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Conference bulova::decw_jan-89_to_nov-90

Title:DECWINDOWS 26-JAN-89 to 29-NOV-90
Notice:See 1639.0 for VMS V5.3 kit; 2043.0 for 5.4 IFT kit
Moderator:STAR::VATNE
Created:Mon Oct 30 1989
Last Modified:Mon Dec 31 1990
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3726
Total number of notes:19516

2798.0. "Modify applications in Session Manager or FileView?" by AIMHI::TINIUS (I didnt lose it, I just cant find it) Tue May 22 1990 00:01

I'm setting up 24 VS3100s in an LAVc for an internal group. I'm using 
LATmaster and DW_NET to make getting to the large VAX systems comfortable, 
since the VAXstations will be primarily replacing the VT3xx they've been using 
up to now. Since we have limited disk space on the LAVc and an operations 
group which already does backups on the large VAX systems, I'd like to set up 
most all of the DECwindows applications so that the users' data files are on 
the hosts. This means re-defining Mail, Notes, Calendar, Notepad, Cardfiler, 
etc. so that they're run on the hosts and displayed on the VAXstations.

What is the "preferred" way to add or modify applications for the 
non-privileged user, in the Session Manager or in FileView? The DECwindows 
documentation describes both methods. Which method will survive an upgrade to 
the next DECwindows? What is the "philosophical" difference between invoking 
applications from the Session Manager or from Fileview? The users are well at 
home with DCL, and don't really need the Fileview point-and-shoot method of 
getting things done. And each method gives the user the possibility of 
creating or tailoring her own menus. What do we recommend to customers?

Stephen
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2798.1I like session managerSCAM::DIALTue May 22 1990 10:5916
    I don't know what the "official" position is, I suspect there isn't
    one.  But, my preference is to not use fileview, mostly because it is
    slow.  For customers/users who are DCL literate, I recommend starting
    the accessory applications from session manager, and starting one or
    more DECterms, with no Fileview.  Fileview is useful for those who are
    not command-language literate or people who hate typing.  Finally, if
    Mail, Notes, Calendar, Notepad, etc. are to be started always upon
    login, I would consider running them from batch via a command in
    DECW$LOGIN, especially since they are to run on the host.  Otherwise,
    your users are likely to get very bored while waiting to login and
    work.
    
    Then again, some would say the "preferred" way is to let the users make
    most of these decisions :-).
    
    Barry
2798.2Survey says: FileViewAIMHI::TINIUSI didnt lose it, I just cant find itSat May 26 1990 08:3423
>What is the "preferred" way to add or modify applications for the 
>non-privileged user, in the Session Manager or in FileView? 

I have found the answer to my own question. If I add or modify applications in 
the Session Manager, they are saved in the system's copy of 
DECW$SM_GENERAL.DAT. However, as soon as a user saves her current settings, 
she has her own copy of DECW$SM_GENERAL.DAT in her own directory, and will 
never see any furthur additions I make. However, if I offer new applications 
through FileView, each user has access to them with each new invocation of 
FileView. 

So, I have instructed each user to add a RemoteFileView application to her 
Session Manager which uses DW_NET to run FileView on the large, CI-based, 
fully supported and backed-up host system, and invoke all applications from 
there. This way all of the data files associated with each application 
(DECwrite, Notepad, Calendar, etc.) are stored in the user's directory on the 
host, where they are backed-up. Mail and VAXnotes now run on the host, which is 
in DECnet Area 3, instead of on the individual's workstation, which is in 
a hidden area, so I avoid all of the problems and disadvantages of poor 
man's routing. They can also use FileView to manipulate their files on the 
host, where most all of the work is done anyway.

Stephen