Since the GKS graphics system last featured in Forum, there has been some progress in installing it on other computers, but for a number of reasons not as fast as we had hoped.
Currently GKS is in active use on Vax/VMS systems on the RAL site and on Perq systems supported by RAL. It supports Tektronix 4010 and Sigma 5671 and 5684 raster terminals.
Graphics Section is installing GKS on CMS on the Central IBM computers. Salford University have installed GKS on their Prime/Primos system and we will shortly test it on an ICF Prime. On both CMS and the Prime, Graphics Section will make available a trial version of GKS, with a limited set of workstations (at least those previously mentioned). Users will be informed of this via NEWS.
A GKS driver for the Calcomp 81 desk top plotter has been completed; a driver for the Benson plotter is being produced; the existing Sigma terminal driver is being extended to access other supported models.
Other SERC Vax/VMS systems not supported by RAL will be able to receive GKS. GKS is the subject of a commercial agreement and therefore sites receiving a copy will be asked to agree not to pass on the software. Until the wording of this "confidentiality undertaking" has been agreed, we have only released GKS to a small number of these sites on a trial basis.
Experiences with transferring GKS to other computers have shown that the package can be installed on other computers, but with more work than originally hoped. For example, although the possibility of host computers not supporting ASCII internally was recognised, some instances where ASCII has been assumed have been discovered in the software. We have also discovered the inadequacy of the FORTRAN INQUIRE statement on IBM and Unix compilers. We intend to learn from these experiences to improve future releases of GKS.
The same implementation of GKS is being adopted by the Universities' Computer Board, to install on university and polytechnic computers. The work done by Salford (one of the 3 Computer Board Support Centres for GKS) on the Prime version of GKS is one benefit that has already accrued to SERC and we hope for further cooperation on GKS in the future.
After IBM/CMS and Prime, GKS will be installed on the MVS batch system and on Unix systems. We will be considering GEC 4000 models which have FORTRAN-77, but this does depend on available staff. GKS will be able to drive the new central hardcopy devices: the Xerox 8700 laser printer and the IBM 4250 electro-erosion printer. Access from GKS will not be limited by the problems inherent in the current FR80 emulation. GKS will also drive the Sigma 6100 workstation, which provides direct support for GKS capabilities such as segment control.
The advent of the Service Line has provided a single point of contact for all users no matter what their problem.
Faults, problems and queries directed to extension 6389 or CMSid 'SERVICE' are all dealt with by Heather Teale, Stephanie (Steve) Woodward or Ann Richardson and overall running and management of the facility is the responsibility of Lorna Claringbold.
At the moment Heather is our central machines expert, Steve our terminals and telecomms expert and Ann, who has just joined us from HEP, is busy learning on all fronts. If your question cannot be answered they know who to forward the enquiry to and try to ensure that the person concerned contacts you as soon as possible. To do this they may have to ask you a lot of questions which appear to have no relevance to your problem but in fact help to pin point trouble areas. Your co-operation in this is very important.
Reporting terminal faults to contractors, helping with problems on access to and running jobs on any of the many machines, not only the central complex but also GECs, Primes, PDPs, VAXs and so on, are all part of a days work.
The use made of the Service Line can clearly be seen from January's figures which show that there were 970 telephone calls received of which approximately 740 were dealt with by Service Line (in some cases with the help of Operators). The remainder resulted in reports to contractors regarding faulty equipment or the problem being passed on to a third person.
Heather is now about to start the task of providing easily accessible online information for Steve and Ann and, with Lorna, is looking for better ways to settle unresolved problems.
Do remember that if you have a problem which the people on the Service Line have to pass on to someone else you should be given a report number. Then you, the Service Line and the person to whom the report is passed all have the same unique reference to YOUR problem. If you are not given a number - ask for one.
The Service Line people are there to help you. If you feel there is something missing from this service then let us know - extension 6389 or CMS id SERVICE - we are there from 0800 hrs 1730 hrs Monday to Thursday and 0800 hrs 1630 hrs on Fridays.
