14 Nov
2001
14 Nov
'01
11:24 p.m.
At 08:39 PM 11/14/01 -0600, you wrote:
I've messed around a little with MPE, and took the
introductory
administration
class offered by HP. MPE is an odd operating system.
I learned BASIC in an HP3000 series II, I think, back in '78.
It had slow graphics terminals; they were very cool.
I did not learn anything about administration, though.
MPE=multiprogamming executive, i.e., a basic timesharing
system in its beginnings. I have the Jan. '73 Hewlett-Packard
Journal where it is introduced.
Contents:
1) An Economical Full-Scale Multipurpose Computer System.
Abstract: This is the first 16-bit computer with a hardware stack
architecture and virtual memory. It handles time-sharing, batch-
processing, and real-time operations in several languages
concurrently
2) Central Bus Links Modular HP3000 Hardware.
Abstract: Sharing the bus can be one or more cpu's. I/O processors,
memory modules, high-speed I/O channels, and special devices.
The microprogrammed cpu's have a procedure-oriented stack architecture.
3) Software for a Multilingual Computer.
Abstract: SPL is a high-level language that's as efficient as other
system's assembly-language code. Other 3000 languages are FORTRAN,
BASIC, and COBOL.
4) Single Operating System Serves all HP Users.
Abstract: The Multiprogramming Executive operating system takes care
of command interpretation*, file management, memory management,
scheduling and dispatching, and input/output management for
time-sharing, batch and real-time users.
[*] I'm sure it wasn't a preferred OS at AT&T.
carlos.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Carlos E. Murillo-Sanchez carlos_murillo(a)nospammers.ieee.org