HP OpenVMS Systems Documentation

OpenVMS User's Manual

Order Number: AA--PV5JF--TK

This manual describes how to use the Compaq OpenVMS operating system. The information contained in this manual is intended for all OpenVMS users and is applicable to all computers running the OpenVMS operating system.

Revision/Update Information: This manual supersedes the OpenVMS User's Manual, Version 7.3.

Software Version: OpenVMS Alpha Version 7.3--1
OpenVMS VAX Version 7.3

Compaq Computer Corporation Houston, Texas

© 2002 Compaq Computer Corporation

Compaq, the Compaq logo, AlphaServer, OpenVMS, POLYCENTER, Tru64, VAX, VMS, and the DIGITAL logo are trademarks of Compaq Information Technologies Group, L.P. in the U.S. and/or other countries.

UNIX and X/Open are trademarks of The Open Group in the U.S. and/or other countries.

All other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.

Confidential computer software. Valid license from Compaq required for possession, use, or copying. Consistent with FAR 12.211 and 12.212, Commercial Computer Software, Computer Software Documentation, and Technical Data for Commercial Items are licensed to the U.S. Government under vendor's standard commercial license.

Compaq shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein. The information in this document is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind and is subject to change without notice. The warranties for Compaq products are set forth in the express limited warranty statements accompanying such products. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty.

ZK6489

The Compaq OpenVMS documentation set is available on CD-ROM.

Intended Audience

This manual is intended for all users of the Compaq OpenVMS operating system.

A system manager performs the administrative tasks that create and maintain an efficient computing environment. If you are a system manager or want to understand system management concepts and procedures, refer to the OpenVMS System Manager's Manual.

Document Structure

Each chapter describes concepts and procedures for performing computing tasks. Basic information is presented first within each chapter; more complex concepts and procedures are presented last.

Getting Started

Refer to the following chapters to help you get started using the OpenVMS operating system:

• Chapter 1
  Getting Started with the OpenVMS Operating System describes how to log in and log out of the system, how to change your password, and how to get help.
• Chapter 2
  Using DCL to Interact with the System describes how to use the DIGITAL Command Language (DCL).
• Chapter 3
  Storing Information with Files describes files and how you can use them to store information. It also includes examples for creating, copying, renaming, displaying, deleting, protecting, and printing files.
• Chapter 4
  Organizing Files with Directories describes how to use directories to organize and manage files.
• Chapter 5
  Extended File Specifications describes the extended file specifications environment for OpenVMS Alpha systems using ODS-5.
• Chapter 6
  Using Disk and Tape Drives describes how to reserve tapes or disks for private use. Unlike devices that are shared by a group of users, private devices might not be set up and maintained by a system manager.

• Chapter 7
  Using Mail to Communicate with Others describes how to use the Mail utility (MAIL) to communicate with other users on your system or on any other computer that is connected to your system with the DECnet for OpenVMS network. The chapter includes a sample mail message; step-by-step instructions for reading, sending, replying to, forwarding, and organizing mail messages; a summary of Mail commands; and instructions on how to use the MIME utility.

Manipulating Text and Records

Refer to the following chapters to learn about editing text files and sorting records:

• Chapter 8
  Editing Text Files with EVE describes EVE, an interactive text editor that is included with the OpenVMS operating system. The chapter describes how to use EVE to create and edit new files or to edit existing files. It includes summaries of EVE commands.
• Chapter 9
  Sorting and Merging Files describes how to use the Sort/Merge utility (SORT/MERGE) to sort records from one or more input files or to merge files that have been sorted. The chapter includes a summary of Sort/Merge command qualifiers.

Ensuring Security

Refer to the following chapter to learn about security:

• Chapter 10
  Controlling Access to Resources describes general security issues such as controlling access to protected objects and accessing data on remote systems.

Logical Names and Symbols

Refer to the following chapters to learn about logical names and symbols:

• Chapter 11
  Defining Logical Names for Devices and Files describes how to create and use logical names to represent files, directories, and devices. The chapter also summarizes the logical names created by the system.
• Chapter 12
  Defining Symbols, Commands, and Expressions describes how to use symbols to represent commands, character strings, and numeric data. The chapter also describes how to combine symbols into expressions to manipulate the values that the symbols represent.

Programming

Refer to the following chapters to learn about writing programs and using programming functions:

• Chapter 13
  Introduction to Command Procedures describes basic techinques used in writing command procedures, which are files that contain DCL commands and data lines used by DCL commands.
• Chapter 14
  Advanced Programming with DCL describes advanced techniques used in writing command procedures. This chapter also describes how to use the PIPE command interactively and within command procedures.
• Chapter 15
  Using Lexical Functions to Obtain and Manipulate Information describes how to use lexical functions within a command procedure to get information about your process or the system environment.

Managing Processes

Refer to the following chapter to learn about managing processes:

• Chapter 16
  Understanding Processes and Batch Jobs describes processes, which are environments created by the OpenVMS operating system that let you interact with the system. The chapter describes how and when to use subprocesses, programs, and batch jobs.

Reference Sections

The following information is provided for reference:

• Appendix A
  Character Sets describes the DEC Multinational character set and the DCL character set.
• Appendix B
  Annotated Command Procedures contains complete command procedures that demonstrate the concepts and techniques discussed in Chapters 13, 14, and 15.
• Glossary
  The Glossary provides a list of terms used in this manual. Glossary terms are highlighted when first used in text.

