
the LUG members at a LUG meeting in return for a good quality scratch tape
to be used for the next round of SIG tape reproductions.  Other SIGs
arrange things in other manners.  Contact DECUS to find out who your
local LUGs are and then contact your LUGs about availability of the SIG
tapes.

The SIG tapes are also entered into the DECUS Library and can be ordered
directly from DECUS, call Order Processing at (617) 480-3419.  For instance,
the most recent VAX SIG tapes require 2 1600 bpi tapes in VMS BACKUP format
(about 2/3 of a 6250 bpi tape).  The DECUS Library Media Service Charge
for a recent VAX SIG tape would be $154 for members and $163 for non-members
of DECUS (plus a Postage and Handling charge set by the total order amount
- no P&H charge for orders over $500, $25 P&H for $201-$500 orders, etc.).

The DECUS Library has over 200 programs and packages for the VAXes and
nearly 1000 programs and packages for PDP-11s (various O.S.'s).  I'd
urge all DEC users to become DECUS members, get the Library Catalog and
submit programs to the SIG tapes and the DECUS Library


= Frank J. Nagy
= Fermilab Research Division EED/Controls
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