HP OpenVMS DCL Dictionary


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START/QUEUE

Starts or restarts the specified queue after it has been initialized. You also can use this command to change the options of the specified queue. The /QUEUE qualifier is required.

Requires manage (M) access to the queue.


Format

START/QUEUE queue-name[:]


Parameter

queue-name[:]

Specifies the name of the queue to be started or restarted.

Description

The START/QUEUE command restarts a queue that has been stopped or paused. You must create the queue with the INITIALIZE/QUEUE command before you can use the START/QUEUE command. To create and start the queue at the same time, use the INITIALIZE/QUEUE/START command.

If the specified queue is an autostart queue, the START/QUEUE command activates the queue for autostart. The queue begins processing jobs when autostart is enabled with the ENABLE AUTOSTART/QUEUES command for any node on which the queue can run.

You can specify with the START/QUEUE command most qualifiers that can be used with the INITIALIZE/QUEUE command. The defaults for the START/QUEUE qualifiers depend on the qualifiers specified when the queue was initialized. For example, the default for /JOB_LIMIT with INITIALIZE/QUEUE is 1. However, if the queue you are altering was initialized with a job limit of 3, and if you do not specify the /JOB_LIMIT qualifier with the START/QUEUE command, the job limit remains at 3 for that queue.

Values or options specified with qualifiers on the START/QUEUE command override the values or options of those same qualifiers that were specified when the queue was initialized.

If the specified queue is running when you enter the START/QUEUE command, the system returns an error message. To change the options of a running queue, use the SET QUEUE command. To change queue options that cannot be altered with the SET QUEUE command, use the following procedure:

  1. Stop the queue with the STOP/QUEUE/NEXT command.
  2. Restart the queue with the START/QUEUE or INITIALIZE/QUEUE/START command, specifying the appropriate qualifiers for the options you desire.

The /TOP_OF_FILE, /BACKWARD, /FORWARD, /SEARCH, /ALIGN, and /NEXT qualifiers are effective only when restarting an output execution queue from a paused state. They do not apply to queues that are stopped or to batch queues. When you specify more than one of the first five of these qualifiers, the print symbiont processes them in the following order:

  1. /TOP_OF_FILE
  2. /BACKWARD
  3. /FORWARD
  4. /SEARCH
  5. /ALIGN

Qualifiers

/ALIGN[=(option[,...])]

Prints alignment pages to aid in aligning printer forms. Use this qualifier only when restarting an output execution queue from a paused state.

After the alignment is complete, the queue enters a paused state until you restart it by reentering the START/QUEUE command. Printing resumes from the point where alignment data started; that is, the task is backspaced over the pages printed for alignment.

Possible options are as follows:
MASK Specifies that input data is masked by replacing alphabetic characters with x's and numbers with 9s; nonalphanumeric characters are not masked. Mask characters allow you to prevent the printing of sensitive information. If you omit the MASK option, data is printed unaltered.
n Specifies the number of alignment pages to print. The value of n can be from 1 to 20. By default, one page of alignment data is printed.

/AUTOSTART_ON=(node::[device][,...])

Designates the queue as an autostart execution queue and specifies the node, or node and device, on which the queue can be located. Both node and device must be specified for output queues. For batch queues, only node is applicable.

In an OpenVMS Cluster, you can specify more than one node (or node and device) on which a queue can run, in the preferred order in which nodes should claim the queue. This allows the queue to fail over to another node if the node on which the queue is running leaves the cluster.

For autostart queues, the START/QUEUE command activates the queue for autostart. The queue will begin processing jobs when the ENABLE AUTOSTART/QUEUES command is entered for a node on which the queue can run.

This qualifier cannot be used with the /ON or /GENERIC qualifier; however, you can specify the /AUTOSTART_ON qualifier for a queue previously created or started with the /ON qualifier. Doing so overrides the /ON option and makes the queue an autostart queue.

For more information about autostart queues, see the chapter about managing queues in the HP OpenVMS System Manager's Manual.

/BACKWARD=n

Restarts a print queue n pages before the current page; n defaults to 1. If you omit the page value, printing resumes at the top of the current page. Use this qualifier only when restarting an output execution queue from a paused state.

