CSL Background

Contributed Software Library

The Contributed Software Library (CSL) gives you access to thousands of user-written programs and applications. Within the Interex user network, someone has most likely created a simple program, utility, or unique work around for nearly any problem you're apt to encounter. All programs have been road tested in real-world environments, and are fully documented. Interex provides CSL telephone support for programs from all current, past, and Swap Tape releases.

The CSL consists of software donated by members of the HP community from all over the world. The contributions are of many types and are grouped into libraries by the three main Hewlett-Packard operating systems -- HP-UX, MPE V and MPE\iX, and RTE. Some contributions are so extensive that they should be regarded as full applications in their own right.

The CSL is included in the value and site software & training member packages. These members receive an annual release of the CSL on the operating system of their choice and have the option to purchase past releases as well as conference Swap Tapes. The CSL is updated each year, mainly through the Swap Tapes compiled at the annual Interex HP WORLD Conference and through other donations received throughout the year. The contributions are quality assured by volunteers from the CSL QA Committee. Only material collected during the previous year is included, due to the size of the CSL. Annual HP-UX releases generally ship in March of each year, MPE V and MPE\iX in October, and RTE in June.

The CSL has a long-standing tradition of quality. Most contributions are submitted with their source code, or access to the source is provided, for verification purposes. Extensive testing, including recompilation, is undertaken before a contribution is included in a release. Unlike many other software products, all source code is provided with a full release, so users are able to review the code and even recompile it prior to running the program. The use of the CSL in a number of installations with high-security requirements, including defense establishments, demonstrates that security concerns can be adequately met.

Complete indices for all current annual releases, past annual releases, and past Swap Tape releases are available from Interex. A cross-referenced Index of all releases, sorted by keyword, is also available. Follow this link to search the Electronic Library (CSL) for contributions.