OS/8

OS / 8 had an operating system for the PDP -8 - computer of Digital Equipment (DEC). The system allowed the use of a large number of peripheral devices, using the entire core memory of 32 MB.

OS / 8 was used under the Real Time System RTS -8 as Background module to enable in addition to real-time applications in the background file processing and program development. Without RTS -8 OS / 8 was used as the operating system with only 8-KB memory requirements for program development.

Construction

OS / 8 consisting of a core and of a library of system programs.

The core consists essentially of four elements:

  • The keyboard monitor,
  • The command decoder,
  • The USR (User Service Routine )
  • The I / O device drivers.

With the keyboard of the monitor access is made to the library of system programs. This consists of:

  • FORTRAN II is easy to use. FORTRAN source programs can be compiled, loaded and started with one command.
  • In FORTRAN II loops are allowed.
  • In FORTRAN II programs can be chained. This allows an efficient program structure.
  • It is a device- independent input / output structure available for console Schnell-Leser/-Stanzer and printers.

Other programs

In addition to the standard programs, there are the following programs, BASIC, BATCH and TECO were delivered in an expansion set.

  • OS / 8 BASIC is an interactive language with a number of applications. It contains options for linking, editing and file-oriented input and output. Similarly, some functions for use in LAB/8E are included in BASIC.
  • OS / BATCH 8 gives the user the possibility of batch processing, which is integrated into the OS/8-Monitor-Struktur. The system is constructed so that it can be used, either from the keyboard or for batch processing. With BATCH you can enter the commands of punch cards, paper tape or a OS/8-Systemgerät.
  • OS / 8 TECO is a text editor that runs under the OS/8-Betriebssystem. With TECO can edit any ASCII text such as programs, manuscripts, correspondence, etc.
  • OS / 8 FORTRAN IV provides the full ANSI FORTRAN IV under the OS/8-Betriebssystem. The system is optimized for low memory requirements and contains the overlay option, which allows you to run programs from the virtual memory of 300 KB PDP -8 or PDP -12. The library functions allow access to laboratory equipment, on transcendental functions, processing of text and output to standard -increment plotter.

Device driver

OS / 8 is completely device independent. First, programs can be written on a PDP -8 computer without access to specific I / O devices. In the current program, the user can select the most available devices. In addition, the program must not be rewritten when changes the configuration of the computer.

The OS/8-System controls the transfer of data from one another on a media by calling the corresponding I / O routines. Devices can receive logical name to allow symbolic access.

The program variable I / O buffer can be defined. Large buffers ensure efficient working of the memory units without much time for Platten-/Bandbewegungen are required. OS / 8 uses all the possibilities of RK8E - board memory, but can also run from a single DEC tape.

PDP-8 Digital Equipment Corporation
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