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 ********************************* Recompiling User-Written Programs ********************************* 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. ******************************************* Binary Translation of User-Written Programs ******************************************* 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. *************** 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 ********** Questions? ********** If you have any questions or concerns about the new OCEAN system, please contact MCIS at 529-7318 and ask for Patti Gregg.