SYSTEM SOFTWARE The 486 uses several software programs to help run the system. These are the operating system, utilities, diagnostics, and the monitor programs. Applications and languages are not discussed in this manual. OPERATING SYSTEMS The 486 system supports two multiuser operating systems: XENIX and Concurrent CP/M. These are described below. XENIX Operating System This multiuser system complements a large number of applications such as office automation, database management, and communica- tions. It is the Microsoft l6-bit microcomputer implementation of the UNIX operating system developed by Bell Laboratories.
The XENIX operating system supports program development and many software applications. XENIX features a hierarchial file system, compatibility between file, device, and interprocess I/O, asynchronous processing, a command language interpreter, a large number of subsystems and utilities, excellent file security, user-friendly menus, flexible memory use and compatiblity with a large number of high level languages. Concurrent CP/M Operating System Concurrent CP/M (Control Program for Microprocessors) is a multiuser operating system for l6-bit microcomputers. CP/M pro- vides record and file locking with password protection for use in business settings where data base integrity is essential.
CP/M also features extensive error handling and reporting, real-time capabilities, and data and time stamps and files. SYSTEM MONITOR The system monitor programs and modules reside permanently in the PROMs of the 486 and provide initial system checks and exercise initial coordination and control of the system. The Monitor includes an extensive set of power-up tests used to identify hardware faults in the system, and a debugger program to help find problems in users' programs. DIAGNOSTICS The diagnostics programs for the 486 are contained in a separate diskette supplied with the system. These SDX (system diagnostics executive) programs help you isolate problems in system operation.
They are described in the Diagnostics manual along with selected system utility programs. 1-3