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RE: FreeAXP 435 |
Bruce Claremont
Moderator
Posts: 623
Joined: 07.01.10 |
| Posted on October 07 2012 16:26 |
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FreeAXP/Avanti 2.2.0.435 Released
FreeAXP and Avanti 435 are now available. FreeAXP 435 includes the 32-bit disk corruption fix that was released as FreeAXP 422. This patch applied to the 32-bit version of FreeAXP only. The problem did not impact 64-bit FreeAXP or Avanti.
The big news for Avanti users is virtual tape and Avanti as a service updates. Avanti now supports virtual tapes devices. The virtual tape format is compatible with the SimH tape format, allowing easy exchange of tapes between the two emulators. Avanti 435 also provides the /INSTALL and /UNINSTALL qualifiers, which allow Avanti to be installed and de-installed as a Windows service.
The Avanti and FreeAXP kits include updated documentation. Review the current Virtual Alpha Release Notes and User Guide for full details on the new features. Both documents can be downloaded from the FreeAXP page (www.FreeAXP.com) |
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RE: FreeAXP 2.3 Released |
Bruce Claremont
Moderator
Posts: 623
Joined: 07.01.10 |
| Posted on February 05 2013 08:18 |
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FreeAXP 2.3 is now available. This kit provides EV56, EV6, and EV67 instruction support. See the current Virtual Alpha Release Notes for details.
Avanti 2.3 Kit: http://www.migrationspecialties.com/FreeAXP.html
Release Notes: http://www.migrationspecialties.com/pdf/VirtualAlpha_ReleaseNotes.pdf
User Guide: http://www.migrationspecialties.com/pdf/VirtualAlpha_UserGuide.pdf
For those of you considering deployment of FreeAXP or Avanti under Microsoft Hyper-V, the following change first appeared in FreeAXP 453 and has been incorporated into FreeAXP and Avanti 2.3. In the past, the Virtual Alpha Configuration Utility has filtered non-NIC Microsoft network device entries from the NIC list. In order to support Hyper-V virtual NICs, we have had to remove this feature. Devices that are not technically NIC's, such as the Tunnel Adapters, may now show up in the Configuration Utility NIC list. |
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RE: FreeAXP 2.4 Released |
Bruce Claremont
Moderator
Posts: 623
Joined: 07.01.10 |
| Posted on June 24 2013 11:18 |
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FreeAXP 2.4 is now available at the links provided below. This release provides the following improvements:
- A revised system timer to improve cluster and NFS stability under heavy I/O loads.
- Ability to reserve host CPUs for other processes.
- Large disk support for VMS 6.n.
See the current Virtual Alpha Release Notes for additional details.
Note: If you are running both Avanti and FreeAXP on a single host system, you will need to update to FreeAXP 2.4. Older versions of FreeAXP cannot co-exist on the same system with Avanti 2.4.
FreeAXP 2.4 Kit: http://www.migrationspecialties.com/Customer/freeaxpsetup_502b.exe
Release Notes: http://www.migrationspecialties.com/pdf/VirtualAlpha_ReleaseNotes.pdf
User Guide: http://www.migrationspecialties.com/pdf/VirtualAlpha_UserGuide.pdf
Please use this forum if you have any questions or need additional information. |
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RE: FreeAXP 2.4.3.533 Released |
Bruce Claremont
Moderator
Posts: 623
Joined: 07.01.10 |
| Posted on October 23 2013 05:26 |
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Migration Specialties has released a FreeAXP 2.4 update. The update can be downloaded from the the links provided below.
This release coincides with an Avanti update that enhances physical serial support. There have been no major changes to FreeAXP. See the current Virtual Alpha Release Notes for additional details.
Note: If you are running both Avanti and FreeAXP on a single host system, you will need to update to FreeAXP 2.4. Older versions of FreeAXP cannot co-exist on the same system with Avanti 2.4.
