Function
Outputs on the operator's console information about the state of a specified local peripheral, or of all local peripherals of a specified type.
Format
Forbidden contexts
NOT OPERATOR, REMOTE
Execution
Information will be output about the current state of the peripheral specified (Format 1), or about all peripherals of the type specified (Format 2).
The possible messages that can appear in response to WHATPER depend on the peripheral type, and in general are self-explanatory. Each message describes the state of the device as seen by GEORGE.
A message reporting on a direct access unit that is in use is followed by storage unit information, and this includes a list of names of files open on the unit.
Similarly for a magnetic tape unit that is in use, details of the status
of the tape are given. If the tape deck is 9-track and either software or
hardware switchable, the information output includes one of the
messages:-
MODE PE
MODE NRZI
MODE GCR
For a 7-track deck the information output includes:-
MODE nn
where nn is a decimal number giving the mode specified in the
MODE command.
For basic output peripherals and IPB devices information is output about the properties, if any, attributed to each device.
Examples
| WHATPER *MT | Requests information about all magnetic tape decks |
| WHATPER 40 | Requests information about unit 40 |
Error Messages
PARAMETER MISSING
NO PERIPHERALS OF TYPE z ON THIS INSTALLATION
EXPRESSION z INVALID