EVERHART%ARISIA@rca.COM.UUCP (06/03/87)
Ed <McGuire@grin2.Bitnet> asks how to obtain an RSX SIG TAPE he can read without BRU. This is to let you know that for the past two or three years the RSX SIG tapes have been available in both BRU and VMS Backup format. They go to the DECUS library in both formats (and yes, the Fall '85 tape with DECUS C is in the library). They also are sent to the NLO distribution system and to the 3 regional RSX SIG tree head sites in both formats, so they are available. Folks whose tapes are on VAXen should acquire the VMS Backup flavor, as it's easier to deal with than BRU and also Backup is better archivally. If you have the BRU flavor, you still need to go either to the DECUS library to get the VMS Backup version or go query the NLO or tree heads. Tape format is a long standing problem and I WISH there were a universally usable, efficient, reliable, multi-directory utility on all DEC operating systems for handling tape. DEC tried with RMS Backup, and scored a clean miss (due partly to bugs and partly to the fact that when it was introduced not everyone had the utilities). (Can you tell I'd like VMS Backup on RSX...?) The Spring '87 tape will also be available in both formats, and those on the distribution tree can identify the tree heads for East, Midwest, and West and the NLO. Glenn Everhart Everhart%Arisia@rca.com