Interfacing the VAX 11/780 Using Berkeley Unix 4.2.BSD and Ethernet Based Xerox Network Systems. Volume 1.

摘要

Although mainframe computers are accessible online and are the mainstay of the computing power offices use, they are not used for processing all of the information that must be managed in an office. Mainframe computers are used primarily by offices for maintaining large databases and doing number crunching. This is mainly because it is the most cost effect way to use these very expensive computer systems. The evolution of computers has produced new computer devices that can be used in offices. Word processing computers enable secretaries to produce and maintain documents more efficiently. Workstation computers give professionals tools that assist them in the performance of their duties. Workstation computers are also used for data processing. Microcomputers are used in special applications where a limited amount of computing power is needed. These new computers that have been added to the office are referred to as office automation computers. The introduction of all of these new computers to the office created a need to share information among them. Local area networks allow autonomous computing devices the ability to share information. The Program and Financial Control office has already installed a Xerox Ethernet local area network. This network has Xerox office automation computers such as workprocessors, wordstations, laser printers, and microcomputers connected to it, but there is also a need for using a mainframe computer for data processing.