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Features

• Full function Ethernet-based radionuclide analysis system
• ADC interface via 556A Acquisition Interface Module (AIM)
• Single and multi-user data acquisition, display and processing
• Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) OpenVMS-based Computer Systems including standard OpenVMS Operating System, DECwindows/Motif, DECnet, and TCP/IP Client software
• Takes advantage of the fastest 64-bit Alpha processors from DEC while maintaining compatibility with new and existing 32-bit VAX processors
• Genie-ESP data acquisition and display software and basic spectroscopy application software standard
• Optional application specific software including gamma and alpha spectroscopy, internal dosimetry, database applications and more
• Supports the Gamma and Alpha Analyst Integrated Spectroscopy Instruments

Description

Genie-ESP is an integrated system consisting of a computer, one or more real time display terminals, CANBERRA's powerful acquisition hardware, and a comprehensive suite of application software. The resultant system provides unique capabilities for laboratories interested in supporting multiple radiation detector configurations.

Although Genie-ESP software is compatible with both VAX and Alpha processors, Alpha processor based systems offer far better performance at a lower price compared to VAX based computers. Therefore, all current Genie-ESP systems include computers with Alpha processors. These computers are available in two general categories: Workstations and Servers. Workstations have built-in graphics capability, while Servers can typically support a greater quantity of internal memory and storage device options. However, either of these types of systems can be used for Genie-ESP software applications, and they both operate identically. Most Workstations can accommodate enough memory to meet or exceed the requirements of Genie-ESP, and additional storage devices can be added via an external expansion enclosure. Servers can be provided with graphics capability by adding a graphics card and Workstation monitor. Both types of systems can support multiple concurrent users when provided with adequate memory and CPU resources.

As stated above, Workstation configurations use a graphics processor plugged directly into the CPU mother board and Servers can have a graphics processor added. Both Workstation and Servers can also make use of a device known as an X-Terminal. X-Terminals offer graphics capability similar to that of a Workstation monitor, but are for display only. They must be connected via Ethernet to a host computer in order to run any Genie-ESP application software. Information is displayed on the computer or X-Terminal monitors using DEC's implementation of the OSF/Motif Graphical User Interface (GUI) session manager and the X-Windows protocol, called DECwindows/Motif. Text and graphics are displayed in subsections of the screen known as windows. One or more windows may be dedicated to MCA control while other windows are available for other applications, such as nuclide identification.

X-Terminals connect to a Genie-ESP system via an Ethernet Local Area Network (LAN) and may be remote from the system. Users may access all computer resources connected to the LAN from the X-Terminal. The X-Terminals are used for real time spectral display and data analysis just as if they were directly connected to the host computer.

Genie-ESP uses the 556A Acquisition Interface Module (AIM) to acquire data. Like the X-Terminal, an AIM connects to a Genie-ESP system via an Ethernet LAN. The four ADC port ACQH board is also supported for existing Q-bus VAX systems that already make use of this interface. Both the AIM and the ACQH board use internal memory to accumulate and store spectral data. This data is transferred to the Genie-ESP system where it can be displayed as a spectrum, analyzed or stored to hard disk. Spectral manipulation can be performed in real time. Analysis software can access data directly from MCA memory or from disk.

Standard Genie-ESP software includes the following three software modules:

• 480198 Basic Spectroscopy Software
• 480258 Genie Acquisition Control Software
• 480726 Genie-ESP Display Software

An extensive library of CANBERRA applications packages are also optionally available, including Nuclide Identification, Quality Assurance, Alpha Spectroscopy, Neutron Activation Analysis, Whole Body Counting, Lung Counting, OpenCDM Chemistry Data Management, Effluent Management, Health Physics Record Keeping and more. All Genie-ESP systems that include the computer are provided with the OpenVMS operating system and a Network Application Support Package including at minimum DECwindows/Motif, DECnet and TCP/IP Client software. In addition, a vast library of miscellaneous application packages are available from DEC and other vendors. These include spreadsheets, data base managers, word processing, and statistical analysis packages, to name a few.

SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS

Genie-ESP systems may be configured in a variety of ways, from small desk top systems to large multi-user systems. Basic systems allow efficient access to detectors, spectral data and applications software. More sophisticated, multi-CPU networks provide redundancy and higher CPU availability.

Each Genie-ESP System is a stand-alone computer with appropriate peripherals. The critical components are:

PROCESSOR - The current line of Alpha and VAX CPU computers are more than capable of running Genie-ESP software. In fact, all Alpha CPU systems running DECwindows/Motif, OpenVMS Version 1.5 or greater and equipped with adequate memory can be used. VAX systems need to be running DECwindows/Motif and at least VMS Version 5.4-3. These systems need to have a CPU rated at 5 VAX Units of Performance or greater. Performance is greatly enhanced as the speed of the processor is increased, and older systems with low processor speed are not suitable for all applications.

AVAILABLE DISK CAPACITY - OpenVMS, DECwindows/Motif, DECnet, X-Terminal fonts (if applicable), boot code and Genie-ESP Software require several hundred megabytes (MB) of disk space. Additional storage requirements are application dependent. Current typical configurations of Alpha and VAX systems include a one gigabyte (GB) disk drive. At least two of these, or larger disks, are recommended to allow the operating system and user data to be distributed over multiple physical devices. This simplifies tape backup and restore operations and allows more data to be stored on disk before off line data archival is required.

MEMORY - Memory and processor speed are the two most important components that determine the overall performance of the Genie-ESP system. This is especially true for Alpha CPU systems. For VAX systems, the minimum is 16 MB plus 8 MB for each additional concurrent user or X-Terminal. For Alpha systems, the minimum is 48 MB for the first one or two users plus 16 MB for each additional concurrent user after two. Systems can typically be operated slightly below the minimums if absolutely necessary, but performance will suffer. Relational Database applications require memory resources that are higher than the minimums listed here. Therefore, planning for memory requirements should take into account all the various duties of the computer. When in doubt, over estimate the requirements.

OTHER PERIPHERAL EQUIPMENT - A CD-ROM drive is required for loading DEC software on Alpha CPU systems and recommended for loading DEC software on VAX systems. Genie-ESP software can be loaded most easily from CD-ROM but is still available in a variety of tape formats for users who do not have a CD-ROM drive.

A writable media device, such as a tape drive, is also needed for backing up the system's disks(s) and archiving data that must be removed from a disk. Backing up a disk to tape and restoring it is also the least expensive method for defragmenting a disk to improve its performance.

A CD-ROM drive and a high capacity tape drive of at least 8 GB are included with all standard Genie-ESP systems. Floppy drives are also available and may be used, with appropriate software, to share compatible files with Personal Computers.

NETWORK - IEEE 802.3 compatible Ethernet and DECnet or TCP/IP network software. Note that network software is not required to communicate with an AIM but is required to communicate with other network devices.

DISPLAY - Whether the computer is a Workstation or a Server, Workstation quality graphics capability is required to view and manipulate live spectral acquisition with Genie-ESP display software. This capability can come from a Workstation CRT, X-Terminal or a combination of both. X-Terminal emulators for Personal Computers may also be used, but performance varies with the emulator product and specifications of the Personal Computer. Color or monochrome monitors are supported by Genie-ESP, but Alpha CPU systems are only available with color monitors - typically with 17 or 21 inch screen sizes.

Genie-ESP Systems will support multiple X-Terminals, but more system resources are required for each additional X-Terminal. Memory and processor speed are the two resources most critical to supporting multiple X-Terminals on the network. As the number of spectra being displayed in real time increases (i.e., during data acquisition), so does the amount of CPU usage, memory, and network traffic. On the other hand, X-Terminals that operate in a static mode require very little processor overhead. They do not significantly affect CPU usage, but will still impact the amount of memory used.

