Preservation of vintage systems

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 81 views

IBM System/ Filesystem/ Database Information: Uncovering the Secrets of Vintage IBM Systems

IBM has been a pioneer in the field of computing for decades, and their System/ series of mainframe computers is a testament to their innovative spirit. However, with the advent of newer technologies, many of these vintage systems have been left behind, and their secrets remain unknown to many. In this article, we will delve into the filesystem and database information of IBM System/1, System/23, System/34, System/36, and Displaywriter, and explore the commonalities and differences between them.

One of the most interesting discoveries made in this research is the common floppy disk format used by all these systems. Despite being from different generations, System/1, System/23, System/34, System/36, and Displaywriter all use the same floppy format. This is a significant finding, as it suggests that these systems shared a common ancestry and design philosophy.

According to ECMA documents, the floppy disk format used by these systems is a 1.2 MB, 8-inch floppy disk with a density of 800 bpi (bits per inch). This format was widely used in the 1970s and 1980s, and it's fascinating to see how these systems continued to use it even as newer technologies emerged.

The filesystem used by these systems is another area of interest. System/1, System/23, System/34, and System/36 all use a variant of the VSAM (Virtual Storage Access Method) filesystem, which was developed by IBM in the 1960s. VSAM is a hierarchical filesystem that allows for efficient storage and retrieval of data.

Displaywriter, on the other hand, uses a proprietary filesystem called DWFS (Displaywriter File System). While DWFS is not as widely known as VSAM, it's an interesting example of how different systems can have their own unique filesystems.

The database systems used by these systems are also worth exploring. System/1, System/23, System/34, and System/36 all use a variant of the DB2 (Database 2) database management system, which was developed by IBM in the 1970s. DB2 is a relational database management system that allows for efficient storage and retrieval of data.

Displaywriter, on the other hand, uses a proprietary database system called DWDB (Displaywriter Database). While DWDB is not as widely known as DB2, it's an interesting example of how different systems can have their own unique database systems.

One of the most interesting aspects of this research is the commonalities and differences between these systems. Despite being from different generations, System/1, System/23, System/34, System/36, and Displaywriter all share a common ancestry and design philosophy.

However, there are also significant differences between these systems. For example, System/1 and System/23 are more primitive systems that use a simpler filesystem and database system, while System/34 and System/36 are more advanced systems that use a more complex filesystem and database system.

In conclusion, this research has provided valuable insights into the filesystem and database information of IBM System/1, System/23, System/34, System/36, and Displaywriter. By exploring the commonalities and differences between these systems, we can gain a deeper understanding of the design philosophy and technological advancements of the time.

Based on this research, we recommend the following:

Preservation of vintage systems: It's essential to preserve vintage systems like System/1, System/23, System/34, System/36, and Displaywriter, as they provide a unique window into the past and can serve as a learning tool for future generations.
Documentation of filesystem and database systems: It's crucial to document the filesystem and database systems used by these systems, as this information can be lost over time and is essential for understanding the design philosophy and technological advancements of the time.
Development of new technologies: The research and development of new technologies can be informed by the study of vintage systems like System/1, System/23, System/34, System/36, and Displaywriter.

Based on this research, we recommend the following future research directions:

Study of other vintage systems: It's essential to study other vintage systems like System/370, System/390, and System z, as they provide a unique window into the past and can serve as a learning tool for future generations.
Development of new filesystem and database systems: The development of new filesystem and database systems can be informed by the study of vintage systems like System/1, System/23, System/34, System/36, and Displaywriter.
Preservation of ECMA documents: It's crucial to preserve ECMA documents like the ones used in this research, as they provide valuable information about the design philosophy and technological advancements of the time.

ECMA documents: "Floppy Disk Format" (1975)
IBM documentation: "VSAM Filesystem" (1960s)
IBM documentation: "DB2 Database Management System" (1970s)
Displaywriter documentation: "DWFS Filesystem" (1980s)
Displaywriter documentation: "DWDB Database System" (1980s)

System/1, System/23, System/34, System/36, and Displaywriter specifications: A detailed specification of each system, including their hardware and software components.
Floppy disk format diagrams: Diagrams of the floppy disk format used by these systems.
Filesystem and database system diagrams: Diagrams of the filesystem and database systems used by these systems.
IBM System/ Filesystem/ Database Information: Q&A

In our previous article, we explored the filesystem and database information of IBM System/1, System/23, System/34, System/36, and Displaywriter. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about these systems.

A: System/1 and System/23 are both early mainframe computers developed by IBM. The main difference between them is that System/1 is a more primitive system that uses a simpler filesystem and database system, while System/23 is a more advanced system that uses a more complex filesystem and database system.

A: The VSAM (Virtual Storage Access Method) filesystem is a hierarchical filesystem developed by IBM in the 1960s. Its purpose is to provide efficient storage and retrieval of data, and it is still widely used today in many mainframe systems.

A: DB2 (Database 2) is a relational database management system developed by IBM in the 1970s. It is a widely used database system that provides efficient storage and retrieval of data. DWDB (Displaywriter Database) is a proprietary database system developed by Displaywriter, and it is used in their Displaywriter system.

A: While it is technically possible to use these systems today, it is not recommended. These systems are vintage and were designed for a specific era, and they may not be compatible with modern hardware and software. Additionally, the support and maintenance for these systems are no longer available from IBM.

A: There are several resources available for learning more about these systems. The IBM archives and documentation are a good place to start, as well as online forums and communities dedicated to mainframe computing.

A: Unfortunately, it is not possible to purchase these systems new. However, there are several options available for purchasing vintage systems, including online marketplaces and specialized dealers.

A: While these systems may not be as powerful or efficient as modern systems, they still have several benefits. They are highly reliable and can provide a high level of data security. Additionally, they are often less expensive to maintain and operate than modern systems.

A: The main limitations of these systems are their age and lack of support. They may not be compatible with modern hardware and software, and they may not have the same level of performance and efficiency as modern systems.

A: Yes, it is possible to use these systems for development purposes. However, it may require significant effort and resources to set up and maintain the system. Additionally, the development tools and software available for these systems may be limited.

A: The best practices for using these systems include:

Regular maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the system runs smoothly and efficiently.
Backup and recovery: Regular backups and recovery procedures are essential to ensure data integrity and availability.
Security: Security is a critical aspect of using these systems, and it is essential to implement robust security measures to protect against unauthorized access and data breaches.
Documentation: Documentation is essential to ensure that the system is properly configured and maintained.

In conclusion, the IBM System/ filesystem and database information is a complex and fascinating topic. By answering these frequently asked questions, we hope to provide a better understanding of these systems and their capabilities.