Note

Using the START/QUEUE/BACKWARD=n command to restart a print job that uses Fortran carriage control and that was printed with the /NOFEED qualifier can have unexpected results, in particular:
  • The page positioning in the restarted job may not be correct: the output may not begin at the top of the page specified by n.
  • The output from the print job may be preceded by extra meaningless information.

/BASE_PRIORITY=n

Specifies the base process priority at which jobs are initiated from a batch execution queue. By default, if you omit the qualifier, jobs are initiated at the same priority as the base priority established by DEFPRI at system generation (usually 4). The base priority specifier can be any decimal value from 0 to 15.

/BLOCK_LIMIT=([lowlim,]uplim)

/NOBLOCK_LIMIT

Limits the size of print jobs that can be processed on an output execution queue. This qualifier allows you to reserve certain printers for certain size jobs. You must specify at least one of the parameters.

The lowlim parameter is a decimal number referring to the minimum number of blocks that are accepted by the queue for a print job. If a print job is submitted that contains fewer blocks than the the lowlim value, the job remains pending until the block limit for the queue is changed. After the block limit for the queue is decreased sufficiently, the job is processed.

The uplim parameter is a decimal number referring to the maximum number of blocks that are accepted by the queue for a print job. If a print job is submitted that exceeds this value, the job remains pending until the block limit for the queue is changed. After the block limit for the queue is increased sufficiently, the job is processed.

If you specify only an upper limit for jobs, you can omit the parentheses. For example, /BLOCK_LIMIT=1000 means that only jobs with 1000 blocks or less are processed in the queue. To specify only a lower job limit, you must use a null string ("") to indicate the upper specifier. For example, /BLOCK_LIMIT=(500,"") means any job with 500 or more blocks is processed in the queue. You can specify both a lower and upper limit. For example, /BLOCK_LIMIT=(200,2000) means that jobs with less than 200 blocks or more than 2000 blocks are not processed in the queue.

The /NOBLOCK_LIMIT qualifier cancels the previous setting established by the /BLOCK_LIMIT qualifier for the queue.

/CHARACTERISTICS=(characteristic[,...])

/NOCHARACTERISTICS

Specifies one or more characteristics for processing jobs on an execution queue. If a queue does not have all the characteristics that have been specified for a job, the job remains pending. If you specify only one characteristic, you can omit the parentheses. Each time you specify the /CHARACTERISTICS qualifier, all previously set characteristics are canceled. Only the characteristics specified with the qualifier are established for the queue.

Queue characteristics are installation specific. The characteristic parameter can be either a value from 0 to 127 or a characteristic name that has been defined by the DEFINE/CHARACTERISTIC command.

The /NOCHARACTERISTICS qualifier cancels any settings previously established by the /CHARACTERISTICS qualifier for the queue.

/CLOSE

Prevents jobs from being entered in the queue through PRINT or SUBMIT commands or as a result of requeue operations. To allow jobs to be entered, use the /OPEN qualifier. Whether a queue accepts or rejects new job entries is independent of the queue's state (such as paused, stopped, or stalled). When a queue is marked closed, jobs executing continue to execute. Jobs already pending in the queue continue to be candidates for execution.

/CPUDEFAULT=time

Defines the default CPU time limit for jobs in this batch execution queue. You can specify time as delta time, 0, INFINITE, or NONE. You can specify up to 497 days of delta time.

If the queue does not have a specified CPUMAXIMUM time limit and the value established in the user authorization file (UAF) has a specified CPU time limit of NONE, either the value 0 or the keyword INFINITE allows unlimited CPU time. If you specify NONE, the CPU time value defaults to the value specified either in the UAF or by the SUBMIT command (if included). CPU time values must be greater than or equal to the number specified by the system parameter PQL_MCPULM.

For information on specifying delta times, see the OpenVMS User's Manual or the online help topic Date. For more information on specifying CPU time limits, see the CPU Time Limit Specifications and Actions table for the INITIALIZE/QUEUE command.

/CPUMAXIMUM=time

Defines the default CPU time limit for all jobs in this batch execution queue. You can specify time as delta time, 0, INFINITE, or NONE. You can specify up to 497 days of delta time.