SINGLE CPU CONFIGURATIONS

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WORKSTATION CONFIGURATIONS - With the variety of Workstation models that are available, most spectroscopy applications can easily be supported on this platform. Workstations, by their nature, already have graphics capability and some models can be configured with as much as 512 MB of memory and 6 GB of internal disk capacity. These capacities will continue to increase as new models evolve. Most Workstations require an external expansion enclosure to support both a CD-ROM and tape drive, but the expansion enclosure also allows the addition of at least one more disk drive. By adding OpenVMS User Licenses and necessary computer resources, a Single-User Workstation can become a Multi-User System similar to a Server.

SERVER CONFIGURATIONS - As the name implies, Servers can typically accommodate more memory and disks than Workstations. However, with the addition of a graphics card and Workstation monitor, an Alpha CPU Server can perform spectroscopy operations via Genie-ESP in the same manner as a Workstation. Servers are appropriate for situations involving: a high quantity of concurrent users (20 or more), CPU intensive applications such as those that employ a relational database, the need for numerous individual disk drives to support various users or software packages, and/or the need for high computer availability.

Servers can typically support a CD-ROM drive, floppy drive, tape drive and seven or more hard disks internally without the need for an external expansion enclosure. The hard disks are usually "hot swappable", meaning one disk can physically be exchanged for another without powering down the computer. Also, a backup power supply with automatic failover capability is usually available. Memory capacity is higher than that for Workstations (1-2 GB or more) and can usually be added in a larger number of steps. This allows the memory to be expanded over time as requirements increase without having to discard an existing small capacity memory option. The CPUs in Servers are not typically any faster than those available in Workstations, but some Servers allow multiple processors to be used in the same computer enclosure. Multiple processor configurations are valuable for highly CPU intensive work.

WHICH CONFIGURATION TO CHOOSE - Regardless of the computer type, all Genie-ESP systems are configured with a CD-ROM, tape drive and at least a minimal amount of memory, disk and OpenVMS User License resources. Additional memory, disk and user access capacity can easily be added based on the needs of the user. SCSI Clustering, which allows disk drives to be physically connected to and shared by two or three computers, is optionally available with the current line of both Alpha Workstations and Alpha Servers. Therefore, the selection of one platform over the other is really dependent on how valuable the additional features of the Server are in supporting a given application or set of applications.

MULTI-CPU NETWORKED SYSTEMS

Multi-CPU networked systems are ideally suited for situations requiring a high degree of computer power, system resources and redundancy. Facilities that require integration of a large number of applications and the need to share data with other departments will realize significant benefits from a network. Also, all Genie-ESP computers on the network will have access to networked AIMs.

CLUSTER CONFIGURATIONS

OpenVMS clusters are a means by which two or more computer systems share computing power and mass storage. If one CPU fails or is unavailable, users are still able to access data on all the system storage devices shared within the cluster. These systems provide a high degree of computer power, system memory, mass storage capacity and excellent I/O performance. With some constraints, VAX and Alpha systems can be part of the same network cluster. However, the two CPU architectures can not share a common system disk. SCSI Clustering takes this a step further by allowing 2 or 3 Alpha computers to be connected via the network and by the SCSI bus for more efficient data sharing.

DATA ACQUISITION

556A AIM NETWORK ACQUISITION INTERFACE MODULE - The 556A AIM is a single width NIM module with a built-in IEEE 802.2/802.3 conforming Ethernet interface. The AIM connects to an Ethernet LAN, providing data acquisition and data transfer for up to two ADCs per module. Multiple 556A AIMs can be connected to a LAN, thereby greatly expanding the acquisition capability of the Genie-ESP system.

The AIM acquires data in PHA, Loss Free PHA or LIST acquisition modes. Each ADC is controlled independently. PHA acquisition can be automatically terminated by a preset real or live time, or by a preset total count. Preset times may be specified to the nearest centisecond, with an upper limit of over 21 million seconds. Acquisition may be paused and restarted in any mode. The preset live or real time may be modified during acquisition.

