If you're wondering if you can run VMS on an Alpha-based NT workstation produced by Digital, you can't. There seems to be a small but notable growth in the manufacturing of Alpha-based PCs -- many specifically created to run Linux or NT, but they do not run VMS. At this time, it seems to be a firmware "BIOS" issue, and unless someone is willing to write drivers to allow VMS to recognize the PCI/EISA bus paradigm and common "PC" type peripherals, etc.. I would venture that VMS on an Alpha intended for NT would generally not be implementable by the hobbyist, but we may hope.
To my knowledge, from recent discussions in comp.sys.dec and others, DEC is not going to write such drivers, leaving it to the hackers to do so. The reason for this is that VMS is designed to be the ultimate high end, and to force it to run on Personal Alphas and clones, with the associated various peripherals common to Alpha NT and PCs would not only encumber it, but also possibly provide a plethora of security opportunities. It is true that VMS will run on the Multia, a 150MHZ Alpha terminal-cum-workstation originally designed for NT and LINUX, but it's a dark secret as to just where to wave the dead chicken to get it to work, and nobody's telling. I know guys that know how to do this AND overclock it to 300 MHZ, but that's all I can say on the topic because they will have me killed.
How to Get Started.
So now you've heard about the wonders of VMS, and you're impressed. How can you play with VMS on your own? The easiest way is to see if there's a DECUS local user group in your area, and if they have a VMS based bbs. If so, you may be able to join and get an account on the machine. This is a great way to get a taste of VMS as a user, but does not compare with the pleasure of being the system manager of your own VAX. The least expensive route, as mentioned previously, is to get ahold of a surplus VAX for a few bucks, load up the OS, and start playing. Install CMUIP and ethernet the VAX to your NT or W95 box. You can run DECwindows on a Vaxstation, and use the PC to serve the modem, printer, and data disks. The base install of VMS 5.5 will fit on a 150 meg drive, so you can make use of inexpensive SCSI drives.
Catalog O' Vaxen -- Machines That Will Run VMS
Used VAXen are inexpensive and plentiful right now, especially with the popularity of the 64-bit DEC Alpha among VMS and UNIX customers. A VMS Hobbyist distribution and install kit is available on CD-ROM from the DECUS DFWLUG. In addition to versions 5.5 and 6.1 of VMS, there is a lot of freeware on the CD which will be useful, such as CMUIP, the free IP stack from Carnegie Mellon University.
In the case that your VAX does not come with a CD-ROM drive, you can obtain either the SCSI RRD40 DEC CD-ROM drive or a Toshiba SCSI CD-ROM drive.
The Webmaster may be able to provide an install kit on a tape, but it's much easier and faster from a CD, and someone in your local DECUS LUG may be able to loan you one, or install VMS for you. In any case, it is highly recommended to obtain a CD drive for your VAX.
As to support, well, DEC won't support you for free, although they have been really helpful with direct hardware configuration questions at 1-800-digital. Your local DECUS LUG should be your first line of help. You can check out http://www.decus.org for a list of Local User Groups around the world. Most DECUS members are really willing to help, and a great source of information and leads on used gear. There's even an online VAX setup "cheat sheet." If you have further problems, e-mail jankowiak@dfwlug.decus.org and we'll try to help.
A workstation such as a VAXstation 3100 has SCSI, ethernet, and a serial port, and can be used with a terminal or a graphics head, depending on the video card option installed, and 16 or 32 megs memory. Such a unit is preferred among hobbyists, and goes for about $150-300, depending on configuration, and uses about 100 watts, like a PC (PC and other power supplies are often rated higher than the actual power used).
Slightly larger Q-bus VAXen, such as the MicroVAX 3300 are worth somewhat more because of the expanded configurability of the Q-bus and their convenient intermediate size (1'x1'x2' pedestal). These models may have more or less of the workstation's features, depending on what plug-in cards are installed. An MV3300 has 6 free slots in the minimum configuration, and ethernet is built in. These guys use about 200-250 watts when full of cards and drives.
"Big Iron" models, starting with the 4' high rack, such as the MicroVAX 3900, are often free for the taking, and although they may weigh 500 LBS, they are the most powerful for the money, and don't really use THAT much electricity (about 500 watts). A typical MV3900, with 16 Q-bus slots, will have 8 RS232 ports with modem control, SCSI, DSSI, or other disk interface, ethernet, a tape drive, depending on what the previous owner left installed. Peripherals by third parties are numerous, and even genuine DEC cards and peripherals such as disks are inexpensive. A Q-bus VAX often is capable of using more memory, again, depending on what's in the box when you get it. A machine like this can simultaneously use several kinds of disk and tape devices, terminals, etc.
As an example, my MV3900 has a 8 RS232 ports, ethernet, built-in 150MB disk, a dual RX50 floppy, SCSI, DSSI (a SCSI-like DEC hard disk interface), SDDI (a DEC interface for 4pcs. of RA90 series 1-gig disks), a 9-track, and a 290MB cartridge tape drive, so it's pretty loaded, and yet still has 5 slots empty.
The really big stuff like the 6000, 7000, 8000, and 9000 series will need 3-phase 208V, and although the hobbyist license can be used on any model, these big units are for the truly devout elite.. These usually have everything, and plenty of it, but operating one can be very expensive in terms of special busses, very expensive cards, and a huge thirst for power and air conditioning.
There is also an older class of VAX with a bus called a UNIBUS. You can tell these because the model numbers start with "11", such as 11/750, 11/730, etc.. Again, these are not for the casual user, but more for the fanatic DEChead. They are perfectly usable, but very slow, power-hungry, and the cards are hard to find. Best leave those to the devout as well.
When shopping for a VAX Workstation, be sure to look closely at the front panel.. Digital also made a look-alike DECstation, which is a UNIX workstation based on the MIPS chip. It runs ULTRIX perfectly well, but NOT VMS.. Most peripherals will interchange, though.
Future
As to the future of VMS, Compaq is very interested in OpenVMS, and, off the record, Compaq's officials were filled with glee, dollar signs shining brightly in their eyes, when they found out how much money VMS makes every year for DEC. Compaq, certainly a leader in the Wintel desktop domain, has just purchased a high-end for themselves. Previously they had made an offer to buy DEC, but were unsuccessful, and bought Tandem instead. This time they were successful, and this is going to be good for everyone, especially the hobbyist. I believe that VMS will be around for the far future. Compaq also is very interested in Digital UNIX. Compaq knows how to aggressively market a product. Expect to see more DEC advertisements and commercials. I predict a DEC commercial in next year's super bowl.
- "Part I"
- "Part II"