If the queue does not have a specified CPUMAXIMUM time limit and the value established in the UAF has a specified CPU time limit of NONE, either the value 0 or the keyword INFINITE allows unlimited CPU time. If you specify NONE, the CPU time value defaults to the value specified either in the UAF or by the SUBMIT command (if included). CPU time values must be greater than or equal to the number specified by the system parameter PQL_MCPULM. The time cannot exceed the CPU time limit set by the /CPUMAXIMUM qualifier. For information on specifying delta time, see the OpenVMS User's Manual or the online help topic Date. For more information on specifying CPU time limits, see the CPU Time Limit Specifications and Actions table for the INITIALIZE/QUEUE command.

/DEFAULT=(option[,...])

/NODEFAULT

Establishes defaults for certain options of the PRINT command. Defaults are specified by the list of options. If you specify only one option, you can omit the parentheses. After you set an option for the queue with the /DEFAULT qualifier, you do not have to specify that option in your PRINT commands. If you do specify these options in your PRINT command, the values specified with the PRINT command override the values established for the queue with the /DEFAULT qualifier.

You cannot use the /DEFAULT qualifier with the /GENERIC qualifier.

Possible options are as follows:
[NO]BURST[=keyword] Controls whether two file flag pages with a burst bar between them are printed preceding output. If you specify the value ALL (default), these flag pages are printed before each file in the job. If you specify the value ONE, these flag pages are printed once before the first file in the job.
[NO]FEED Specifies whether a form feed is inserted automatically at the end of a page.
[NO]FLAG[=keyword] Controls whether a file flag page is printed preceding output. If you specify the value ALL (default), a flag page is printed before each file in the job. If you specify the value ONE, a flag page is printed once before the first file in the job.
FORM=type Specifies the default form for an output execution queue. If a job is submitted without an explicit form definition, this form is used to process the job. If no form type is explicitly specified with the FORM keyword, the system assigns the form "DEFAULT" to the queue. See also the description of the /FORM_MOUNTED qualifier.
[NO]TRAILER[=keyword] Controls whether a file trailer page is printed following output. If you specify the value ALL (default), a trailer page is printed after each file in the job. If you specify the value ONE, a trailer page is printed once after the last file in the job.

When you specify the BURST option for a file, the [NO]FLAG option does not add or subtract a flag page from the two flag pages that are printed preceding the file. For information on establishing mandatory queue options, see the description of the /SEPARATE qualifier. For more information on specifying default queue options, see the HP OpenVMS System Manager's Manual.

/DESCRIPTION=string

/NODESCRIPTION

Specifies a string of up to 255 characters that is used to provide operator-supplied information about the queue.

Enclose strings containing lowercase letters, blanks, or other nonalphanumeric characters (including spaces) in quotation marks (" ").

The /NODESCRIPTION qualifier removes any descriptive text that may be associated with the queue.

/DISABLE_SWAPPING

/NODISABLE_SWAPPING

Controls whether batch jobs executed from a queue can be swapped in and out of memory.

/ENABLE_GENERIC

/NOENABLE_GENERIC

Specifies whether files queued to a generic queue that does not specify explicit queue names with the /GENERIC qualifier can be placed in this execution queue for processing. For more information, see the description of the /GENERIC qualifier.

/FORM_MOUNTED=type

Specifies the mounted form for an output execution queue.

If no form type is explicitly specified, the system assigns the form "DEFAULT" to the queue.

If the stock of the mounted form does not match the stock of the default form, as indicated by the /DEFAULT=FORM qualifier, all jobs submitted to this queue without an explicit form definition enter a pending state and remain pending until the stock of the mounted form of the queue is identical to the stock of the form associated with the job.

If a job is submitted with an explicit form and the stock of the explicit form is not identical to the stock of the mounted form, the job enters a pending state and remains pending until the stock of the mounted form of the queue is identical to the stock of the form associated with the job.

To specify the form type, use either a numeric value or a form name that has been defined by the DEFINE/FORM command. Form types are installation-specific. You cannot use the /FORM_MOUNTED qualifier with the /GENERIC qualifier.

/FORWARD=n

Advances the specified number of pages before resuming printing the current file in the current job; the default is 1. If you omit the page value, printing resumes at the top of the next page. Use this qualifier only when restarting an output execution queue from a paused state.

/GENERIC[=(queue-name[,...])]