Each AIM includes an Instrument Control Bus (ICB), providing a communication path between the system and compatible programmable NIM modules. Genie-ESP systems fully support the CANBERRA ICB NIM products, which include programmable ADCs, AMPs, HVPSs, Digital Signal Processors and the 554 Remote Parallel Interface (RPI). ICB and manually controlled NIM can be used in any desired combination.

MULTIPLEXER SUPPORT - The 8224 Analog Multiplexer (AMX) routes multiple amplifier signals through a single ADC and on to the Genie-ESP system via an AIM. Each 8224 can accept up to 8 inputs, and up to four of the modules can be daisy-chained to a single ADC for a maximum of 32 inputs per ADC. The 8224 maintains elapsed live and clock times for each amplifier input.

Two modes of control of the 8224 are supported by Genie-ESP software: all start/all stop and independent input control. In all start/all stop mode, all acquisition control is done via the ADC. Independent control of each multiplexer input is available through the use of the 554 Remote Parallel Interface (RPI) Module. The RPI connects to the AIM through the ICB interface and can provide independent control to up to four 8224 modules. A Genie-ESP system can support a total of 160 independently controlled 8224 inputs.

SAMPLE CHANGER SUPPORT - The 554 RPI can also be used for sample changer control. As with the 8224, the RPI requires interconnection to the Genie-ESP system via an AIM. Sample changers can also be controlled through RS-232 interfaces (model dependent). PROcount software is available to assist in automating the use of sample changes with Genie-ESP systems.

GAMMA ANALYST SUPPORT - The Gamma Analyst is an automatic sample changer which is optionally supported by Genie-ESP software. This completely integrated sample changer is fully computer controlled and connects to any Ethernet network for access by a Genie-ESP system. It includes an HPGe detector which can be electrically or liquid nitrogen cooled. Sample capacity ranges from 36 vial-sized samples to twelve 4 liter Marinelli Beaker sized samples in a single sample batch. Plus, the versatile sample carrier design allows mixing of multiple sample geometries within a sample batch. The Gamma Analyst Control Software uses the standard Genie-ESP data analysis and QA algorithms and becomes an integral part of the Genie-ESP user interface when installed. Easy to follow pull down menus guide the user through all facets of operation, including: initial setup, calibration, sample counting and analysis.

ALPHA ANALYST SUPPORT - The Alpha Analyst computer controlled alpha spectroscopy instrument is optionally supported via CANBERRA's Alpha Management Software (AMS). Its alpha spectrometers are directly connected to a controller which interfaces to the Genie-ESP system by way of an Ethernet network. A single controller supports as few as 2 and up to 48 spectrometers, and multiple Alpha Analyst controllers and associated groups of spectrometers can easily be networked to expand sample count capacity. Control includes count initialization and termination as well as all vacuum pump interfaces to the spectrometers. The Alpha Analyst Controller automatically orchestrates the venting and pumping of spectrometer vacuum chambers during loading and unloading sequences. It can also maintain a preset air pressure in the chambers to help minimize recoil contamination of the detectors. Once a set of samples (or standards) is loaded into the spectrometers, there is no need to physically access the spectrometers for any reason until it is time to remove the samples.

The automated setup, counting and quality assurance capabilities of Alpha Management Software have been enhanced to include the automatic vacuum control features inherent in the Alpha Analyst. However, the same AMS algorithms are used for data analysis, and the look and feel is the same. Therefore, existing manually operated alpha spectrometers can continue to be addressed by AMS along with the Alpha Analyst.

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GENIE-ESP SYSTEM SOFTWARE PACKAGES

The base Genie software included with all Alpha or VAX based Genie-ESP systems is divided into three software modules, each with specific functions. The modules are:

• 480198 Basic Spectroscopy
• 480258 Genie Acquisition Control
• 480726 Genie-ESP Display

Additional VMS based Genie (Genie-VMS) software packages can be added to the above three for nuclide identification, detector quality assurance and other application specific needs. All added software is layered onto the Basic Spectroscopy package and integrated into a simple, intuitive user interface by the Genie-ESP Display Software.  