Related Documents

For additional information about OpenVMS products and services, access the following World Wide Web address:

http://www.openvms.compaq.com/

Reader's Comments

Compaq welcomes your comments on this manual. Please send comments to either of the following addresses:

How To Order Additional Documentation

Visit the following World Wide Web address for informaion about how to order additional documentation:

 http://www.openvms.compaq.com/

Conventions

In this manual, any reference to OpenVMS is synonymous with Compaq OpenVMS.

VMScluster systems are now referred to as OpenVMS Cluster systems. Unless otherwise specified, references to OpenVMS Clusters or clusters in this document are synonymous with VMSclusters.

In this manual, every use of DECwindows and DECwindows Motif refers to DECwindows Motif for OpenVMS software.

The following conventions are also used in this manual:

Monospace text 

OpenVMS is an interactive virtual memory operating system. While you are logged in to the computer, you and the system conduct a dialogue using the DIGITAL Command Language (DCL). You use DCL by entering commands from your keyboard, which the system reads and translates. The system responds by executing the command or by displaying an error message on the screen, if it cannot interpret what you entered. This chapter describes the following basic information that you need to know to interact with the OpenVMS operating system:

• Logging in
• Logging in from a PC
• Choosing passwords for your account
• Reading informational messages
• Types of logins and login classes
• Login failures
• Changing passwords
• Password and account expiration times
• Guidelines for protecting your password
• Recognizing system responses
• Getting help about the system
• Logging out of the system
• Logging out without compromising system security
• Networks

For complete descriptions of all commands referenced in this chapter, refer to the OpenVMS DCL Dictionary and online help.

1.1 Logging In

Logging in consists of gaining access to the system and identifying yourself as an authorized user. When you log in, the system creates an environment from which you can enter commands. This environment is called your process.

The way you log in and out of the OpenVMS operating system depends on how the system is set up at your site. This section provides a general description of logging in to and out of the operating system. Check with your system manager for the procedures specific to your site.

To interact with the operating system, you must log in to a user account. An account is a name or number that identifies you to the system when you log in. That name or number tells the system where your files are stored and the type of access you have to other files.

Your system manager (or whoever authorizes system use at your installation) usually sets up accounts and grants privileges according to your needs. The type of access rights and privileges enabled for your account determine whether you have access to files, images, or utilities that might affect system performance or other users.

To access your account, you need to enter your user name and password. Your system manager usually provides you with your user name and initial password. Your user name identifies you to the system and distinguishes you from other users. Your password is for your protection. If you maintain its secrecy, other users cannot use system resources under your user name.

To log in to the system, use the following procedure:

Username:

Username: CASEY

Password:

If your login is successful, the system displays a dollar sign ($) in the left margin of your screen. The dollar sign is the default DCL prompt; it indicates that the system is ready to use.

The following example shows a successful login:

Username:  CASEY
Password:
        Welcome to OpenVMS on node MARS
    Last interactive login on Friday, 11-DEC-2002 08:41
    Last non-interactive login on Thursday, 10-DEC-2002 11:05
$

If you make a mistake entering your user name or password or if your password has expired, the system displays the message User authorization failure and you are not logged in. If you make a mistake, press Enter and try again. If your password has expired, you need to change your password; the system will automatically display the Set Password: prompt. See Section 1.7 for information on changing your password in this instance. If you have any other problems logging in, get help from the person who set up your account.

1.2 Logging In From a PC

In previous times, you would connect to a host computer with a video terminal that consisted of a monitor and a keyboard. All computing power resided on the host computer running the OpenVMS operating system, often located in a central computing room. Today it is more common to work from a personal computer (PC) or workstation that has its own set of independent computing capabilities. In this situation you connect to a host computer running OpenVMS via a terminal emulation program.

A terminal emulation program lets you connect to an OpenVMS system over a TCP/IP network, the Internet, or an intranet. Your interactions with the operating system display on the PC monitor using the interface provided by the terminal emulation program. To connect to OpenVMS in this way, start the terminal emulation program, select the system you want to connect to, and then log in to the OpenVMS operating system as described in this chapter.

1.3 Choosing Passwords for Your Account

To choose a secure password, use the following guidelines:

• Include both numbers and letters in the password. Although a 6-character password that contains only letters is fairly secure, a 6-character password with both letters and numbers is much more secure.
• Choose passwords that contain 6 to 10 characters. Adequate length makes passwords more secure. You can choose a password as long as 32 characters.
• Do not select passwords from a dictionary or from your native language.
• Avoid choosing words readily associated with your computer site or yourself, such as the name of a product or the model of your car.
• Choose new passwords each time. Do not reuse old ones.

Your system manager or security administrator may set up additional restrictions, for example, not allowing passwords with fewer than 10 characters or not allowing repeats of passwords.

The following table provides examples of secure passwords and high-risk passwords (words that others might easily guess):

Typically, when you learn that an account has been created for you on the system, you are told whether a user password is required. If user passwords are in effect, your system manager will usually assign a specific password for your first login. This password has been placed in the system user authorization file (UAF) with other information about how your account can be used.

It is inadvisable to have passwords that others could easily guess. Ask the person creating the account for you to specify a password that is difficult to guess. If you have no control over the password you are given, you might be given a password that is the same as your first name. If so, change it immediately after you log in. (The use of first or last names as passwords is a practice so well known that it is undesirable from a security standpoint.)

At the time your account is created, you should also be told a minimum length for your password and whether you can choose your new password or whether the system generates the password for you.