General Research Corporation
Scientific Computer Network
P.O. Box 6770
5383 Hollister Avenue
Santa Barbara, CA 93160-6770

(805)964-7724
(805)967-7094  [fax]

The contributing authors are:
     David W. Deley      [.GRC.DAVID...]


     [.GRC]--------+--[.CONTROLLER]
                   |--[.EDX]
                   |--[.OPTIMIZE]
                   |--[.PRIMES]
                   |--[.PROSE]
                   +--[.RANDOM]


[.GRC.CONTROLLER]
        This is an example of how to get a batch job which may take more
        than a day to complete to run at night and suspend itself during
        the day.


[.GRC.EDX]
        The very latest version of the EDX editor which now includes a
        built-in spelling checker, the ability to edit modules in VMS
        text libraries, buffer journaling, and bugfixes for VMS 5.3 & VMS 5.4

        EDX is a powerful EDT-style TPU based text editor which supports
        all the major functions of the EDT editor plus many other
        advanced features not available in the EDT editor or the newer
        EVE editor.  It is intended for users familiar with the EDT
        editor who would like to switch to a faster, more powerful
        editor without having to learn a new editor all over again.  EDX
        also supports a WPS-style keypad mode for users who prefer the
        WPS-style keypad.

        Following are some of the advanced features of the EDX editor
        which are not available in EDT or EVE:

        · Built in spelling checker with 70,000 word dictionary.  Spell
              check a buffer, range, word, or display the dictionary and
              browse.  Includes guessing algorithms and personal
              supplemental dictionary support.
        · Edit modules within VMS text libraries.
        · Obtain a directory listing
              Include optional /SIZE and /DATE qualifiers.
              Read in a selected file from the directory listing,
              delete a selected file, or lock a selected file.
        · Wildcard search and replace mode, with optional string to
              exclude as a match, case sensitive or insensitive.
        · List all lines containing a specified string or wildcard
              pattern along with the corresponding line number.
              (The EDT 'TYPE ALL' command)
        · Search for and highlight matching parenthesis.
        · Lock files, preventing others from editing them while you do.
        · Sort a buffer, range, or columnar range.
        · Columnar cut and paste in insert or overstrike mode.
        · Encrypt a buffer using the American National Standard
              algorithm X3.92-1981.
        · Translate a buffer from EBCDIC to ASCII, and vice versa.
        · Compare two buffers line by line.
        · Translate DCL symbols and logical names.
        · Create DCL symbols and logical names.

        Note that all of the above features are performed within the
        editor, without spawning a subprocess.

        EDX is built on the VAX Text Processing Utility (VAXTPU).  Users
        familiar with VAXTPU can dynamically extend the editor's
        abilities by adding new functions which perform complex tasks.
        EDX makes this job easier by defining over 40 general purpose
        functions not available in VAXTPU itself.

        The EDX editor is also available from the DECUS library as
        program #V00385.  New updates are submitted to the DECUS
        library.


[.GRC.OPTIMIZE]
        Some code for performing numerical optimizations.  Given a
        function of several variables, find the values for the variables
        which minimizes the function value.  Two methods are presented,
        the Conjugate Direction Method of Fletcher and Reeves, and
        Powell's method.

                   
[.GRC.PRIMES]
        Routines for generating prime numbers and for finding the prime
        factors of a given number.  Also a routine for finding the
        next highest prime given a starting number.
        

[.GRC.PROSE]
        This is a small collection of a few fun things to read.
     

[.GRC.RANDOM]
        A paper on computer random number generators, with analysis
        of several commonly found random number generators including
        MTH$RANDOM (used by VAX FORTRAN and BASIC) and the standard
        ANSI C rand() function.  Anyone using random number generators
        will find the research done here most interesting and
        enlightening.