480198 BASIC SPECTROSCOPY SOFTWARE - This is the package upon which all other Genie-VMS spectroscopy software is layered and is required for system operation. It includes the Configuration Access Method (CAM) routines which allow for the storage and retrieval of all spectral acquisition and analysis data for a count using a single CAM file. Also, spectroscopy editors and basic peak search and calibration routines are included in this package. The Basic Spectroscopy Software supports program execution through the VMS Digital Command Language (DCL), menuing utilities provided with the software, or the Genie-ESP graphical user interface. DCL may be employed by the end user to issue simple one-line commands or to create powerful command procedures for automating routine tasks.

The Basic Spectroscopy Software provides extensive help facilities for all of the Genie-VMS software packages. The user can ask for and receive assistance at any time during an analysis in a number of ways. He/she can type HELP and then the name of a command to obtain information about the use of the command and any associated qualifiers that affect how the command operates. If the user types PEAK/HELP, the Peak Search program prompts for any needed parameter information in a step-wise fashion and explains what the parameters are used for. A question mark (?) may be entered in response to a prompt if the user does not understand its meaning, and the system will display information that explains what is being requested.

The Basic Spectroscopy Software includes the following features and utilities which may be used by other Genie-VMS spectroscopy software packages:

• Automatic energy/FWHM/efficiency calibration
• Automatic peak search with proven algorithms, including deconvolution of multiplets using Gaussian functions or with high/low energy tailing, plus stepped background correction
• Peak search algorithms common to other Genie family members
• Region-of-interest (ROI) peak search and peak totalization
• Environmental background subtraction for correct peak area determination at low count rates
• Pulse Pileup Rejection/Live-Time Correction to mathematically correct for pulses lost in the spectroscopy system*s electronics
• Parameters editor for updating sample processing parameters
• Nuclide library editor for definition and modification of nuclide and interference libraries
• Master nuclide library package consisting of a subset of nuclides tracked by the National Nuclear Data Center (NNDC) at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The package includes over 900 nuclides and 30,000 energy lines based on the following criteria:
  - Line energies greater than 50 keV
  - Line abundance greater than 0.1%
  - Half lives greater than 3 minutes
• Certificate file editor for definition and modification of source certificate files
• Arithmetic manipulation of spectral data including totalization
• Customizable report capability without the requirement for FORTRAN or C
• Support of VT terminals with ReGIS graphics for spectral and calibration plots
• Menuing utilities for both character cell and workstation graphics terminals
• File conversion utilities for converting historical Nuclear Data, CANBERRA and Davidson spectral files into Genie family CAM files
• Hardwired MCA control via serial port: Nuclear Data ND65, ND66, ND76 - VAX only; CANBERRA Series 35 Plus, 90, 95 - VAX or Alpha CPU

480258 GENIE ACQUISITION CONTROL SOFTWARE - The main purpose of this package is to control CANBERRA acquisition hardware, but it also provides traditional Genie MCA Display (non Genie-ESP) support for VAX systems only. The following acquisition hardware is supported:

• Acquisition Interface Modules (AIMs) - up to 64 per Genie System with a maximum of 64 AIM ADCs
• Gamma and Alpha Analyst
• Existing ACQH boards on Q-Bus VAX systems
• Instrument Control Bus (ICB) NIM including ADCs, AMPs, HVPSs, Digital Signal Processing (DSP) units and Remote Parallel Interfaces (RPIs)
• Multiplexers - up to 160 independently controlled multiplexer inputs supported
• Root control logic for sample changer support

The Genie Acquisition Control Software provides fundamental control for these devices. Other software packages, such as 480726 Genie-ESP Display, 480720 PROcount, and 480676 PROcount/SC Sample Changer, are needed to provide higher level control and an enhanced user interface. Gamma Analyst and Alpha Management Software packages are required to operate the Gamma and Alpha Analysts respectively.