/NOGENERIC

Specifies a generic queue. Also specifies that jobs placed in this queue can be moved for processing to compatible execution queues. The /GENERIC qualifier optionally accepts a list of target execution queues that have been previously defined. For a generic batch queue, these target queues must be batch execution queues. For a generic output queue, these target queues must be output execution queues, but can be of any type (printer, server, or terminal). For example, a generic printer queue can feed a mixture of printer and terminal execution queues.

Use the /GENERIC qualifier to change the list of target nodes for a generic queue. The queue must have been initialized as a generic queue with the INITIALIZE/QUEUE/GENERIC command.

If you do not specify any target execution queues with the /GENERIC qualifier, jobs can be moved to any execution queue that (1) is initialized with the /ENABLE_GENERIC qualifier, and (2) is the same type (batch or output) as the generic queue.

To define the queue as a generic batch or output queue, you use the /GENERIC qualifier with either the /BATCH or the /DEVICE qualifier. If you specify neither the /BATCH nor the /DEVICE qualifier on creation of a generic queue, by default the queue becomes a generic printer queue.

/JOB_LIMIT=n

Specifies the number of batch jobs that can be executed concurrently from the queue. Specify a number in the range 0 to 255.

/LIBRARY=filename

/NOLIBRARY

Specifies the file name for the device control library. When you initialize an output execution queue, you can use the /LIBRARY qualifier to specify an alternate device control library. You can use only a file name as the parameter of the /LIBRARY qualifier. The system always assumes that the file is located in SYS$LIBRARY and that the file type is .TLB.

/NEXT

Aborts the currently suspended print job and begins processing of the first pending job in the queue. Use this qualifier only when restarting an output execution queue from a paused state.

/NO_INITIAL_FF

/NONO_INITIAL_FF (default)

Specifies whether a form feed should be sent to a printer device when a queue starts. To suppress the initial form feed, use the /NO_INITIAL_FF qualifier.

The /NONO_INITIAL_FF qualifier sends a form feed to the output device to ensure that the paper is at the top of a page before printing begins.

/ON=[node::]device[:] (printer, terminal, server queue)

/ON=node:: (batch queue)

Specifies the node or device, or both, on which this execution queue is located. For batch execution queues, you can specify only the node name. For output execution queues, you can include both the node name and the device name.

The node name is used only in VAXcluster systems; it must match the node name specified by the system parameter SCSNODE for the VAX computer on which the queue executes.

You cannot use the /ON qualifier with the /AUTOSTART_ON or /GENERIC qualifier; however, you can specify the /ON qualifier for a queue previously created or started with the /AUTOSTART_ON qualifier. Doing so overrides the /AUTOSTART_ON qualifier and makes the queue a nonautostart queue.

/OPEN

Allows jobs to be entered in the queue through PRINT or SUBMIT commands or as the result of requeue operations. To prevent jobs from being entered in the queue, use the /CLOSE qualifier. Whether a queue accepts or rejects new job entries is independent of the queue's state (such as paused, stopped, or stalled).

/OWNER_UIC=uic

Requires manage (M) access to the queue.

Enables you to change the user identification code (UIC) of the queue. Specify the UIC by using standard format as described in the OpenVMS User's Manual.

/PROCESSOR=filename

/NOPROCESSOR

Requires OPER (operator) privilege to change the file name from the one with which the queue was initialized.

Allows you to specify your own print symbiont for an output execution queue. You can use any valid file name as a parameter of the /PROCESSOR qualifier. The system supplies the device and directory name SYS$SYSTEM and the file type .EXE. If you use this qualifier for an output queue, it specifies that the symbiont image to be executed is SYS$SYSTEM:filename.EXE.

By default, SYS$SYSTEM:PRTSMB.EXE is the symbiont image associated with an output execution queue.

The /NOPROCESSOR qualifier cancels any previous setting established by the /PROCESSOR qualifier, and causes SYS$SYSTEM:PRTSMB.EXE to be used.

/PROTECTION=(ownership[:access],...)

Requires OPER (operator) privilege, or control (C) and execute (E) access to the queue.

Specifies the protection of the queue.

If you include only one protection code, you can omit the parentheses.

