FBOS - Foreground/Background Operating System.

Abstract

A batch operating system is converted to a Foreground/Background Operating System (FBOS) for use on a Varian 620/f Minicomputer system. Entry to port no. 1 (the foreground) is via an interrupt generating graphics console facilitating user interaction with computer applications software packages. Port no. 2 (the background) is the entry to the batch operating system. Although the system which is developed supports a specific graphics console (Information Displays Inc.-IDDIOM 1.2) and a specific batch operating system (Master Operating System (MOS) designed by Varian Data Machines Inc.), the techniques used are sufficiently general that they may be applied to any similar minicomputer batch operation system and graphics console. Included in the paper are discussions of the MOS batch operating system and the major considerations underlying the design of the Foreground/Background Operating System. Particular attention is given to the problem associated with background interruptability and foreground program loading. (Modified author abstract)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1974
Accession Number
AD0778170

Entities

People

  • Dennis J. Turner

Organizations

  • United States Army Communications-Electronics Command

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Consoles
  • Data Displays
  • Graphics
  • Midrange Computers
  • Operating Systems

Readers

  • Computer Science.