One disk drive on the VMScluster is reserved for scratch or temporary file storage. Its logical device name is DISK$SCRATCH. All scratch files residing on the disk are deleted at 6 AM Monday thru Friday, and also at other times when the disk is needed for maintenance purposes.

NOTE: If you need to use the Scratch Disk for an extended period (beyond the 6 AM daily maintenance time) call one of the Computing Center's operators at 346-4382 to make arrangements.

Every user is given a 300,000 block quota on this disk when their account is initially created. To access this disk, enter the command:

  $ SCRATCH

This will create a directory DISK$SCRATCH:[SCRATCH.username] for you, and re-define the logical SYS$SCRATCH (which normally points to your login directory) to point to this scratch directory. You can then refer to files there as SYS$SCRATCH:filespec. The directory remains when you log out, so it is possible to log back in and access it again with the SCRATCH command. When you finish using the scratch directory, please release the space for other users by entering the command:

  $  SCRATCH DELETE