Overview

Hobbyists have several opportunities to investigate OpenVMS and various layered products. This appendix introduces you to the possibilities and to the available resources. I do not intend to endorse any product or vendor; this information is intended merely to guide the interested hobbyist.

The following steps outline the process to acquire a hobbyist system. Each of these steps is further described in latter section of this appendix.

• Acquire either VAX or Alpha hardware or a PC emulator. Make sure your hardware has a CD-ROM device.

• Apply for an Encompass associate membership.

• After you receive your Encompass membership number and your hardware, go to the Montagar site at www.montagar.com/hobbyist. You can order licenses (delivered immediately via e-mail) and media (delivered in about a week) via online queries. The one tricky question in the dialog is that you must supply your hardware s serial number. It is of the form ABxxxxxxxx (that is, AB followed by a combination of eight alphanumeric characters). There is usually a sticker attached to the back of the hardware box on which is printed the model and serial number.

• Encompass membership must be renewed annually. Likewise, the hobbyist licenses are only good for one year.

• When the media arrives, install OpenVMS, layered products and the licenses. You can download basic installation instructions from Montagar, too.

A.1 Acquiring Hardware

OpenVMS was designed originally for the VAX and later (about 1993) upgraded to run on the Alpha. Both of these computers are readily available on eBay. All you have...