User-Written (.EXE) Program Changes
 
The following information only applies to compiled programs (.EXE) - not DCL
programs (.COM).
 
Due to the architectural changes between the VAX and Alpha systems, programs
compiled on the VAX system will not run on the Alpha system. All user-written
programs originally compiled on the VAX must be either recompiled or
translated before they can be run on the Alpha platform.  Failure to do this
will result in the following error when the program is run:
    %IMGACT-F-NOTNATIVE, image is not an OpenVMS Alpha image
 
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Recompiling User-Written Programs
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Of the two options for moving user-written programs from the VAX to the
Alpha, recompiling the original source code is preferable.  Recompiling the
original source code will require less disk space and will execute faster
than a binary translated version of the same program.
 
Usually, programs can be recompiled in the same manner that they were
originally compiled.
 
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Binary Translation of User-Written Programs
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Although binary translation is less desirable than recompilation, it is the
only choice for programs where the source code can not be found or where
there is not a compiler available (BASIC should be the only example of
this).
 
Binary Translation can be accomplished using the VEST command.  For example,
VEST PROG1.EXE will translate the program PROG1.EXE from a VAX executable to
an Alpha executable.  This will produce a new file called PROG1_TV.EXE which
can then be run on the Alpha platform with the RUN command.
 
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One-on-one help
***************
 
MCIS has reserved 2 Hughes at the following times to provide one-on-one help
for those who may need help recompiling or translating their programs to run
on the Alpha platform:
 
    Monday, January 31, 1994 - 2:00PM - 4:00PM
    Tuesday, February 15, 1994 - 5:00PM - 7:00PM
    Wednesday, April 6, 1994 - 2:00PM - 4:00PM
    Thursday, April 14, 1994 - 5:00PM - 7:00PM
 
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Questions?
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If you have any questions or concerns about the new OCEAN system, please
contact MCIS at 529-7318 and ask for Patti Gregg.