Introduction to the OpenVMS Freeware ------------------------------------ OpenVMS Engineering is again sponsoring an OpenVMS Freeware CD-ROM. The OpenVMS Freeware CD-ROM contains "public domain" and "freeware" software which runs on OpenVMS VAX and OpenVMS Alpha, and selected tools specific to the interoperation of other systems with OpenVMS systems. The purpose of the OpenVMS Freeware CD-ROM is to provide OpenVMS customers with easy access to public domain software and to "free" internal Compaq software and tools. The guidelines for the software to be contained on the OpenVMS Freeware CD-ROM are the following: o The software must be unencumbered to the public. No license fees shall be requested of or required by the customer for its use. o If a product authorization key (PAK) is required, an unrestricted PAK must be provided with the submission. o The software must run on OpenVMS VAX and/or OpenVMS Alpha, or be of direct relevance ("Affinity") to OpenVMS VAX or OpenVMS Alpha systems. o Compaq does not warranty this software in any way. It is provided as "as is" software. o Compaq will not provide service for this software, fix the software, or warranty that it works correctly. o Customers are free to adapt and change the sources for their needs. Acquiring a Copy of the Freeware CD-ROM kit ------------------------------------------- The OpenVMS Freeware CD-ROM will be distributed in conjunction with the standard OpenVMS operating system software distribution kits. It will also be made available for anonymous access from the OpenVMS Website: http://www.openvms.digital.com/ The Freeware CD-ROM kit is not expected to be separately orderable. Creating a Kit for Inclusion on the Freeware -------------------------------------------- Please carefully follow the following simple steps to ease the job of packaging the wealth of software onto the Freeware CD-ROM kit: 1: Build the software into a saveset or ZIP kit. Each product must be in a DIFFERENT directory, or in a separate saveset or ZIP kit. If the sources are included, place them in a subdirectory called [.SRC]. You must to supply one file (and optionally two others) in each top-level directory: - FREEWARE_README.TXT This file must have the following format for the FIRST line: PACKAGE_NAME, CATEGORY, ONE_LINE_DESCRIPTION for example: INTOUCH 4GL, LANGUAGES, High-performance 4GL for VAX and Alpha... The one-line descriptions will be truncated to 60 characters. This will allow them to display nicely on the selection menus later on. The list of categories to choose from are: AFFINITY Interoperation with Microsoft Windows systems BUILD TOOLS Build tools WEB TOOLS CGI and HTML tools GAMES Games (also see Motif Toys) GRAPHICS Graphics tools LANGUAGES Compilers, assemblers, and language-related MISCELLANEOUS Or ask for a new category MOTIF TOYS X Windows, CDE, and Motif toys NETWORKING Networking and network-related tools SYSTEM MANAGEMENT Tools related to system managemet, security, etc UTILITIES Random Utilities not related to other categories Compaq OpenVMS Engineering may choose to reset the category to match one of the above categories, or to a more appropriate category. Petitions for the creation of new categories gladly accepted. Any additional lines of text in the FREEWARE_README.TXT file will be displayed to the user from the MENU SYSTEM, if they choose this package from the menu. - FREEWARE_DEMO.TXT file (optional) The FREEWARE_DEMO.TXT file is text that can explain how to try this software...or explains what the FREEWARE_DEMO.COM file will be showing the user. - FREEWARE_DEMO.COM (optional) If the user selects this package from the menu system, the FREEWARE_DEMO.COM file will be executed. 2: Each directory should contain the VAX and Alpha executables (if possible), help text, documentation, sources (in [.SRC]) and then anything else you want to put there. If the kit contains both VAX and Alpha objects or executables, consider using subdirectories [.VAX_IMAGES] and [.ALPHA_IMAGES]. If the software is already kitted as a VMSINSTAL or PCSI kit, that is quite acceptable. Just put the kits in the directory along with the instructions and a basic introduction. 3: PLEASE make sure that the .txt and .com files are easy to read and understand. The more friendly your instructions and directions, the more likely that others will want to try it. 4: In order for the software to be considered for inclusion on the freeware CD-ROM, the attached release form MUST be submitted with the software. Electronic copies of the signed release form are acceptable. The release form will not be included in the distribution. How to Submit a Kit ------------------- Once the software is packaged, you can submit it on a tape (TK50, TK70, or TLZ04 preferred) to: OpenVMS Engineering Freeware Submissions Compaq Computer Corporation MS: ZKO3-4/S23 110 Spitbrook Road Nashua, NH 03062 If you have internet access, you can send a pointer to the location of the kit to: freeware@star.zko.dec.com and we will copy the kit electronically. Kits can be submitted as zip kits or as BACKUP savesets, and can be base64 or uuencoded, and can be downloaded via FTP or via a link at a specified website. Other kit formats may be acceptable by prior arraignement. The OpenVMS Development group is looking forward to your submissions... RELEASE FORM ------------ OpenVMS Freeware CD -------------------- DEVELOPER RELEASE FORM: As the owner/developer of this software, I release it to be included on the OpenVMS Freeware CD-ROM. I expect no remuneration or payments for the use of this software from Compaq or Compaq's customers. _______________________ Developer/Owner Name