480726 GENIE-ESP DISPLAY SOFTWARE - The Genie-ESP Software provides an intuitive graphical user interface for accessing the other Genie-VMS software packages and allows the software operation to be consistent with Genie 2000. Operators interact with the system using a mouse, selecting program commands and responding to queries through the use of pull down menus, pop up windows and other current software concepts. All spectroscopy operations are supported including acquisition, calibration, setup and analysis without the need for knowledge of the OpenVMS operating system, memorization of commands or excessive typing. Repetitive functions can easily be automated using analysis sequences to further simplify system operation.  

By operating under the OSF/Motif Window Manager and X Windows standard, accessibility to Genie-VMS application software is available for X-Terminals or other computers (PCs or OpenVMS systems) running X Windows on the same Local Area Network. This functionality allows one host computer to service a number of remote counting systems, and each X Windows display device has access to all Genie-VMS software as if it were directly connected to the host computer. However, access for certain users may be limited if deemed necessary by the system manager.

A means for securing sensitive spectroscopy functions from unauthorized access is provided with Genie-ESP. A built-in Security Editor allows the system manager to easily enable or disable the following capabilities for each individual user account:

• Control of ICB NIM parameter settings
• Performance of energy, FWHM and efficiency calibrations
• Access to manual processing commands
• Editing of analysis sequences

The various Genie-VMS programs or other user/vendor supplied programs loaded on the system may be accessed via the Spectroscopy Assistant (SA) which is the window manager of the Genie-ESP interface. These programs are listed in the SA applications menu and can be initiated with a simple mouse click. The applications menu typically includes all the spectroscopy editors discussed in the Basic Spectroscopy section plus any others that are included with optional Genie-VMS software. The application menu also includes the MCA View/Control Window, the Gamma Spectroscopy Analysis Window, and selections for other optional Genie-VMS menuing packages such as PROcount-ESP and Gamma Analyst. Programs which can be launched from the SA are defined in a user editable ASCII file. Once a desired set of applications have been opened and distributed in comfortable working positions on the screen, the SA allows the user to save the screen environment as a Workspace File. A Workspace may later be selected from a list and reopened to save having to open and reposition all the applications individually.

The Spectroscopy Assistant's MCA View/Control Window provides a mechanism for viewing one or more spectral plots on a CRT. The spectral data can be retrieved from an MCA device (556A AIM, ACQH, Gamma Analyst or Alpha Analyst), a pseudo-ADC area in memory or a CAM file. In addition, MCA specific functions such as acquire on/off, preset conditions and ICB NIM control screens are provided. Real time updates are achieved when displaying live data. Multiple MCA windows can exist on a CRT at once. Also, multiple spectra can be opened simultaneously within one window and viewed sequentially or with one superimposed on another in overlap mode.

Features of the MCA View/Control Window include:

• Seven status pages for displaying information on acquisition parameters, sample parameters and marker information
• A control panel with accelerator buttons for often used functions
• Split screen spectral expansion
• Cursors and markers for energy display and ROI definition
• A preferences menu for defining ROI and spectral colors and display choices
• Linear or log vertical scale (automatic or manual scaling)
• Overlap mode with automatic energy alignment
• ICB NIM control panels
• Editing screen for sample specific information
• Multiple, overlapping ROIs displayed in colors or patterns

The Gamma Spectroscopy Analysis Window (GSAW) provides detector calibration, spectral data analysis, and analysis sequence definition. In addition, a window is available to display reports from such applications as the peak search and the optional Nuclide Identification Package. The GSAW may be used by itself or in conjunction with the MCA View/Control Window to analyze and view a spectrum at the same time.

The GSAW calibration functions for energy, peak shape and efficiency are straight forward, using manual data entry or certificate files to automatically select data points for use in the calibration procedure. Calibration plots and coefficients are available for inspection immediately after the procedure is run. Data points may be removed or added as appropriate and a new plot generated.

Spectral analysis via the GSAW can be performed manually or through the use of analysis sequence files. For manual analysis, the user selects each step of the analysis from a menu of available options. As additional Genie-VMS analysis options (peak searches, detector QA, etc.) are added to the system, they are automatically added to the menu if appropriate. An analysis sequence is just a series of manual functions that have been selected by the user to perform a specific type of analysis. An Analysis Sequence Editor is used to create the file. Once analysis sequences have been created, they appear as selections in a separate menu and can be chosen as needed for future samples.