FreeAXP 2.4 Kit: http://www.migrationspecialties.com/Customer/freeaxpsetup_502b.exe
Release Notes: http://www.migrationspecialties.com/pdf/VirtualAlpha_ReleaseNotes.pdf
User Guide: http://www.migrationspecialties.com/pdf/VirtualAlpha_UserGuide.pdf
FreeAXP: 11,630 downloads and counting. Thank you for your support! |
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RE: FreeAXP 2.4.5.548 Update Released |
Bruce Claremont
Moderator
Posts: 623
Joined: 07.01.10 |
| Posted on December 11 2014 01:32 |
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Migration Specialties has released a FreeAXP 2.4 update. This update provides the following improvements:
- Enhanced Configuration Utility with TCQ option for quorum disk support in OpenVMS clustered environments.
- Enhanced raw device display in Configuration Utility.
- Documentation updates.
See the current Virtual Alpha Release Notes for additional details.
FreeAXP: 14,210 downloads and counting. Thank you for your support! |
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RE: FreeAXP Release Information |
Bruce Claremont
Moderator
Posts: 623
Joined: 07.01.10 |
| Posted on August 11 2017 11:33 |
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Migration Specialties has released FreeAXP 3.0. This update provides the following improvements:
- TCQ bug fix: Avanti 3.0 fixes a problem with TCQ support under OpenVMS 6.1-1H3 thru OpenVMS 7.0. The driver checks for TCQ are difference for versions of OpenVMS prior to 7.1.
- FreeAXP as a service: FreeAXP 3.0 adds the option to install FreeAXP as a service. See Section 8.14.1: Service Creation in the Virtual Alpha User Guide for details.
- Documentation updates: Quick Start and FreeAXP Transitioning sections added. Installation log section updated.
Important Notice
FreeAXP 3.0 is built using the latest Windows Visual Studio and Intel C++ compiler. This development environment does not support the following legacy Windows O/S:
· Windows XP
· Windows Vista
· Windows Server 2003
· Windows Server 2008 Std
See the current Virtual Alpha Release Notes for additional details.
FreeAXP: 24,350 downloads and counting. Thank you for your support! |
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| Author |
RE: FreeAXP Release Information |
Bruce Claremont
Moderator
Posts: 623
Joined: 07.01.10 |
| Posted on December 13 2017 10:42 |
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The FreeAXP User Guide and Release Notes have been updated. The update covers the use of end point security products on systems running FreeAXP. MCSa has reported that the Tanium (https://www.tanium.com/) security product appears to block programs using a CPU at 100% for an extended period of time, as FreeAXP does. We recommend that the FreeAXP program (freeaxp.exe) be put on security and anti-virus exclusion lists. We also recommend that virtual disk and tape container files be put on anti-virus exclusion lists.
You can download the updated User Guide and Release Notes at these links:
User Guide: http://www.migrationspecialties.com/pdf/VirtualAlpha_UserGuide.pdf
Release Notes: http://www.migrationspecialties.com/pdf/VirtualAlpha_ReleaseNotes.pdf
Edited by Bruce Claremont on December 13 2017 10:43 |
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RE: FreeAXP 3.0.0.617 Released |
Bruce Claremont
Moderator
Posts: 623
Joined: 07.01.10 |
| Posted on January 16 2018 06:50 |
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Migration Specialties is pleased to announce the release of FreeAXP 3.0.0.617. The update can be downloaded from the links provided below. This update provides the following enhancement:
- Support for VSI's OpenVMS V8.4-2L2 Performance Release for Alpha.
FreeAXP 2.0.0.617 Kit: http://www.migrationspecialties.com/Downloads/freeaxpsetup_617.exe
Release Notes: http://www.migrationspecialties.com/pdf/VirtualAlpha_ReleaseNotes.pdf
User Guide: http://www.migrationspecialties.com/pdf/VirtualAlpha_UserGuide.pdf |
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RE: FreeAXP Release Information |
Bruce Claremont
Moderator
Posts: 623
Joined: 07.01.10 |
| Posted on April 20 2018 07:02 |
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Microsoft updates to Windows 10 Version 1709 have an additional security requirement that Microsoft countersign the MSI signing certificate used on the Avanti msipcap network driver. Avanti and FreeAXP 614 and 617 may loose network access after a Windows 10 update beyond Build 16299.309. The following solutions address this issue:
1) Install the updated FreeAXP/Avanti 617e kit. This kit contains an updated msipcap driver using a certificate accepted by the current release of Windows 10. www.freeaxp.com
2) Fall back to FreeAXP/Avanti 598. The signing certificate used in this version is exempt from the new Windows checks.
