20.1 Chapter Objectives

• Identify major steps for installing freeware

• Describe how VMSINSTAL is used

• Describe how PRODUCT is used

• Overview OpenVMS installation

20.2 Introduction

Freeware is, of course, a potpourri of installation techniques governed by the whims of the author. However, there are certain steps that all software installations must follow.

PRODUCT is the preferred tool used to install layered products. OpenVMS installation uses PRODUCT as well. The VMSINSTAL script predated PRODUCT and was used for many years for layered product installation. Some products still use VMSINSTAL.

20.3 Installing Freeware

Freeware installation procedures are ragged at best. A few (notably Hunter Goatly s contributions) follow the VMSINSTAL format very well. Furthermore, freeware documentation is very uneven, excepting Hunter s documents, which closely resemble HP s format.

Most packages contain an AAAREADME (or a variation like AAAREAD.ME, README.TXT) or perhaps INSTALL.TXT, which is an ASCII file that describes the installation process. That document should be followed as closely as possible. The following sections describe all steps that could be involved in installing freeware.

Whenever installing freeware, I like to start by creating a SYS$MANAGER subdirectory for the package. This helps me to identify which files are involved easily, reduces the clutter in SYS$MANAGER root, and makes it easy to delete if necessary. However, some packages prefer directories located as a [000000] subdirectory.

Most packages include source files. If you are unsure of the author s reputation you may want to read the source to make sure it will not compromise the system. Although most installations...