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From: gwlester@cpu.com (Gerald Lester)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.dec
Subject: Re: DEC help needed
Message-ID: <1991Jun05.144257.2086@cpu.com>
Date: 5 Jun 91 14:42:57 GMT
References: <10718@plains.NoDak.edu>
Followup-To: Article 5725 in comp.sys.dec
Distribution: usa
Organization: Computerized Processes Unlimited, Metairie LA
Lines: 35

I would like some information on DECs.  The business I work for started
operating this system for another company.

The info:
  Micro VAX 3900        RA90 (disk drive)
  Vax/VMS V5.3          TK70 (uses compacTape II tapes)

> In their infinate wisdom the purchasers 'saved money' and did not purchase a
> compiler of any type.  Is the Micro VAX line up/down wardly compatible?  ie
> could I transfer a compiled version of GNU C from another machine (not
> necesarily a 3900)?

  The ENTIRE VAX line is up/down wardly compatible at the binary level. So you
  can copy whatever is legal from another machine.

> I would like to do this since the backup software seems to be quite pitiful.
> Is it standard to have to wait an hour and ten minutes for one tape?  If not
> what could be the problem?

  It ain't BACKUP its the tape. a TK70 is SLOW.

> Also could someone give me some stats on this machine?  I am curious about
> the capicity of the drives and the tapes, also any comparison speeds of the
> processor would be appreciated!

  A RA 90 holds about 1.2 GB
  A TK 70 holds 296MB
  A 3900 is 3.8 times as fast as a 780 (i.e. 3.8 VUPs, or SPECmarks)

  All information is out of the 1991 Spring/Summer DECdirect catalog.
  You might want to call either your local office or 1-800-DIGITAL and get
  put on the mailing list.  If you do, you will still have to call your local
  office to get them to make a call on you (i.e. they will not bug you).

Gerald W. Lester