3) Turn off Windows Secure Boot and disable driver signature enforcement. There are many articles on the Internet that describe how to do this. However, doing so allows installation of unsigned drivers, so we do not recommend this option without a full understanding of your system’s security and vulnerabilities.
To our knowledge, this change does not impact Windows Server 2016 or any other Windows releases. Avanti 617 installs and runs without issue under Windows 7, 8.1, 2008 R2, 2012 Std & R2, and 2016 Standard, 10.0.14393 Build 14393. However, we expect Microsoft will add similar restrictions to Server 2016 going forward. If Avanti network services stop working after a Windows update, install the 617e kit.
To determine the version of Windows being run, open a Command Prompt or the run box and execute winver. To check on msipcap, open a Command Prompt as Administrator and execute the following command:
C:\WINDOWS\system32> net start msipcap
If msipcap is installed, a message will display saying it has already been started. If Windows is blocking it, a message to that effect will be displayed.
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RE: Avanti 3.0.0.620 Released |
Bruce Claremont
Moderator
Posts: 623
Joined: 07.01.10 |
| Posted on September 12 2018 01:57 |
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FreeAXP 3.0.0.620 is now available. Download links are provided below. This update provides the following improvements:
Support for disk serial numbers.
Fix for Windows 10 kernel mode driver license change.
FreeAXP 3.0.0.620 Kit: http://www.migrationspecialties.com/Downloads/freeaxpsetup_620a.exe
Release Notes: http://www.migrationspecialties.com/pdf/VirtualAlpha_ReleaseNotes.pdf
User Guide: http://www.migrationspecialties.com/pdf/VirtualAlpha_UserGuide.pdf
Disk Serial Number Update (Tru64 UNIX)
Avanti allows serial numbers to be assigned to each disk or CD drive in the advance disk options. OpenVMS and Tru64 UNIX 3.x and 4.x ignore the disk serial numbers. Tru64 UNIX 5.x requires them. If a serial number is not present, Avanti generates one for each disk.
Versions of Avant prior to 3.0.0.620 had three potential problem with disk serial numbers.
1. User defined CD device serial numbers are ignored. The Avanti generated serial number is always used.
2. Avanti generated serial numbers for disk devices are not unique across SCSI adapters. A disk on adapter 0 and a disk on adapter 1 may receive the same generated serial number. The workaround is to manual set the serial numbers.
3. The generated serial numbers for all HSZ22 disks was the same, resulting in system hangs under Tru64 UNIX 5.x. The workaround is to manual set the serial numbers.
These problems have been corrected in Avanti 3.0.0.620.
Windows 10 Pcap Signature
Windows 10 Version 1709 Build 16299.371 and higher object to the msipcap signature in Avanti 614 and 617 and will not install Pcap, leaving Avanti without network access. Avanti 598 installs and runs without issue. Windows 10 Version 1709 Build 16299.309 and older do not have this problem.
The issue came about because Windows 10 now requires registration of kernel mode drivers with Microsoft. Avanti 3.0.0.620 addresses the problem. If you encounter the pcap license error, downgrade to Avanti 598 or upgrade to Avanti 620.
Important Notice
Avanti 3.0 is built using the latest Windows Visual Studio and Intel C++ compiler. This development environment does not support the following legacy Windows O/S:
· Windows XP
· Windows Vista
· Windows Server 2003
· Windows Server 2008 Std
Migration Specialties maintains a legacy development environment to support customers with software support contracts running under these retired Windows O/S. See the current Virtual Alpha Release Notes for additional details. |
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RE: FreeAXP 4.0 – A Big Change |
Bruce Claremont
Moderator
Posts: 623
Joined: 07.01.10 |
| Posted on October 22 2019 04:27 |
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The pending release of Avanti 4.0 incorporates a big change for FreeAXP, Migration Specialties free Alpha emulator. FreeAXP will no longer be a standalone product. Instead, it has been integrated into Avanti.
