Getting an account.

What is the Deathrow Cluster

A collection of clustered VAXen and Alpha machines for general public (Non-Commercial) use. The idea is to promote the OpenVMS operating system. People are welcome to test security features on the cluster - Please, no DoS attacks! Port code with our extensive collection of compilers, porting kits and development utilities. Or, use this cluster to learn the basic ins and outs of the OpenVMS operating system.

This is NOT Unix/Linux/BSD/etc!

If you're not sure you want an account, or simply wish to play with OpenVMS first, please try out our DEMO account. You get near full access to play with the machines, but we've obviously blocked off most network objects to prevent anonymous abuse. There are several ways to use this demonstration account, the simplest is to telnet to one of the nodes - MANSON or DAHMER. Simply log in with the username DEMO and the password USER. Of course, ssh is supported and you can use your favourite client to connect to dahmer.vistech.net or manson.vistech.net.

For the ssh client-impaired, we offer a Java-based ssh client. You can use it to connect to node DAHMER or MANSON. Remember to make sure your browser has Java enabled and your firewall doesn't block outbound ssh.

If you'd like an account here, please think about and answer some of the following questions:

• Do you want to use these machines for commercial reasons?
  The Deathrow OpenVMS Cluster operates under the OpenVMS Hobbyist programme. That prohibits all commercial use such as running a company web page, or porting commercial code. Any commercial use would be a violation of the Hobbyist license agreement. We can't afford to have that happen, so if you're caught you'll get kicked off the system.
  
• Will you actually use this account?
  There is nothing more frustrating than someone setting up an account that they never use. If you're genuinely interested in OpenVMS, and looking for a loose-knit area to hang out, then apply. Otherwise, don't bother. We set up the DEMO account for people to play.
  
• Do you want to run an IRC Bot/relay/etc.?
  Go away. Now. This isn't *nix, you'd have to port it, then we'd STOP/ID your process and kick you off. No IRC bots or relays.
  
• Do you want to "hack" from this machine?
  Whilst we encourage security testing of machines in the cluster, if you attempt to use the cluster for illegal activities such as attacking a remote site, you'll be removed, and everyone you targetted will be contacted. We simply don't need the stupid legal hassles because you want to be a dumbass. Otherwise, hack away! Just let us know what you find for inclusion in the VMS Hack FAQ.
  
• Do you want to use this site for trading WaReZ?
  Don't use the cluster for trading porn, WaReZ, etc.

If you don't have any problems with the above, then get an account. Just connect with telnet or ssh (as detailed above) and use the username NEWUSER, password NEWUSER. You'll be asked a few questions and emailed the generated password for your account.

Once you're in, don't forget about our online community/BBS. This runs using DEC Notes. This is the place to ask for help and waste time when you should probably be doing something else.

Admin Interface

Attention spammers! uce@ftc.gov is just waiting for your message.