For more information on specifying protection codes, see the HP OpenVMS Guide to System Security. For more information on controlling queue operations through UIC-based protection, see the HP OpenVMS System Manager's Manual.

/RAD=n (Alpha/I64 only)

Specifies the RAD number on which to run batch jobs assigned to the queue. The RAD value is validated as a positive integer between 0 and the value returned by the $GETSYI item code, SYI$_RAD_MAX_RADS.

Supported only on AlphaServer GS series systems.

/RECORD_BLOCKING

/NORECORD_BLOCKING

Determines whether the symbiont can concatenate (or block together) output records for transmission to the output device. If you specify the /NORECORD_BLOCKING qualifier, the symbiont sends each formatted record in a separate I/O request to the output device. For the standard OpenVMS print symbiont, record blocking can have a significant performance advantage over single-record mode.

/RETAIN[=option]

/NORETAIN

Holds jobs in the queue in a retained status after they have executed. The /NORETAIN qualifier enables you to reset the queue to the default. Possible options are as follows:
ALL Holds all jobs in the queue after execution.
ERROR Holds in the queue only jobs that fail to complete.

A user can request a job retention option for a job by specifying the /RETAIN qualifier with the PRINT, SUBMIT, or SET ENTRY command. However, the job retention option you specify for a queue overrides any job retention option requested by a user for a job in that queue.

/SCHEDULE=[NO]SIZE

Specifies whether pending jobs in an output queue are scheduled for printing based on the size of the job. When the /SCHEDULE=SIZE qualifier is in effect, shorter jobs are printed before longer ones. When the /SCHEDULE=NOSIZE qualifier is in effect, jobs are printed in the order they were submitted, regardless of size.

If you enter this command while there are pending jobs in any queue, its effect on future jobs is unpredictable.

/SEARCH="search-string"

Specifies that printing is to resume at the page containing the specified string. The search for the string moves forward, beginning on the page following the current page. During the search, consecutive tabs and spaces are treated as a single space, and character case is ignored. The string can be from 1 to 63 characters and must be enclosed in quotation marks (" "). Use this qualifier only when restarting an output execution queue from a paused state.

/SEPARATE=(option[,...])

/NOSEPARATE

Specifies the mandatory queue options, or job separation options, for an output execution queue. Job separation options cannot be overridden by the PRINT command.

You cannot use the /SEPARATE qualifier with the /GENERIC qualifier.

The job separation options are as follows:
[NO]BURST Specifies whether two job flag pages with a burst bar between them are printed at the beginning of each job.
[NO]FLAG Specifies whether a job flag page is printed at the beginning of each job.
[NO]TRAILER Specifies whether a job trailer page is printed at the end of each job.
[NO]RESET=(module[,...]) Specifies one or more device control library modules that contain the job reset sequence for the queue. The specified modules from the queue's device control library (by default SYS$LIBRARY:SYSDEVCTL) are used to reset the device each time a job reset occurs. The RESET sequence occurs after any file trailer and before any job trailer. Thus, all job separation pages are printed when the device is in its RESET state.

When you specify /SEPARATE=BURST, the [NO]FLAG separation option does not add or subtract a flag page from the two flag pages that are printed preceding the job.

For information on establishing queue options that can be overridden, see the description of the /DEFAULT qualifier.

For more information on specifying mandatory queue options, see the HP OpenVMS System Manager's Manual.

/TOP_OF_FILE

Resumes printing at the beginning of the file that was current when the output execution queue paused. Use this qualifier only when restarting an output execution queue from a paused state.

/WSDEFAULT=n

Defines for a batch job a working set default, the default number of physical pages that the job can use. The value set by this qualifier overrides the value defined in the user authorization file (UAF) of any user submitting a job to the queue.

You also can specify this qualifier for an output execution queue. Used in this context, the /WSDEFAULT qualifier establishes the working set default of the symbiont process for an execution queue when the symbiont process is created.

Specify the value of n as a number of 512-byte pagelets on Alpha or 512-byte pages on VAX. Note that the operating systems rounds up this value to the nearest CPU-specific page so that the actual amount of physical memory allowed may be larger than the specified amount on Alpha.

If you specify the value 0 or NONE, the working set default value defaults to the value specified in the UAF or by the SUBMIT command (if included).

