In this section, we will explore how to effectively use the help and documentation resources available in OpenVMS. Understanding how to access and utilize these resources is crucial for troubleshooting, learning new commands, and optimizing your use of the system.

1. HELP Command: The primary command for accessing built-in documentation.
2. HELP Libraries: Collections of help topics organized by subject.
3. Online Documentation: Additional resources available online for more detailed information.
4. Manuals and Guides: Comprehensive documents covering various aspects of OpenVMS.

The HELP command in OpenVMS provides immediate access to a wealth of information about commands, system features, and programming interfaces. Here’s how to use it:

To access the help system, simply type:

This will bring up the main help menu. From here, you can navigate through various topics.

You can specify a topic directly to get more specific information. For example, to get help on the COPY command, you would type:

This will display detailed information about the COPY command, including its syntax, parameters, and examples.

Output:

Some help topics have subtopics. For example, to get help on the qualifiers for the DIRECTORY command, you would type:

Output:

OpenVMS organizes help topics into libraries. You can access these libraries to find information on specific areas such as system management, programming, or networking.

In addition to the built-in help system, OpenVMS has extensive online documentation. This can be accessed through the official OpenVMS website or other online resources.

Visit the official OpenVMS documentation page at: OpenVMS Documentation

For more comprehensive information, OpenVMS provides a range of manuals and guides. These documents cover everything from basic system operations to advanced programming techniques.

You can download the OpenVMS User's Manual from the official documentation page or access it directly if available on your system.

1. Open your OpenVMS terminal.
2. Type the HELP command to access the main help menu.
3. Navigate to the help topic for the DELETE command.
4. Explore the subtopics for the DELETE command, such as /CONFIRM.

Solution

1. Use the HELP command to access the system management library.
2. Find information on the BACKUP command within the system management library.

Solution

• Mistake: Not specifying the correct topic or subtopic.
  • Tip: Use the main help menu to explore available topics if you are unsure of the exact command or subtopic.
• Mistake: Overlooking the /QUALIFIERS subtopic for commands.
  • Tip: Always check for qualifiers to understand all the options available for a command.

Understanding how to use the help and documentation resources in OpenVMS is essential for efficient system management and troubleshooting. The HELP command provides quick access to a wide range of information, while online documentation and manuals offer more in-depth coverage. By mastering these resources, you can significantly enhance your productivity and problem-solving skills in OpenVMS.