What does this mean for FreeAXP users?
• FreeAXP is now 64-bit only. It will not run on a 32-bit host system. The last 32-bit compliant FreeAXP release is 3.0.0.620.
• Instead of downloading a separate FreeAXP installation kit, the Avanti installation kit is downloaded.
• The FreeAXP.exe image file is now dec.exe. The installation folder will be “MSI Digital Emulator Collectionâ€. If you have scripts calling FreeAXP.exe, they will need to be updated.
• The FreeAXP installation folder is no longer used. If FreeAXP configuration files are stored in the FreeAXP installation folder, update them before installing Avanti 4.0.
• The limit of one instance of FreeAXP per host system has been eliminated!
You read that last bullet right. Starting with Avanti 4.0, the limit of one FreeAXP instance per host system has been removed. You can now have as many FreeAXP instances as there are host CPU’s available minus one. I.E. An eight-core system will support up to seven instances of FreeAXP. (A more realistic scenario is four FreeAXP instances on an eight-core system, but seven is legal).
Avanti 4.0 is in testing and will be released soon. If you are a FreeAXP user, start getting ready for the change. The pre-4.0 version of FreeAXP will remain available on our web site for download, but will no longer be supported.
Edited by Bruce Claremont on October 22 2019 04:28 |
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RE: FreeAXP 4.0 Released |
Bruce Claremont
Moderator
Posts: 623
Joined: 07.01.10 |
| Posted on March 24 2020 06:38 |
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The release of Avanti 4.0 incorporates a big change for FreeAXP, Migration Specialties free Alpha emulator. FreeAXP will no longer be a standalone product. Instead, it has been integrated into Avanti.
What does this mean for FreeAXP users?
• FreeAXP is now 64-bit only. It will not run on a 32-bit host system. The last 32-bit compliant FreeAXP release is 3.0.0.620. The pre-4.0 version of FreeAXP will remain available on our web site for download, but will no longer be supported.
• Instead of downloading a separate FreeAXP installation kit, the Avanti installation kit is downloaded.
• The FreeAXP.exe image file is now dec.exe. The installation folder will be “MSI Digital Emulator Collectionâ€. If you have scripts calling FreeAXP.exe, they will need to be updated.
• The FreeAXP installation folder is no longer used. If FreeAXP configuration files are stored in the FreeAXP installation folder, move them before installing Avanti 4.0.
• The limit of one instance of FreeAXP per host system has been eliminated!
You read that last bullet right. Starting with Avanti 4.0, the limit of one FreeAXP instance per host system has been removed. You can now have as many FreeAXP instances as there are host CPU’s available minus one. I.E. An eight-core system will support up to seven instances of FreeAXP. (A more realistic scenario is four FreeAXP instances on an eight-core system, but seven is legal).
To date FreeAXP has been downloaded over 31,000 times. Thank you for your support! |
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| Author |
RE: FreeAXP Release Information |
Bruce Claremont
Moderator
Posts: 623
Joined: 07.01.10 |
| Posted on April 16 2020 04:22 |
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An update to the FreeAXP 4.0 kit has been posted. This update includes a fix for running multiple instances of FreeAXP on a single host. If you downloaded the FreeAXP 4.0.0.645e kit, please upgrade to the 4.0.0.646 kit.