For more information about the way a working set default affects batch jobs, see Table DCLII-22.

/WSEXTENT=n

Defines for the batch job a working set extent, the maximum amount of physical memory that the job can use. The job uses the maximum amount of physical memory only when the system has excess free pages. The value set by this qualifier overrides the value defined in the user authorization file (UAF) of any user submitting a job to the queue.

You also can specify this qualifier for an output execution queue. Used in this context, the /WSEXTENT qualifier establishes the working set extent of the symbiont process for an output execution queue when the symbiont process is created.

Specify the value of n as a number of 512-byte pagelets on Alpha or 512-byte pages on VAX. Note that the operating system rounds up this value to the nearest CPU-specific page so that the actual amount of physical memory allowed may be larger than the specified amount on Alpha.

If you specify the value 0 or NONE, the working set extent value defaults to the value specified in the UAF or by the SUBMIT command (if included).

For more information about the way a working set extent affects batch jobs, see Table DCLII-22.

/WSQUOTA=n

Defines for a batch job a working set quota, the amount of physical memory that is guaranteed to the job. The value set by this qualifier overrides the value defined in the user authorization file (UAF) of any user submitting a job to the queue.

You also can specify this qualifier for an output execution queue. Used in this context, the /WSQUOTA qualifier establishes the working set quota of the symbiont process for an output execution queue when the symbiont process is created.

Specify the value of n as a number of 512-byte pagelets on Alpha or 512-byte pages on VAX. Note that the operating system rounds up this value to the nearest CPU-specific page so that the actual amount of physical memory allowed may be larger than the specified amount on Alpha.

If you specify the value 0 or NONE, the working set quota value defaults to the value specified in the UAF or by the SUBMIT command (if included).

Working set default, working set quota, and working set extent values are included in each user record in the system UAF. You can specify working set values for individual jobs or for all jobs in a given queue. The decision table (Table DCLII-22) shows the action taken for different combinations of specifications that involve working set size and working set quota values.

Table DCLII-22 Working Set Default, Extent, and Quota Decision
Value Specified by
the SUBMIT
Command?
Value Specified
for the Queue?
Action Taken
No No Use the UAF value.
No Yes Use value for the queue.
Yes Yes Use smaller of the two values.
Yes No Compare specified value with UAF value; use the smaller.


Examples

#1

$ STOP/QUEUE  LPA0
$ START/QUEUE/TOP_OF_FILE  LPA0
 
      

The STOP/QUEUE command in this example suspends the job that is currently executing on the printer queue LPA0 and places that queue in the paused state. The START/QUEUE command releases the queue from the paused state. The /TOP_OF_FILE qualifier causes the job that was suspended to resume printing at the beginning of the file rather than at where it was interrupted.

#2

$ INITIALIZE/QUEUE  LPA0
   .
   .
   .
$ START/QUEUE/DEFAULT=FLAG  LPA0
 
      

The INITIALIZE/QUEUE command in this example initializes the queue named LPA0. Later, the START/QUEUE command starts the queue. The /DEFAULT qualifier requests that a flag page precede each file in each job.

#3

$ START/QUEUE/DEFAULT=FORM=LN01_PORTRAIT LN01_PRINT
      

The START/QUEUE command in this example restarts the LN01_PRINT queue with the default form LN01_PORTRAIT.

#4

$ INITIALIZE/QUEUE/START/GENERIC=(A,B)  MYQUEUE
. 
.  [new printers X and Y are brought in at a later date] 
. 
$ STOP/QUEUE/NEXT MYQUEUE
$ START/QUEUE/GENERIC=(X,Y) MYQUEUE
 
      

This example changes the list of target nodes for a generic queue. Note that the queue was previously initialized as a generic queue.

#5

$ START/QUEUE/RAD=1 BATCHQ1
 
$ SHOW QUEUE/FULL BATCHQ1
Batch queue BATCHQ1, idle, on QUEBID::
 /BASE_PRIORITY=4 /JOB_LIMIT=3 /OWNER=[SYSTEM]
 /PROTECTION=(S:M,O:D,G:R,W:S) /RAD=1
      

This example modifies BATCHQ1 to run all assigned jobs on RAD 1 of QUEBID, and readies the queue to accept jobs for processing.


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