[Info-vax] Where to locate software

[David Froble]

johnwallace4 at yahoo.co.uk wrote:
> On Thursday, 9 June 2016 16:43:36 UTC+1, David Froble  wrote:
>> David Froble wrote:
>>> Stephen Hoffman wrote:
>>>> On 2016-06-09 12:58:12 +0000, Jan-Erik Soderholm said:
>>>>
>>>>> Now, why was I expecting just that. Instead of some useful tips...
>>>> I've spent the last couple of weeks dealing with this particular 
>>>> question secondary to some software package and tools updates, and was 
>>>> striving to be civil about the current state of software packaging and 
>>>> related documentation on OpenVMS.
>>>>
>>>> That work has involved establishing what should be some simple product 
>>>> dependencies — akin to what app stacking or containers or other forms 
>>>> of packaging would routinely encounter — and the results have been 
>>>> stupidly complex.
>>>>
>>>> Knowing that there isn't any documentation and that there isn't any 
>>>> particular consistency here and that there aren't vendor 
>>>> recommendations — certainly not akin to the app bundles and containers 
>>>> that are available on some other platforms — is useful.
>>>>
>>>> Anybody got a copy of the DEC 1988-vintage software engineering 
>>>> handbook?  That was the closest I've encountered outside of the 
>>>> modular procedures, and the handbook is both massively outdated and 
>>>> not directly on point here.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>> Sadly, true ....
>>>
>>> It would not have taken much to have a short chapter of generic 
>>> suggestions for where to place things.  At least enough to give users of 
>>> the OS some things to consider.  Actually, a good subject for FAQ ....
>> I've thought about this a bit more, and yes, FAQ is exactly where such questions 
>> should be answered.  Now, VMS doesn't have, as far as I know, an "OFFICIAL" FAQ. 
>>   Perhaps that should be addressed.  However, the existing FAQ can be very 
>> helpful, and should be included in any "OFFICIAL" FAQ, should such become 
>> available in the future.
>>
>> Such an approach would both offer advice, and allow flexibility.
> 
> Didn't there used to be a VMS FAQ? What happened to it and/or its
> maintainer?

The Wizard (Stephen Hoffman) maintained the FAQ while he was at DEC et al, and I 
do believe he has a copy on his web page Hoffman Labs.  So, it's still 
available, but perhaps a bit dated, just like VMS.

While helpful, some feel this should be provided by the OS vendor.  Not sure it 
matters, as long as it's available.

Don't know if Steve is taking and including new submissions for the FAQ.