Department of Mathematics and Computer Science

Quick Start
Dec Alpha 2100 Server -- SCUACC

This is intended solely as a BRIEF introduction to the Alpha 2100 mainframe running the VMS operating system. Regular users are strongly encouraged to read the on-line HELP files or get further information via Web searches.

• OBTAINING A NEW ACCOUNT -- To obtain a new account, first connect to the Alpha using the information in the next section. Then, when asked for a "USERNAME:," merely type NEW followed by pressing enter. Answer the questions exactly as asked by the program. Be prepared to enter a password (that no one else can guess). The account program will assign you a "username" for the Alpha (which may be different from your GroupWise username) and then log you off. It may happen that because of database inconsistencies, a new account may initially be "frozen." It can be unfrozen by contacting Information Technology (Mr. Chris Nulk).

• CONNECTING FROM PCs IN UNIVERSITY LABS -- In the Kenna 101 and Orradre Library computer labs, you may connect to the Alpha as follows: On Windows machines, first click on the START, then on RUN, and then enter telnet scuacc. There seems to be no way to use the Macs to connect to SCUACC. In the O'Connor labs, click on the "NETWORK RESOURCES" icon, and then on the "SCUACC via telnet" icon.

• LOGGING IN -- You will first be asked for your "Username:" to which you should enter your username (assigned by the new-user program NEW) followed by enter. After this you will be asked for your "Password:" (also determined via the new-user program). Enter your password followed by the enter key. The password will NOT appear on the screen. If you entered all the information correctly, you will be welcomed onto the system, and can continue.

• LOGGING OUT -- To disconnect from SCUACC, type LOGOUT, and wait for SCUACC to tell you that it has logged you out. If you have dialed in via modem, type LOGOUT a SECOND time to disconnect from the "terminal server." Finally exit your communications program.

• DIALING IN VIA MODEM -- If you dial in via modem (408-554-5296), you are first connected to a "terminal server".
  To get the attention of the Alpha server, wait about 10 seconds, then press enter (or return) several times, and you will be asked for your USERNAME. The prompt will change to "Local>". You now request the Alpha by typing "CONNECT SCUACC enter" (or merely "C SCUACC enter").
  To access the library computer, type: "C OSCAR enter".

• BASIC INFORMATION -- The Alpha 2100 operating system is called VMS. The VMS prompt is (normally) your username followed by a >, e.g., [JDOE]>. When you see the prompt, you can type any legal VMS command. The following is a summary of the major commands.

  DIR -- lists names of files stored in your directory.
  DELETE filename.ext.v -- removes the file "filename.ext.v" from your directory ("v" is the version number). The version number may be replaced by a *, which substitutes for any number.
  PRINT/QUE=OCONNOR filename.ext -- prints the last version of "filename.ext" at the O'Connor line printer. (Printers elsewhere have been disconnected. One can FTP a file to math or some other machine and print it out locally, if necessary.)
  TYPE filename.ext -- types the last version of "filename.ext" on your computer screen.
  HELP subject - invokes the help facility (on "subject" if mentioned).

• EMERGENCIES -- To exit most programs, type <ctrl>z (i.e., hold the <ctrl> key down and press "z"). To abort a running process, type <ctrl>y.

• ELECTRONIC MAIL -- The mail facility has been disabled for most users on the SCUACC. Those with special needs may be given access to this facility.
  To start the MAIL facility, type MAIL to the VMS prompt. The prompt will change to "MAIL>". To send a message, type "SEND" and you will be asked for the USERNAME of the person to whom a message is to be sent. To list the number and senders of saved messages, type "DIR". To read a message, type the message number (or enter for the next message). To delete messages after reading them, type "DELETE." To leave MAIL, type "EXIT". To send mail to someone on another machine, the address must be enclosed in the following format: IN%"jones@popmail.lmu.edu" (including the quotes and withOUT any spaces).

• "PHONE" -- You can also interactively contact another user who is logged in via the PHONE facility. (See HELP PHONE for more information. NOTE: To exit, use <ctrl>z.) To see who is presently logged on, type FINGER.

• EDITING -- To create, expand, or change a file, you must use a file editor.

  The standard VMS editor is called EDT and is invoked by the command EDIT filename.ext (unless EDIT has been re-defined). It has a line mode and a screen (cursor addressable) mode.

  The common editor EMACS is also available. It is invoked by typing EMACS filename.ext. EMACS has an internal tutorial session which is invoked by (<ctrl>h t. EMACS is exited by <ctrl>x<ctrl>z.

• COMPILING AND RUNNING PROGRAMS -- Programs written in a standard computer language (e.g., FORTRAN, Pascal, C, C++, Ada, COBOL), are usually run via a three stage process. The program must be put in an file (with proper "extension," e.g., PROG1.FOR indicates a FORtran program). First, invoke the appropriate compiler (e.g., PASCAL, FORTRAN, F90, CC, CXX) giving the filename after the compiler name. Then, invoke LINK on the filename followed by RUN on the filename (both withOUT any extension). E.g.,

  		[JDOE]> FORTRAN PROG1
  		[JDOE]> LINK PROG1
  		[JDOE]> RUN PROG1
  

  To re-run a previously correctly compiled program, merely use RUN filename.

• MORE ADVANCED COMMANDS --

  CREATE/DIRECTORY [JDOE.TEMP] -- Creates a new subdirectory on your default volume (assume your username is JDOE and the subdirectory name is TEMP).
  CD subdirectoryname -- Connects to designated subdirectory. By itself, CD will return to the user's root directory. PROTECT filename.ext -- Changes file protection for the indicated file (wildcards * permitted). User is prompted for protections for System, Owner, Group, and World, and should respond with one or more of the letters R (read), W (write), E (execute), D (delete) if the protection for that grouping is to be changed. To remove any capability, use / at the groupname prompt.
  DELETE subdirectory.DIR -- Deletes the indicated subdirectory. The user must first be given DELETE privileges to the indicated subdirectory.

  NOTE: One can by-pass the three stage process by using the special SCU command EXECUTE filename. Do NOT type an extension when using this command. (This does NOT work for C++.)

This page is maintained by Dennis C. Smolarski, S.J. dsmolarski@math.scu.edu
Last updated: 2 May 2002.