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IETF RFC 519

Resource Evaluation

Last modified on Thursday, May 22nd, 2008

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Network Working Group                                         J. Pickens
Request for Comments: 519            Computer Systems Laboratory -- UCSB
NIC: 16818                                                     June 1973


                          Resource Evaluation

 Abstract

   In the spirit of RFC # 369, Evaluation of ARPANET resources, a new
   test group was organized at UCSB to take a detailed look at specific
   network resources and develop initial site dependent and function
   dependent MINIMAN's (Concise User Manuals).  As the group was again
   composed of novices, initial effort revolved about basic procedural
   indoctrination.  In the period between January and March 1973 a
   number of resources were investigated with varying degrees of
   success, as to availability, proper usage, sample problem solutions,
   and access to help and documentation.  Included in this paper are a
   summary of the projects undertaken, initial suggestions at MINIMAN
   composition, and suggestions for future test groups.  As these groups
   are attempting to perform a useful function for the ARPANET
   community, comments and suggestions are requested.  Copies of the
   reports described herein are available on request from the Computer
   Systems Laboratory at UCSB.

Resources Investigated by the Group

   I.  APL

      APL was investigated primarily at MULTICS.  UCSD was also
      scheduled for evaluation but not carried out.  APL at MULTICS was
      used to solve a few trivial problems.  Most effort revolved about
      the difficult task of obtaining any available documentation.  The
      octal codes for APL characters were obtained and mapped into the
      OLS keyboard.  A side goal of the project, the comparison of APL
      with OLS, was begun but progressed very little.

   II.  Basic

      Basic was investigated at a number of TENEX sites.  Differences
      between sites were pointed out and necessary file manipulation
      commands were documented.  An integration problem was written at
      one site, sent via FTP to another site, and then run again to show
      comparative execution times and compatability.  Non-PDP/10 sites
      were investigated but no report was submitted.






Pickens                                                      PAGE 1 top


RFC 519 Resource Evaluation June 1973 III. TSO IBM's Time Sharing option was exercised at UCLA-CCN. Interesting results were obtained regarding cost and execution time. Available commands were documented and a PL/1 program was written and executed. IV. MIT-MATHLAB This, the most successful of the projects, involved documentation of help, file manipulation, and MACSYMA access and an original research project in resource sharing. A recursive problem in pattern recognition and a triple integration were solved to demonstrate MACSYMA generated expressions into user programs on the OLS. More information on this project is forthcoming. V. Local User Guide A first pass network users manual was completed for UCSB users. In it are described console access and settings, character mappings, current servers, users and TIPs, and error conditions. Following minor revisions this guide will be distributed to local users. VI. Local IMLAC Access to Network Access to network graphics programs was attempted with a local IMLAC. Due to the non-uniformity of network IMLACs very little success was obtained. However, a program to access SRI-ARC's NLS was compiled and loaded from NIC and attempts were made to iron out the bugs. In addition a project was begun to maintain an IMLAC library and compiler locally for network usage. As in the other projects, basic operating procedures were documented. VII. Harvard Graphics Several attempts were made to learn of availability of graphics access to organic molecule synthesis programs but no response could be generated. This project was eventually abandoned. MINIMAN Composition As mentioned in a previous report, concise manuals are needed for network resources so that uniniated users may gain basic familiarity with foreign systems. In addition, manuals which describe specific network wide functions, such as Fortran compilors, are needed if resource sharing is to become a real trait of the ARPANET. For the resources evaluated, each group member submitted two reports Pickens PAGE 2 top

RFC 519 Resource Evaluation June 1973 analagous to the two types of MINIMANS needed in the network. The headings and format of the reports will be included here to stimulate future discussion on MINIMAN composition. REPORT # 1: Online Help for [a specific host computer] I. Connection, Login, and Optimal TELNET Settings II. Help Files III. Job Status IV. Time of Day V. Time/Money Used/Left VI. Interpersonal Communications A. Console Linking B. Location of Users C. Mail Facilities D. Access to Operator and/or Consultants VII. Warnings or Unfriendly User Behavior VIII. Useful References and Documentation REPORT #2: How to Use [a specific resource] I. Table of Contents II. Access and Usage (or How to Start and Stop) III. Editing Commands and File Structures IV. Documentation, Location, and Cost V. Sample Solutions and Significant Problems VI. Appendices A. Special Characters and Terminal Settings B. Similarities and Differences from Site to Site Pickens PAGE 3 top

RFC 519 Resource Evaluation June 1973 Future Test Groups A number of projects are envisioned for future resource evaluators and include: 1. Complete evaluation of APL at MULTICS and UCSD with comparison to the On-Line System (OLS). 2. Investigate BASIC in depth, network wide. 3. Evaluate other symbolic manipulation programs such as REDUCE. 4. Summarize all games available in the network. 5. Find and evaluate specific application programs such as ZOG or the weather data base at CCA. The projects undertaken will be determined in part by local interests. But a serious effort is being made for reports to accompany each evaluation. Conclusion Good results have been obtained from the two test groups thus far. Although composed of novices, as far as network familiarity is concerned, the groups have been able to produce data and reports which benefit the network community. The reports run the gambit from poor to excellent, but even the poorer ones have generated results by motivating more knowledgeable system personnel to find time to write the report in the "right" way. All data and reports compiled by these groups are available to interested network users. In addition, any information or documentation or manuals which might fit into the framework of the MINIMAN is requested from the network community. As this information begins to be collected, the network may truly start to become a resource sharing network. [ This RFC was put into machine readable form for entry ] [ into the online RFC archives by Nasser M. Akhtar 2/98 ] Pickens PAGE 4 top

Resource Evaluation RFC TOTAL SIZE: 7750 bytes PUBLICATION DATE: Thursday, May 22nd, 2008 LEGAL RIGHTS: The IETF Trust (see BCP 78)


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