VAX

Introduction

The VAX (Virtual Address eXtension) system was my first introduction to the world of the internet and Unix-like operating systems. Developed by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), VAX systems were powerful minicomputers that were widely used in academic and research environments during the 1980s and early 1990s.

Technical Overview

VAX systems were known for:

• 32-bit computing architecture
• Virtual memory capabilities
• VMS (Virtual Memory System) operating system
• Ability to run BSD Unix variants
• Terminal-based access via VT100 and similar terminals
• Support for multiple simultaneous users

My Experience

My first encounter with a VAX system was through a university computer lab. I remember the excitement of logging into a green-on-black terminal and discovering a whole new world of computing beyond personal computers.

The VAX system provided my first exposure to:

• Email communication
• Usenet newsgroups
• FTP file transfers
• Remote login via Telnet
• Unix command-line utilities

Learning to navigate the Unix command line on the VAX was a transformative experience. Commands like ls, cd, grep, and vi became part of my daily vocabulary, and I was fascinated by the power and flexibility of the Unix philosophy.

Historical Context

VAX systems played a crucial role in the early development of the internet and computer science education. They were often the backbone of university computing environments and research networks before the widespread adoption of personal computers and workstations.

The VAX/VMS and Unix environments available on these systems helped train a generation of computer scientists and engineers who would go on to build the modern internet.

Impact on My Career

My time using VAX systems fundamentally shaped my understanding of computing. The concepts I learned—multiuser environments, networking, file permissions, and text-based interfaces—provided a solid foundation for my future work in technology.

The experience of using these systems during the early days of the internet gave me an appreciation for the evolution of computing and networking technologies that continues to inform my perspective today.

Resources

For those interested in learning more about VAX systems and their historical significance:

• The Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) Legacy - Computer History Museum’s DEC collection
• OpenVMS.org - Resources for the VMS operating system that ran on VAX
• SimH - A simulator that can run VAX/VMS and other historical systems
• VAX Architecture Reference Manual - Technical documentation on the Internet Archive
• Living Computers Museum - Museum with working VAX systems
• VAX Hobbyist Program - Resources for hobbyists interested in VAX/VMS systems
• The Unix Heritage Society - Historical Unix resources including those that ran on VAX

These resources offer valuable insights into the VAX architecture, its operating systems, and its significant role in the development of modern computing and networking technologies.