@part(Intro, Root "userroot.mss")
@chapter(Introduction to Workstations)
@section(Overview)

During the fall of 1986, some Project Athena users will begin to move from
a @p(timesharing) system to a networked @p(workstation) system.  

In most ways, using a workstation is the same as using a timesharing 
system.  Both run the Unix operating system, and have the same basic 
software and commands.  But there are key differences.  @i(Essential
Workstation) describes the additional things you need to know
to use a workstation instead of a timesharing system.  It assumes that
you have read @i(Essential Unix) and have it by your side for reference.
It also assumes you have
the documents @i(Essential Emacs) for text editing, and
@i(Essential Mail) for sending and receiving mail.

Project Athena hopes to convert completely to a networked workstation
system by fall of 1987.


@section(What's a Workstation?)


A workstation is a complete computer, with its own 
Central Processing Unit (CPU),
memory and hard disk.  
The workstation CPU is comparable in speed
to a timesharing machine, 
giving you the computing power of eight W20 timesharing
users all to yourself.  Project Athena currently uses DEC VS2 and
VS2/RC and IBM RT/PC workstations.

In the workstation environment, computation is done locally, but most
of the Unix system is on a @p(remote system pack) that is actually on
another machine called the @b(Remote Virtual Disk server)--RVD server,
for short.
Remote packs appear to be part of the workstation's own files.  
Course software is stored on remote course packs.
User files
may be stored on remote packs in the near future, but are currently
stored
on removable media such as floppy disks
or cartridge tapes.
Note that under the networked workstation system, Project Athena
no longer makes periodic backup copies of user files.  

@section(General Procedure)

The following outlines the general procedure you follow each time
you use a workstation.  Keep this procedure in mind as you read this
document.

@begin(itemize)

Login as usual.

Copy your personal files onto the workstation hard disk from removable media
with the @i(in) command.

Attach any remote course software packs you may need using the @i(up) command.

Do your work just as you would at a timesharing machine.

Detach the remote course software pack with the @i(down) command.

Copy all your personal files back onto removable media using the @i(out) 
command.

Make a backup copy of your personal files, also using @i(out).

Logout.

@end(itemize)