GENIE-ESP ADVANCED FEATURES

Genie-ESP includes advanced features an concepts which improve operation, allow creation of automated sequences and ensure the system operates in a secure environment. These have been discussed elsewhere but are summarized below.

ON-LINE HELP - Genie-ESP includes a context sensitive help utility. This utility provides quick reference to information that is useful in normal instrument operation.

AUTOMATION - Genie-ESP systems can be automated using easily defined analysis sequences, or more comprehensive procedures can be constructed using powerful OpenVMS DCL command procedures. Both cases may use GUI concepts for improved operability.

SECURITY - Genie-ESP software contains several layers of security functions which allow the tailoring of specific user accounts, thus restricting sensitive activities to only those who are qualified. User configurable editors provide customization of routine interactive functions to improve operability, maintain data integrity and control access to information.

OPENVMS OPERATING SYSTEM

OpenVMS is DEC's general purpose multi-user operating system for Alpha and VAX computers. It can handle processor-intensive, I/O-intensive, and real-time tasks in any combination. Its virtual memory support and wide range of tools, utilities, and available programming languages make it a powerful, adaptable and expandable operating system. Its English-like commands make it easy to use.

The security features of OpenVMS are unmatched by any other commercially available operating system and have been granted the C2 security rating by the US National Computer Security Center. Access to sensitive data and all computer system peripheral equipment may be controlled by the system manager via access privileges given to individual password-protected user accounts. OpenVMS can even monitor for attempts to gain unauthorized access to system resources and report these potential security breaches to the system manager. All OpenVMS systems include this capability, and the manager is free to use as many or as few of the features as desired to protect the system from casual or malicious tampering.

OpenVMS provides application portability that extends across the entire VAX family of computers and onto the Alpha computer family - which includes the fastest CPUs in the world. An extensive range of layered software and off-the-shelf application packages are available.

DECWINDOWS/MOTIF - HEART OF THE USER INTERFACE

DECwindows/Motif features windowing and graphics capability. The interface is based on the X Window System developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and uses the Motif session manager developed by the Open Software Foundation (OSF) Group. This software provides OpenVMS users with local and remote graphics and windowing functionality.

DECwindows/Motif includes GUI access to many application programs. The programs can be added to, or removed from, pull down menus. Examples of the applications are:

• Bookreader, for viewing contents of documents distributed on magnetic or optical media
• Calculator, a simple four function calculator with memory, trigonometric and logarithmic functions
• Calendar, a personal time management system
• Cardfiler, a computerized Rolodex
• Clock, an analog and/or digital date and time display with alarm
• CDA Viewer, a tool for reading documents containing text, graphics, and image data as well as Postscript files
• DECterm, a VT-style text window for typing commands
• Mail, a DECwindows/Motif user interface to the OpenVMS mail utility
• Notepad, a simple text editor
• Paint, a simple bit map graphics editor
• Edit, a DECwindows/Motif user interface to the OpenVMS EDT, EVE or Note pad editors
• FileView, a utility which allows intuitive access to files within multiple directories

The Genie-ESP Spectroscopy Assistant can easily be added as a menu selection to the above list of standard OpenVMS applications. The Spectroscopy Assistant, in turn, offers GUI access to the spectroscopy acquisition and analysis features of Genie-ESP.

Users have easy access to all of the windowing routines through multi-level menus and icons. These interfaces allow the user to create terminal windows, control window placement, enlarge or shrink windows, and change display characteristics. With the DEC windowing system, the user can view multiple terminal, MCA display or application windows at one time.

Alpha, DEC, VT, VAX, Q-Bus, MicroVAX, VMS, OpenVMS, DECnet, DECterm, DECwindows, Ethernet, and X Window system and X are registered trademarks of their respective owners.