Usenix vs. Uniforum (and DECUS)

[Clyde T. Poole]

In article <2833 at osu-eddie.UUCP> mdf at osu-eddie.UUCP (Mark D. Freeman) writes:
>I am comfortable with unix/xenix, and my company is now moving toward
>developing software for that market.  I have been on the net for over a
>year, but I am unfamiliar with the distinctions between DECUS and
>/usr/group, and lately with the Usenix vs.  Uniforum concept.  I'm going
>to a conference at Uniforum, and want to make sure I don't miss
>anything. 
>
>Can someone enlighten me?
>
>-- 
>< < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < <> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >
>Mark D. Freeman

I am not an expert on the UNIX users groups but here is a discription of
DECUS that I recently posted to comp.org.decus.  I hope it helps.

There are a few basic questions that get asked from time to time that
indicate that people don't know much about DECUS and how to use its
services.  From time to time I will post a list of answers to DECUS
related questions that may be of interest to the net.  If you have a
suggestion on something that should be added to this posting please
let me know. 
-----
Some basic answers to DECUS questions:

1) What does DECUS stand for and how do you pronounce it?

   Digital Equipment Computer Users Society

   The pronunciation is open for discussion.  My belief is that the
   correct way is DEE-CUS as opposed to DECK-US.

2) How can I contact DECUS?

   DECUS U.S. Chapter
   219 Boston Post Road, BP02
   Marlboro, Massachusetts  01752-1850

   (617) 480-3418

3) What services does DECUS provide its members?

   DECUS offers many services to its members.  Some of the more
   notable are:

   a) The DECUS U.S. Chapter Symposia, held twice each year. The next
      Symposia will be in Nashville, Tennessee, April 27 - May 1, 1987.
   b) The DECUS Program Library, a VERY large collection of software
      for almost every computer DEC has ever made which is available
      for essentially the cost of reproduction and distribution.
   c) The combined SIG Newsletters, a monthly collection of the
      Special Interest Group Newsletters which is available on a
      yearly subscription basis.  
   d) Regional Conferences, local users groups from time to time host
      DECUS mini-symposia focoused on some subset of Digital products.
      For example the Rocky Mountain VAX Local Users Group is hosting
      a Regional Conference in Denver, Colorado, March 5-6, 1987.
      (Contact Donna Santoro, Banner Associates, (307) 745-7366 for
      more information.)

4) What is a SIG?

   SIGs are Special Interest Groups.  There are many such SIGs in
   DECUS. Some are: Artificial Intelligence, Business Applications,
   Commercial Languages, DAARC, Data Management, Datatrieve/4GL,
   EDUSIG, Graphics, Hardware Micro, IAS, Languages and Tools, Large
   Systems, MUMPS, Networks, Office Automation, Personal Computer,
   RSTS, RSX, RT, Site Management & Training, UNISIG (UNIX, ULTRIX),
   and VAX Systems. 

   SIGs sponsor sessions at symposia, publish newsletters and in other
   ways provide services to DECUS members interested in particular
   subsets of problems and applications of DEC computers and software. 

5) What is a LUG?

   A LUG is a Local Users Group.  There are many LUGs thoughout the
   U.S., Canada and the rest of the world.  LUGs usually are
   associated with one or more SIGs.  For example many LUGs deal with
   the problems of VAX systems only.  To find a LUG near you, contact
   the DECUS office. 

6) How much does it cost to join DECUS?

   Membership in DECUS is free.

-----
Clyde T. Poole, DECUS Large Systems SIG Newsletter Editor
ARPA:     ctp at sally.utexas.edu               VOICE: (512) 471-9551
UUCP:     {harvard,ihnp4,seismo}!ut-sally!ctp  CIS: 75226,3135
Overland: UT at Austin, Department of Computer Sciences
          Taylor Hall 2.124, Austin, TX  78712-1188
"Life is a bitch ... and then you die"