open system
A system that implements open specifications for interfaces,
services, and supporting formats so that applications software
can:
• be ported across a wide range of systems with minimal
changes
• interoperate with other applications on local and remote
systems
• interact with users in a style that facilitates user portability
OpenVMS AXP operating system
Digital’s open version of the OpenVMS AXP operating system,
which runs on Alpha AXP machines.
operating system
An integrated collection of programs that controls the operation
of the system and allows users access to data files, input/output
devices, and application programs.
operating system mode
The state in which the system console terminal is under the
control of the operating system software. Also called program
mode. See also program mode.
OSF
See Open Software Foundation.
PAL
See Privileged Architecture Library (software) and programmable
array logic (hardware).
PALcode
Privileged Architecture Library code, written to support Alpha
AXP processors. PALcode implements architecturally defined
behavior.
parameter
A variable given a specific value that is passed to a program
before execution. The system console code uses many such
parameters.
Glossary–23