Also, this upgrade includes the latest version of PuTTY, release 0.73. |
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| Author |
RE: FreeAXP Release Information |
Bruce Claremont
Moderator
Posts: 623
Joined: 07.01.10 |
| Posted on December 08 2020 10:10 |
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FreeAXP 4.0.0.653 has been released. This release makes msipcap the default NDIS network driver. Npcap can be designated the NDIS driver by enabling the new use_npcap_driver option. See the online release notes for details.
http://www.migrationspecialties.com/pdf/VirtualAlpha_ReleaseNotes.pdf |
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RE: FreeAXP 4.0.0.665 Auto-Idle Release |
Bruce Claremont
Moderator
Posts: 623
Joined: 07.01.10 |
| Posted on August 31 2021 04:42 |
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FreeAXP 4.0.0.665 introduces a new feature: Auto-Idle. By default, Avanti utilizes one host CPU running at 100% to emulate the Avanti Alpha CPU. With the new Auto-Idle option enabled, Avanti will idle the host CPU when the guest O/S, Tru64 UNIX or OpenVMS, is not busy.
The Charon Idle and HP Idle utilities, available under OpenVMS only, provide similar functionality. These utilities work under Avanti and can continue to be used. Auto-Idle will not function if the Charon or HP Idle utilities are installed.
Note: Using Auto-Idle on I/O intensive applications will reduce application performance. Migration Specialties recommends disabling CPU idle features to achieve maximum performance.
Auto-Idle works by identifying a signature in the Tru64 UNIX or OpenVMS operating system at boot time. This signature varies depending upon the O/S version and patches installed. Auto-Idle has been tested under all major releases of Tru64 UNIX and OpenVMS supported by FreeAXP. It current does not function under OpenVMS 8.4-2L1.
If Auto-Idle does not work for you, first make sure the Charon or HP Idle utilities are
not installed. Review the Removing Charon & HP Idle Utilities section in the FreeAXP User Guide. Double check that SYSGEN parameter CPU_POWER_MGMT is set to 0.
If Auto-Idle still does not work, post a note in the forum. We will need to gather a signature for your particular installation and add it to the FreeAXP signature list. |
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RE: FreeAXP 4.0.0.669 Released |
Bruce Claremont
Moderator
Posts: 623
Joined: 07.01.10 |
| Posted on April 25 2022 04:51 |
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FreeAXP 4.0.0.669 has been released. In this release, Auto-Idle supports OpenVMS 8.4-2L1 as well as all other major OpenVMS and Tru64 UNIX releases. |
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RE: FreeAXP 4.0.0.670 – A Wider Focus |
Bruce Claremont
Moderator
Posts: 623
Joined: 07.01.10 |
| Posted on May 24 2022 09:29 |
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The release of Avanti 4.0.0.670 adds the KZPCA wide SCSI controller to FreeAXP, Migration Specialties free Alpha emulator. Users of OpenVMS 7.2 or higher and Digital/Tru64 UNIX 4.0E and higher can now take advantage of the additional disks, speed, and stability provided by the KZPCA drivers. This version of FreeAXP may also support versions of OpenBSD.
FreeAXP 4.0.0.670 also includes these recent enhancements:
Auto-Idle: When enabled, reduces FreeAXP host CPU load when virtual Alpha is not busy.
Auto-Exit: When enabled, automatically shuts down FreeAXP instance when guest Tru64 UNIX or OpenVMS O/S executes a normal shutdown.
Multiple FreeAXP instances on a single host system: You can now have as many FreeAXP instances as there are host CPU’s available minus one. I.E. An eight-core system will support up to seven instances of FreeAXP. (A more realistic scenario is four FreeAXP instances on an eight-core system, but seven is legal). |
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RE: FreeAXP Release Information |
Bruce Claremont
Moderator
Posts: 623
Joined: 07.01.10 |
| Posted on February 13 2023 04:37 |
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FreeAXP 4.0.0.671 has been released. This release adds additional Auto-Idle support for various OpenVMS and Tru64 UNIX configuration, including Tru64 UNIX 4.0. |
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RE: FreeAXP Release Information |
Bruce Claremont
Moderator
Posts: 623
Joined: 07.01.10 |
| Posted on March 10 2023 03:54 |
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FreeAXP 4.0.0.679 has been released. This release adds additional Auto-Idle support for OpenVMS 8.4 and Tru64 UNIX 4.0 variants. |
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